Registration - Professionalism

[Mike Martus]

To all team leaders: I have heard that there are several teams trying to
register multiple times to eventually obtain an even number due to the rule for
the nationals.

Warning! This apparently will not work as FIRST has very good records on
teams and their appropriate numbers. In fact I have heard that several teams
have been contacted regarding this. I am sure a cross reference system exists
that will catch the change. Along these same lines, I have also heard
of teams registering as a "Rookie" team to get a new number. I am sure FIRST
will double check all registrations very close this year.

Please do not embarrass your school or corporate sponsor by this type of
tactic. This is not the gracious professionalism FIRST teams are known for.
I know the rules seem unfair to some teams. Please understand that FIRST has
had to make some very tough decisions as of late. Let's respect their
choices.

[nick reynolds]

That right there shows you how desperate some teams will go to make sure they get the chance to play in the Nationals.
They have worked so hard they will go to any lengths to insure a spot in the nationals. The regionals will show this as I believe there will be less comradere between teams as each understand the need to do well in their regional or they dont go to Florida.

[Matt Leese]

Originally posted by nick reynolds
That right there shows you how desperate some teams will go to make sure they get the chance to play in the Nationals.
They have worked so hard they will go to any lengths to insure a spot in the nationals. The regionals will show this as I believe there will be less comradere between teams as each understand the need to do well in their regional or they dont go to Florida.

Yes, some teams (or perhaps only individuals; I find that easier to believe) are desperate to go to nationals. But I highly doubt they've worked very hard to go. Why you ask? Because if they truly did work that hard, they'd understand what FIRST is about and they'd understand that this is a mechanism that FIRST had to put into place in order for FIRST to succeed. Maybe there will be some teams that aren't willing to help others this year at regionals. Maybe. This annoucement won't change how people act. It may make those who aren't able to put the program as a whole above themselves more likely to be selfish and not help others. And unfortunately it will be those people who lost out but perhaps having that attitude that didn't deserve to go to nationals either.

Matt who will most likely spend late April still in Rochester......

[Paul Copioli]

Mike,

I don't know about other teams registering as rookies, but we (Team 217 split into Team 817 {Utica Schools & Ford} and 818 {Warren Consolidated Schools & GM}) were basically forced to register as rookies. Just wanted to clear that up.

-Paul

[-Lori]

I don't know about other teams registering as rookies, but we (Team 217 split into Team 817 {Utica Schools & Ford} and 818 {Warren Consolidated Schools & GM}) were basically forced to register as rookies.



As a former FIRST employee....the rules are (if they haven't been changed yet) that the Main contact from the 'old' team (#217) has the option of keeping the old number, or registering as a rookie team. The other team (that split with the original team number) now can choose to retain the old number or register as a rookie. If a team splits like that, someone can retain the old number if they would like to. The original choice belongs to the Main Contact of that team number.

Was this still an option for your team this year???
-lori-

[Paul Copioli]

Lori,

Our main contact for #217 is an administrator for the County (Macomb Intermediate chool District), which oversees all the school systems in the County. 217 was founded and organized by the County. When 217 split, 2 of the school districts within the county now sponsor the 2 new teams (817 and 818). The 217 main contact decided it was not fair to give the number to one of the new teams and not the other, since 217 is prequalified for Nationals. The only gray area is that the original sponsor and all the original engineers and teachers are now part of 817. Personally, I don't think 817 should be a rookie team and should be treated as team 217. We have sent a petition to Bob Hammond at FIRST.

-Paul

[-Lori]

It's always been a tough thing with FIRST when a team splits and some of the engineers, teachers and sometimes students are part of the 'rookie' team. It kind of gives them an 'edge' over the other 'true' rookie teams when being judged for awards and stuff.
It's even more complicated this year with the limits on the Championship at EPCOT. I give you credit for not wanting to be a rookie, but also, not wanting to automatically qualify when the other new team can't. It's a tough spot to be in!

On another note.......good for your school district for now having 2 teams instead of just one! FIRST just keeps on growing!!!!!

Good luck this season with both your teams!

-Lori-