The Annual Multi-Regional "Look"

[Allison K]

I think there's quite a few teams that even have trouble coming up with the $5,000. Plus, it's not just the cost of registration that is tough on some teams, but the additional travel and robot shipment costs that come with each regional.

In a way, this plan almost forces teams to go to two regionals, and therefore forces the additional costs (to the team, not to FIRST) which I think could have a negative impact on participation.

Maybe FIRST could still offer the $6,000 for one regional plan, in addition to the $9,000 for two regionals to give teams an incentice to go to two. However, that could end up losing money if it doesn't convince any currently one regional teams to go to two regionals. Is there any data on why teams that go only to one regional do so? Is it registration costs? Travel costs? Less missed school? If the answer is registration fees, then a two for $9,000 plan would work out fine. If the answer is travel costs, then we'll need to think deeper to find the solution.

~Allison