What would you do if build were longer?

[Wayne TenBrink]

Six weeks is just about right - especially since it's the same for all teams.

If we had more time, we would only use it to test and refine whatever general design approach we had committed to earlier in the process. We probably wouldn't start any major redesign in week 6, in the hope that we would be unstoppable by week 8 or 10 or whatever.

Most teams don't know if their basic design approach (i.e: hurdler vs. thrower in 2008 or shooter vs. dumper in 2009) was on the right or wrong track until after the competitions begin. Adding time to the build season won't change that.

If you really want to mess up grades, marriages, etc., then try this: 1) Set up a Michigan-style format with at least 2 district events all around the country. 2) Have all teams play at least one event. 3) Have a 3-4 week "rebuild" season, so everybody could go back to the drawing board for another round of build season stress while they try to adopt & improve on the most effective designs. 4) Play the second half of the competition season. 5)If you are a member of Team 33, don't change a thing - just continue with business as usual.