**FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Pilot Rookie Competition

[gail]

The first ever Rookie Regional will be held at Kettering University March 7-8, 2008.

WHERE: Kettering University in Flint
WHEN: March 7-8, 2008
COST: $500
CAPACITY: 36 Rookie Teams
FIELD: Regulation 2008 Field with 2008 Game Rules
ACCOMMODATIONS: Dorm Rooms Available for $15/night
SHIPPING COST: Free


As noted above, the cost is just $500. We have room for 36 teams. First preference will be given to the 15 Michigan rookies, and then we will welcome rookies from around the globe on a first come, first serve basis.

The event will be Friday and Saturday only, although teams may unload on Thursday evening if they wish.

Kettering has done an amazing job at helping us keep costs down. In fact they have arranged for dorm rooms to be available for a mere $15 per night. Robot Shipping will also be free.

Regulation FIRST inspections will take place the first half of the day on Friday with qualifying rounds starting in the afternoon and running until 9pm.

We will have veteran FIRST engineers on hand throughout the competition to help rookies get their robots in great shape for their big regional. Our goal is to have 36 competitive rookie robots by the end of the competition.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist our rookies please let Sally Hicks know.

Awards will be given out and there is even a possibility of a social event of some sort late Friday evening.

While just for rookies this year, this low cost event is the first step to develop an inexpensive model that can be held in local high schools anywhere as a qualifying district event. Hopefully this will prove to be a sustainable, feasible alternative as FIRST continues to grow.

A secondary goal was to give rookies, who are traditionally not as well funded as veteran teams, a second round of play for a nominal price. Providing them with an opportunity to get comfortable in the competition setting and to make improvements to their robot before they play their big event, should help ensure a successful rookie season.

If you are a rookie and would like to participate, please register online at www.ketteringroboticscompetition.com. We would love to have you!!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.

Gail Alpert
248 425-4148