Regional Competition Dates?

[Roger]

I'm only repeating dates from what I see at official web sites. A lot has changed in five years, so maybe an earlier date works better for them, or they need all the time they can get. And maybe they've got the 2009 Game in the bag already, so they can't wait to show it off! Okay, maybe not.

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by Raul

This is interesting because in 2004 January 3rd also fell on a Saturday and FIRST decided to move kickoff to Jan 10. I think I remember it was because they thought some people may encounter excessive issues trying to travel so close to New Years day.

But I hope this is correct because it works out better for my work schedule to start Jan 3.

This may be an easier date for those attending the kickoff in NH (will it be easier to travel?), but not sure about for those in the field managing local kickoffs. The new teams and especially the new teachers are going to need a little extra mentoring from those teams/regional committees who have been through the process before. Looking at the logistics, schools will have been on vacation for the previous two weeks. The organization and the communication to the teams attending the local kickoff (for example, the consent forms needed to attend) will all need to take place before the winter break. It's going to be difficult for many to get access to their schools (and workspace) during this weekend. Here in MD, NASA-Goddard is such a HUGE supporter and is the party to receive the KOP's during the previous week. Not sure how big a vacation week this is for them. And I'm guessing this is going to be a tough weekend for the site of the local kickoff.

[Roger]

Just out of curiousity, and because RoboMom brought the logistics angle in -- how much "stuff" is done at the other kickoff sites? Do they have just the big screen showing NH, or do they also have the Game Field under wraps for post-kickoff inspection? (I'm guessing the KOP distribution is there too.) I realized how spoiled I've been with NH so close, and so jaded in willing not to go yet again -- it is fun, but the benches are so hard to sit on! (It also gives a spot for a student to go in my place.)

[Jessica Boucher]

Originally Posted by Roger

Just out of curiousity, and because RoboMom brought the logistics angle in -- how much "stuff" is done at the other kickoff sites? Do they have just the big screen showing NH, or do they also have the Game Field under wraps for post-kickoff inspection? (I'm guessing the KOP distribution is there too.) I realized how spoiled I've been with NH so close, and so jaded in willing not to go yet again -- it is fun, but the benches are so hard to sit on! (It also gives a spot for a student to go in my place.)

That depends on the venue. Some are full-field, others are just a room with a big screen. Specifics are usually announced when remote kickoffs are announced.

But, the party is best experienced in Manchester - just bring a cushion!

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by Roger

how much "stuff" is done at the other kickoff sites? Do they have just the big screen showing NH, or do they also have the Game Field under wraps for post-kickoff inspection? (I'm guessing the KOP distribution is there too.)

Organizing a local kickoff "takes a village." With the support of NASA-Goddard, the Chesapeake Regional has hosted one the past 6 years and usually has about 40 teams attending. The reality is attending the NH kickoff is just not an option for the vast majority of teams here.

The coordination of receiving the KOP's, the inventory of everything, storage, arranging for distribution and taking care of the paperwork takes time and effort and we are thankful to Goddard for taking this on. Arranging for the NASA feed takes effort. A hosting venue needs to be found. Some years we’ve been able to show some of the game elements, but never the entire field due to space. Some years we've had a sponsor for pizza and donuts, sometimes not. Some years we can offer workshops, some years not. Some years we’ve had local media to publicize FIRST in this area.

It is a lot of fun having all the local teams in one room together, and it’s a great opportunity for communication, back and forth. I’ve never attended the NH kickoff because this local kickoff is too important.

[DGrohnke1023]

As for what goes on at other kickoffs, the one at Novi has had most of a practice spec field built the last 3 years. They also have classes in the afternoon ranging from drivetrain (Go Paul and Ken!), to programming and pneumatics. All the teams can bring everyone so no one is left out. I believe the capacity used to be unlimited teams unlimited people but now it might be 100 teams at unlimited people. To show the organization 503 puts into kickoff, I believe they have hosted the biggest kickoff the past few years, yes even bigger than NH. Thank you Frog Force!

[waialua359]

So,
when is kickoff more likely to happen? Jan. 3 or the 10th?
I say the 10th. Trying to have everything ready right after New Years and people on vacation will be tough. Even a few days later like the last several years, is a lot more time to get into kickoff mode.
But after looking at the possible regional dates and a week 6?? Is that even possible to have it on Jan. 10th?
As I backwards map and CMP dates already being announced, not so sure.
Our State education leaders are pressuring us to get our travel forms in already for approval.

[KathieK]

FIRST has posted the date of January 3, 2009 for Kickoff on the Calendar of Important Dates page on their website, with Kickoff Registration beginning on October 16, 2008, and NH Kickoff Workshop registration beginning November 26, 2008.

[waialua359]

thank you.
didn't know it was already updated.

[Roger]

I agree, hosting a kickoff is work, and lots of fun having everyone all pumped up. 40 teams! 100 teams!?! We might fit all our one team (and parents) into two classrooms. I was more curious if FIRST sends a Field along (under wraps) or the only official Field is the one at NH. With that many people a practice field could be built in an hour or two, plus the rush to Home Depot.

Originally Posted by waialua359

when is kickoff more likely to happen? Jan. 3 or the 10th?

FIRST says the 3rd. But in Hawaii it's almost the day before.

Originally Posted by waialua359

Our State education leaders are pressuring us to get our travel forms in already for approval.

Wow -- they're just going to have to sit on their hands and wait just like everyone else!

[waialua359]

Originally Posted by Roger

I agree, hosting a kickoff is work, and lots of fun having everyone all pumped up. 40 teams! 100 teams!?! We might fit all our one team (and parents) into two classrooms. I was more curious if FIRST sends a Field along (under wraps) or the only official Field is the one at NH. With that many people a practice field could be built in an hour or two, plus the rush to Home Depot.

FIRST says the 3rd. But in Hawaii it's almost the day before.

Wow -- they're just going to have to sit on their hands and wait just like everyone else!

Our issues stem from a State Superintendent mandate that all travel involving public schools need to be at a minimum. We are now required to do an extra step of approval PRIOR to the normal process of completing travel documents.
Its not that hard to figure out now when "certain" events will be taking place. ...................Unofficially. My only concern earlier was kickoff, since that would have changed things.