IFI Responds to the Community

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by Travis Schuh

FTC does not have to use another robot platform like the VEX platform. First could be shifting the FTC program to something more like FRC that does not have a off the shelf commercial kit.

And that is what I am worried about.

Part of the large potential of the FVC program is that anyone can form a team, literally in their basement or garage or even an English classroom. The only tools needed besides those provided are a hacksaw, a file, maybe pliers, and a computer. Virtually anyone can build a FVC competition robot, anywhere, with barely any of the resources needed to build a non-kit robot like FRC.

Take away the off-the-shelf kit aspect of the FVC, and you lose a very large portion of its potential, and you will most likely see negative growth in the program.

As a "mini FRC" type competition, you'd basically be emulating and competing against BEST, which took over a decade to grow to 600+ teams. FVC grew to roughly this same size in only two seasons. It doesn't take a mathematician to see the growth trends of the two, and to ascertain which competition model has lead to more growth (and hence inspiration of students).

Now I am in no way trying to bash or discredit BEST, as any competition or foundation which aspires to inspire students is a worthwhile venture. But if you were to start your own competition from scratch, and had to choose a competition model that has the higher chance of growth, which would you choose? FVC or BEST?