District/Regional Format

[xzvrw2]

I dislike the district/state championship format for a few reasons. I feel that this format stops Michigan teams from knowing about the teams from the rest of the world. Sure a team can go to another regional, like 217, and see those teams, but who has that kind of money any more. Back when I was onmy team, I knew teams and people from around the world because I went to different regionals outside my state. Now I feel that the Michigan kids of today are being deprived of that. These kids hear of stories of other legendary teams around the nation and they can go check them out on here or other websites. But what about these new upcomming teams that, because of the new district format, people like myself cannot even get to see. Back when I was on my team we would go to the midwest regional and see teams like 71, 111, 45, 101, 383(yes the brazillian team), 16, 648, 234, 447, 292, and 461. Those are just the teams that I can remember off the top of my head. These kids will only see these teams at nationals. I think that it hurts FIRST by doing this. I know this format is well liked, and I know that I am rarely every on any more, but I do know that I kind of dislike how things are going and I wanted to voice my opinion on it. Thanks for your time.

[fuzzy1718]

What if teams could determine their equivant to "state championship" before they register for their districts. They would then compete in that area all season. For instance, what if 217 was getting tired of playing MI teams, so at the start of the seaon they decide to play in the Midwest area. It would solve the issue that U.P. teams have along with many other not densely packed areas, and would allow teams to intermix year to year. The only downside is travel costs. Which mean the intermixing would be limited to only a select few.

On a side note I had no idea teams were not supplying their volunteers. What if the number they needed to supply was based on the number of students on the team. I'm sure enormous teams like HOT and Chickens can spare a few more hands than say Martians or other small teams can.

[ExTexan]

On a side note I had no idea teams were not supplying their volunteers. What if the number they needed to supply was based on the number of students on the team. I'm sure enormous teams like HOT and Chickens can spare a few more hands than say Martians or other small teams can.

Perhaps this topic deserves its own thread. I have heard grumblings about teams not supplying volunteers and wondered about it. I think teams that don't supply the required amount should pay for the cost of people to replace their shortfall. Volunteers could be part of the price of entry.

However, that said, I and several on my team volunteer because we enjoy it and want to. Working with a "requried volunteer" that wasn't there for the experience would be a lot less fun for us and the teams.