[FTC]: Possible Change in Selection Process for Nationals

[Andrew Bates]

I would be very disappointed in FIRST if they decided to do a lottery system and/or deny the winning teams from regionals into the Championships. I have a problem with this for several reasons,

A) if they are running out of space why not cut down on the number of FRC teams. If I remember correctly pretty much any FRC who wants to go to Atlanta can, all they have to do is register. I think it may be odd teams one year even the next. You could easily cut down on the number of FRC teams by just limiting the number of "non winning" teams that get into Atlanta.

B) FIRST is working to expand the FTC game right, so why limit the number of teams allowed to go to Atlanta. Seems like a good way to discourage groups from forming FTC teams.

C) I personally would reconsider spending the amount of time on my teams robot as I do if I may not even get a chance to go to Atlanta even IF my team won a regional. Is it worth my time to leave the championship up to a lottery system.

What game is FIRST trying to play here? They say they are trying to promote the FTC, yet their policy, and the fact that they are making several changes that would likely discourage teams from competing make me think otherwise.