Nationals & Rookies

[nparikh]

So here I post a question looking for some insight or a response in regards to something that's been bothering a bunch of my friends. After the regionals, many rookie teams had their hearts set on going to Nationals. One such team, whom we mentor, Team 1923, raised the money necessary to pay for registration and travel, but faced just one problem.

Despite everyone's best efforts to talk to people at FIRST, Rookies won't be allowed to compete at Nationals. My question is...why? This year our team alone has qualified for 5 or so spots for Nationals, and of course we need only one, so why then wouldn't we be allowed to 'donate' these spots to rookie teams.

The way I see it, if a rookie team can afford it, what better way to get them 'super-involved in FIRST and have them get the overall FIRST experience?


*edit*
I meant rookie teams who haven't otherwise so qualified through winning a regional, etc.

[Libby K]

maybe i'm a little biased, as a member of 1923, but i think neil's prefectly correct.

what better way to get us involved further?

[Jonathan Norris]

I believe the point of this is to try and keep the competition level as high as possible and to keep the numbers down. By having teams qualify for the nationals (all teams not just rookies) it keeps the level of competition at its highest, and keeps the numbers at a more reasonable level.

[The Lucas]

The rookie All-Star Award does carry Championship eligibility. I think the idea is to get only the All-Star Class of rookies to go to Championship.

Maybe there should be a Tier 0 for rookie teams. They wouldn't take the spot of any veteran team that wanted to go but they still would be allowed to register.

[nparikh]

Maybe there should be a Tier 0 for rookie teams. They wouldn't take the spot of any veteran team that wanted to go but they still would be allowed to register.

I agree. If there are an abundance of spots available, why not let the rookie teams register?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by nparikh

I agree. If there are an abundance of spots available, why not let the rookie teams register?

I'm pretty sure that registration opened up to all teams in FIRST who were willing to pay, at some point back in November or so.

[Imajie]

Originally Posted by Cory

I'm pretty sure that registration opened up to all teams in FIRST who were willing to pay, at some point back in November or so.

Important: 2006 Rookies are not eligible to attend the Championship via Open Registration but must qualify to attend per the Merit Based criteria set forth above.

I copied this from here on the FIRST website.

[Erin Rapacki]

So I guess in 1923's case:

- Save the money so the team can register for Atlanta next year, or
- Team members volunteer in Atlanta or attend the FIRST Robotics Conferences

[GaryVoshol]

Please recall that the "Tier" system was not set up to allow all teams to have open registration. Rather, it was to ensure that each team would have a chance at going to the Championships at least once every 4 years, meaning that a student that participated all through HS would be able to go.

Until last year and this year, open registration seldom reached Tier 1. Alliances of 3 opened up a lot more spots at the Championship. In addition many teams' sponsors cut back due to necessary cost cuts. That means teams in the higher tiers, and some of those that qualify directly, cannot afford to go.

[Lil' Lavery]

I agree that there should be a "Teir 0".

The problem with "saving money until next year" is that many teams can't. For instance, 116 has until May 1st to spend what's left of our NASA grant or we lose it. I'm sure several other teams face similar situations.

[JC-75]

I think there are definitely some rookie teams, who, regardless of what qualifying awards they have won, certianly have the ability to go to Atlanta and make a mark. If it's the level of competition that we're talking about, then highest seeded rookie should qualify rookie teams based on that principle. I agree that the awards system is an effective way to try to cut back on crowded pits and the amount of teams present, but I know that in my personal rookie year with FIRST, it was the national championship that really made me inspired to get more involved. Doesn't seem like something that anyone should be excluded from.

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

I agree that there should be a "Teir 0".

The problem with "saving money until next year" is that many teams can't. For instance, 116 has until May 1st to spend what's left of our NASA grant or we lose it. I'm sure several other teams face similar situations.

Spend it on things you can redeem at a later date other than cash.

Stocks, bonds, raffle prizes for a raffle..

Don't you love loopholes?