**FIRST EMAIL**/2008 FRC Connecticut "Double Regional"

[Michael Sperber]

We are very excited about the opportunity to host a Double Regional at the 2008 Connecticut Regional.

I would like to take the opportunity to address some of the comments and concerns that have been posted here over the past few days.

For starters, we are going to do everything we can to make this an exciting event for all teams (and hopefully, your team will be there, after all we have 70+ pit spaces to fill!). This is a big learning experience for everyone, so we would appreciate your understanding as we all try to learn as much as we can with this new "Double Regional" model. FIRST has experience with a Double Field event as has occurred in Toronto in the past. However, this is the first time that FIRST has tried to run two Regionals independently and simultaneously under the same roof. We all feel confident that this new model will be successful, and will help FIRST better understand how to support the ever increasing number of FRC teams. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the events are run with the high quality and professionalism that teams, sponsors and the public have come to expect from the Connecticut Regional and of all Regionals throughout FIRST.

Now, to the comments and concerns:

1) This is not a "Super Regional," as some have come to describe the double field Toronto event, rather a "Double Regional." This means that there will be two events operating simultaneously and independently that just happen to be next to each other. Picture everything that it takes for one regional and just copy and paste it!

2) What about awards? Each field/regional will have their own set of judges and awards.

3) What about noise between the two fields? We are working with the production and event management companies to reduce the sound leakage between the fields. Of course, if you all are really really loud (which I hope you will be), it will make our job even more challenging.

4) What if one field finishes before the other? Yes, this can happen. However, for the past few years we have been working very hard to ensure that the matches run as close to the published match time schedule as possible (+/- 5-10 minutes). We will continue with this challenge. Afterall, we dont want any team to miss their match because we are running really really early.

5) Will the Regional Champions on each field be able to play each other? We sure hope so. The Regional Planning Committee is looking at the possibility of having a Match of the Champions, of sorts... There are some details that need to get worked out, but we are trying to find a way to make this happen! Will it mean anything in terms of official FIRST awards? No, just really good bragging rights!

6) After the Regional is over, then what? Well, we clean up, and start looking at what worked and what didn't work, and whether or not this is a good model for Regionals to support the growth of the FRC program. As we have in the past, we will ask all teams participating in the Connecticut Regional to submit their comments and suggestions. We will use all the team submittals, along with notes from the event management team, production team, Regional Planning Committee members, key and other volunteers, to develop lessons learned and an action and improvement plan for future events.

I hope this addresses your questions. If I missed any, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them. However, keep in mind that I do not and cannot speak for FIRST HQ and the FRC Program. I can only speak for myself and for the Connecticut Regional Planning Committee.

I truly hope that you and your team will be able to come to Connecticut to compete at the 2008 Connecticut Regional.

2008 Connecticut Regional: Double the Regional...Double the Fun!
-mike