Intent doesn’t mean ANYTHING to some people. :rolleyes:
Unless something is EXPLICITLY forbidden in the rules, some will exploit any loophole, to do whatever they want.
FIRST may have INTENDED that HS students not attend the founder’s reception. They may have INTENDED that their be a rule change to allow college mentors to fraternize with their peers at the party.
I never went to the founder’s reception as a HS student.
I look at it as a sign of respect. The party seems to be intended as a celebration for team MENTORS.
So… if you want to go to the Founder’s reception… ask yourself: “Am I allowed to drive the robot?” Because… if the answer is yes. You are probably NOT intended to go to the party at Deans.
Am I missing some hidden sarcasm, or are you saying I'm going to exploit FIRST for *my benefit*? John, I respect you, but come on, your tone is more than condescending to someone who has been a hard working member of my team for 4 years. I never said that I was going to sneak in to the party, nor that I wanted to exploit Dean's hospitality for myself, just that I *would*
Also John, if they didn't want high school students, why not just say that upfront on the website? I quote from the [kick-off website....](http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2005/kickoff.htm)
Founder's Reception
A reception will be held on Friday, January 7, 2005 from 6–10PM, at the home of Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST.
like to go and the rules seemed odd and unclear from previous year’s rules. I raised a genuine question that I had.
Casual Attire
Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages will be provided
In Inclement weather shoe booties will be provided at the door
Four tickets will be distributed to the main contact of your team.
Attendees must be over 18 years of age.
Hopefully we can work this out.
[edit]
Sent an email and here’s what I got back…
Hi Joseph!
I am sorry, but the Founder’s Reception attendees have to be post high school status. We will be correcting the website to show clarify this policy that has been in effect for years. High School Students will not be admitted.
As to the Kickoff, students are welcome to attend.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Thelma
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Guess that puts that to rest!
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Blah blah blah… I really shouldn’t have to say this. I mean, really, this should be a non-issue here. After this post can we just get back to who is going to, or planning to attend the NH Kickoff?
Someone (well, probably more than just the one person I’m thinking of) wise once said that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission when dealing with FIRST. But if they still rule against you or say you can’t do something (like this hypothetical HS student attending the Manchester kickoff thing) you only have yourself to blame. This is why I find it much better to ask FIRST for their intent, and ask for clarification before you waste six weeks of your life working on something illegal or before you spend a few hundred dollars going to NH without being able to attend the kickoff, itself.
When in doubt, ask… don’t assume (unless you don’t mind wasting time/money).
Or even better…the annual Kickoff Blizzard/Storm/Weather Catastrophe! Many a year have I driven through terrible conditions to see the game revealing, and last year (from what I heard) was no exception.
We have 3 seniors this year, 5 last year. 2 of the 3 are going to be at a black belt camp for our karate school, so only our programmer will be going this year…
"Founder’s Reception
A reception will be held on Friday, January 7, 2005 from 6–10PM, at the home of Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST.
* Casual Attire
* Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages will be provided
* In Inclement weather shoe booties will be provided at the door
* Four tickets will be distributed to the main contact of your team.
* **Attendees must be of post highschool status. High school students will not be admitted.**"
So now its not you must be 18, its you must be of post highschool status.
My team is just staying at motorola or at “home” for the kickoff…we brainstorm and act things out and give out ideas. So i guess thats kinda liek going to kickoff lol
Upon further review… Ken Leung and I have decided not to attend the New Hampshire Kickoff. It’s way too expensive to fly out there, and we feel we’d be much more helpful back here in California (we’re trying to put together a January 7th workshop, and we’ll be helping to put on the remote kickoff in San Jose). Feel free to attend the NH kickoff anyway, though, Matt (or you could come out to San Jose, instead)
