AHH! Not returning to FIRST!

[JVN]

Originally Posted by MikeDubreuil

I think that FIRST's intent is to use the FVC as a stepping stone to the FRC. Generally making the FVS an easier competition to win before you "play with the big boys" in FRC.

Easier competition to win? What? Why would FIRST want to do that?

I sincerely doubt it. More likely we will see the same kind of competitive play that is present in FRC.

Perhaps that statement is only a means of encouraging new participants to get involved. One of the goals of FIRST has always been growth, so it makes sense that they would want to see NEW participants involved.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by JVN

Easier competition to win? What? Why would FIRST want to do that?

...One of the goals of FIRST has always been growth, so it makes sense that they would want to see NEW participants involved.

Having gained experience with the VEX robots from a recent team fundraiser, I would say that the "easier" part definitely applies to building the robots. Funding is definitely easier. Teams can concentrate more on playing the game, and won't need a 6-week build period.

Less work, less time, less technical know-how, less money needed--these add up to an entry-level competition in which ANY school should be able to participate.

While showing up for the VEX competition with a working robot should be much easier than in FRC, winning the competition may actually be trickier, especially with a "level playing field." Driver skill will become the deciding factor, I think.

VEX should also be easier for FIRST to support; they won't have to come up with a new KOP every year, for instance.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by KarenH

Having gained experience with the VEX robots from a recent team fundraiser, I would say that the "easier" part definitely applies to building the robots. Funding is definitely easier. Teams can concentrate more on playing the game, and won't need a 6-week build period.

Less work, less time, less technical know-how, less money needed--these add up to an entry-level competition in which ANY school should be able to participate.

While showing up for the VEX competition with a working robot should be much easier than in FRC, winning the competition may actually be trickier, especially with a "level playing field." Driver skill will become the deciding factor, I think.

VEX should also be easier for FIRST to support; they won't have to come up with a new KOP every year, for instance.

Karen,
I agree 100% with what you've said.
The word "accessibility" is a cornerstone of the FVC program.
Your words hit my thoughts about Vex, right on the head.

However, that isn't what I was talking about.
Easier to be a part of? Yes.
Easier to win? No.

Everything I know about Vex, all my experiences playing with it at work, all my previous FRC experience, all my experiences building robots, all my experiences mentoring students leads me to believe that the Vex program is going to be incredible. The payoff is there.

I'm extremely excited for all those participating in the pilot year tournaments, and envious that I didn't have this stuff when I was a FIRST particpant.

John