**FIRST EMAIL**/FIRST Adds District Event Model Alternative to FRC Program

[JaneYoung]

It would take a while for this program to work in states like Texas. There just aren't enough teams.

It is interesting that we have begun to develop new regionals in states like Texas - yet the districts are the up and coming thing for the areas that have many teams. The haves and have nots in areas filled with and lacking teams for the district program - makes for interesting thought. For example, those areas that begin having district tournaments may have that in place for more than one season before other states or countries 'catch up'.

Typically, in Chief Delphi, when the talk begins about the haves/have nots - the powerhouse teams, the teams that have had many more opportunities to compete will be added to that list that separates rather than unifies.

It also puts added pressure on states/areas/countries to quickly get FRC teams formed and competing so that they can 'catch up' with the amount of opportunities that the district programs will provide.

It's going to take a few years for this to find a balance, if there ever will be. New territory to explore while advancing the goals of FIRST. Also, when thinking and talking about this, please keep in mind the amount of effort, forethought, and work that went into Michigan's planning and implementation. That was no small thing and I would guess that they are continuing their work in improving upon last year's efforts.

This is going to be fun to watch unfold, that's for sure. I can see this having a huge impact on Hawaii and in Brazil, just to name a couple of places where costs are astronomical to travel and compete.