FAHA: The Effects of Vex

[KathieK]

Originally Posted by Beth Sweet

I'm going to start out this thread by saying that if it turns into namecalling, it's going to get shut down. That being said, this fairly controversial topic has been raised, and I think the CD community may benefit from the discussion.

This poster worries about the ramifications of choosing Vex over FTC. He/she is concerned that if his/her team participates in Vex, that judges may look at it as a slap in the face. What thoughts and/or advice do you have for this questioning FIRSTer?

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We all know that FRC teams have supported FTC teams and run tournaments in the past. In schools that have both FRC and FTC, the programs are invariably tied together. When competing, FTC teams usually "represent" their bigger FRC siblings. They are joined at the hip.

This summer, many FRC teams will have the choice between FTC and VEX for their smaller siblings, and it certainly isn't an easy one. Some teams will migrate to FTC's new kit, some will stay with the VEX platform. Whichever program is chosen, there is no doubt that the parent FRC team will support the sibling program with continued fervor.

But,

What if the school chooses VEX?

What if the school tries to grow VEX with the same effort it did with FTC?

What if it runs a VEX tournament in their school, provides countless volunteers to run others, and diligently supports and mentors the VEX teams in the area?

What if it helps start a dozen brand new VEX teams, or worse... convinces a dozen FTC teams to come over to VEX?

These types of deeds once formed pillars of a Chairman's Award (CA) application. They were actions that clearly demonstrated the spreading of FIRST. But now, I'm not so sure this is the case. Unsure enough that I question whether an FRC team should mention their involvement with VEX at all.

How would a CA judge perceive this?

Should it be looked down upon? If the FRC team did a good enough job at supporting VEX, it may cause serious harm to FIRST. You can't help spread FIRST by supporting something that could eliminate it.

Should it be unconditionally applauded? Maybe it shouldn't matter what program is used to inspire science and technology... even if it ends up hurting FIRST financially.

If you were a Regional Director, or Judge Adviser, or FIRST HQ would you explicitly instruct the judges on how to view VEX involvement?

Imagine if a team at one regional had their amazing VEX involvement "put them over the top" to win a CA, where another team at another regional was penalized for their involvement and barely lost out.

As a team with a solid chance at a CA and Hall of Fame, would you be reluctant to put VEX involvement on your application?

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FIRST-a-holic Anonymous mailbox is a place to share your concern and frustration about your FIRST experience anonymously. It is the perfect place if you just want someone to listen, or ask for advice when you don’t know what to do. Submit your letters today at the FIRST-a-holic anonymous mailbox forum. If you wish to respond to this thread anonymously, please PM Beth or Bharat (taking a short vacation, PM Beth if possible please!) with your response and thread title.

I have never been a CA judge, but I would think if you chose to nurture the Vex program in your area you could mention it, just as you might mention being involved with one of the other robotics programs (or any other program that encourages youth to explore STEM areas). I wouldn't necessarily focus on it, though.

And I don't think supporting another robotics program is going to eliminate FIRST. Many FIRST teams also participate in other programs. I think there is a place for all to co-exist, based on the needs and desires of its participants. I would encourage your team to work with your local FIRST representatives (Regional Director, etc.) to see what the development plan is for your area and see how your plans can fit in.