New FIRST competition structure in Michigan

[Steve W]

Lower cost to all teams by $1000.00 and allow to take the robot to the events rather than shipping would do a lot to appease the upset people. Major cost savings to all teams and no major impact to system. When I say no major impact to the system I am presuming that FIRST can afford to lower costs by $1000.00 as they set the presidence with the Michigan teams. The fact that FIRST will need to have more fields to accommodate MI's events and yet lower the cost per team shows an excess in funds in the FIRST budget or else they could not afford to do it. The fact that Michigan can get 2 regionals for the price of one is OK with me as they are getting the sponsors to foot the bill with lower costs by bypassing FIRST and their protocols. I believe that Michigan teams that compete at their state championship should not be allowed to compete at any other regionals. If however they do not attend the state championship I see no reason that they cannot compete at other regionals.

These ideas may not be fair, that's OK, but things can be a bit more balanced by following the above guidelines.