WFA Question

[Greg Perkins]

Hey,

Im on a mission...

IF a Volunteer recieves the Regional WFA...does his entire team get to go to nationals by default? Please explain "if" you are a recipient of the WFA, and please explain the procedure.

thanks a bunch!

[Rich Kressly]

AB can best answer this one as he is on the committee, but nowhere in the rules does it state that winning a Regional WFA qualifies a team for the Championship. On my former team we had a regional winner last year, but since we were already prequalified and registered it was never a consideration. I'm guessing that's true for most of last year's recipients. If a regional WFA winner happens to be on a team that is not registered/qualified for the Championship, then I'd say that individual would be on his/her own to go to Atlanta. This seems unlikely, although possible. Mr. Baker, am I correct?

Originally Posted by Rich Kressly

AB can best answer this one as he is on the committee, but no where in the rules does it state that winning a Regional WFA qualifies a team for the Championship. On my former team we had a regional winner last year, but since we were already prequalified and registered it was never a consideration. I'm guessing that's true for most of last year's recipients. If a regional WFA winner happens to be on a team that is not registered/qualified for the Championship, then I'd say that individual would be on his/her own to go to Atlanta. This seems unlikely, although possible. Mr. Baker, am I correct?

I think thats a pretty good assumption, Rich. I've read through the rules and there is no mention of it. So if there is no mention of it in the book, then I guess it is safe to say that the rule doesnt exist.

Wasn't Dave Kelso down there last year without his team when he won it?

[Matt Leese]

Originally Posted by D.J. Fluck

I think thats a pretty good assumption, Rich. I've read through the rules and there is no mention of it. So if there is no mention of it in the book, then I guess it is safe to say that the rule doesnt exist.

Wasn't Dave Kelso down there last year without his team when he won it?

Correct. He was originally supposed to volunteer as a ref but felt that he couldn't handle that job so he got to guard a door. (And you think I'm kidding...)

Matt

[Ashley Weed]

Thanks for your responses everyone. I was working with some of the students today on their WFA essay at the shop, and they were continually finding dead ends when searching for information.

[JMB1786]

Yea, they are right. The team doesn't automatically qualify- CHAOS didn't end up being able to go down to Atlanta to watch Mr. Kelso. But even if you can't make it down as a team to compete it's definitely worth it to still submit and maybe have a few team members try to get down to volunteer.

[Mr. Steve]

Nope...to bad....

Merit Based Qualifying Teams from the current season -
Regional Chairman's Award winners (1 per Regional)
Regional Engineering Inspiration Award winners (1 per Regional)
Regional Rookie All-Star Award winners (1 per Regional)
Regional Champions (three per regional event)

[David Kelso]

and I think I did a pretty good job guarding that door.

However to answer the original question. Though YOUR ROBOT does not get to go to the Championship, I am sure the team could attend. In fact with the workshops that FIRST started last year, there is a valid "educational" reason for anyone to go. ( I got to volunteer at the workshops too)

[Andy Baker]

There are a couple of issues here.

1. Teams do not automatically qualify for the championships if their nominated mentor wins a Woodie Flowers Finalist Award (WFFA) at a Regional.

2. Championship registration opened up to tier 1 and above teams, and there are currently 6 open spots. Therefore, any veteran team who wished to go to Championships still could've signed up before the end of registration (or they might still be able to sign up - check with FIRST).

3. Students need to be starting their thoughts about nominating their chosen team mentor for the Woodie Flowers Award. Even if their nomination does not get a WFFA, they still are showing their respect and appreciation for an exemplary mentor. Students - this is your way to "give back" for all of the hard work that a teacher, engineer, parent, or adult leader gave to you and your team.

4. We on the WFA judging committee would like to see a large increase in WFA nominations this year. Which regional is going to have the most nominations? Students, you can begin to work on this NOW, and make it better before the deadline of February 19, 2005 12:01 AM EST. On the firstawards.org site, you can start your verbage and come back to change it and make it better all you wish before the deadline.

5. Students who put effort into their nomination change the lives of the person being nominated. Make an impact.

Andy B.

[Daniel Brim]

Just a quick question Andy. What was wrong with last season's post-ship due date? I think that the post-ship due date would encourage more teams to enter (as it did with us last year) and would overall increase the quality of the entries.

-Daniel

[Rich Kressly]

Daniel,
Nothing was "wrong" with the due date last year, but you'll notice all due dates (except for Inventor which is labor intensive) are done by robot ship date in 2005 to give teams much needed quiet time. Also remember, there is/was nothing preventing anyone from starting the WFA drafting before the season started. With the firstawards.org process and its ease of use, there's really no need for that time. Lastly, with an increase in nominations anticipated, judges need all the time they can get reviewing the nominations.

[Ashley Weed]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

There are a couple of issues here.
5. Students who put effort into their nomination change the lives of the person being nominated. Make an impact.

Andy B.

I hope all of the CD community takes note to that. Working with the students this year on their WFA submission has been a "treat" for me. All in all, I don't want them to become discouraged, and continue to let them know how much gratitude they will receive from their nominee, but that they also have an option of honoring their nominee (and others) in such avenues as UFH.