Inter-District Play for 2017

[plnyyanks]

@Knufire

They are different legal entities. Some have likened the district model to FRC’s version of franchising. This is part of the large number of the behind-the-scene changes that come along with a region switching to the district system.

And I’ll reference a prior post about some of those behind the scenes changes:

@plnyyanks

I’ll elaborate on some of the behind the scenes changes, for the benefit of those who don’t know (and are part of today’s lucky ten thousand!).

The basic plan goes something like this…

1. Start a company (most likely a 501(3)(c)) to run your district. This can either be a continuation of an existing FIRST in , or some new entity. For example, Virginia FIRST took on responsibility for the the Chesapeake District, while New England started their own entity.

2. Find people to work at said company to do all the things on this list.

3. Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with FIRST HQ so your company can operate FRC events on their behalf.

4. Start planning events… Let’s say 12 district events, which nicely works out to 2 events/week for 6 weeks (whatever the number ends up being, there needs to be enough spots for each team to be guaranteed two events each). Plus a district championship, so 13 events total. So, x13…

• You need a venue

• You need to get the field to/from the venue

• You need a full crew of volunteers and to feed them for a weekend.

• You need an A/V setup

• You’ll probably need a generator, since most high schools can’t meet the power requirements for the pits

• All the media the goes along with an event (webcast, website, social accounts, etc.)

• You’ll need people to plan/run the event. With regionals, FIRST works with an event management company to do a lot of the legwork. In districts, you’ll have to do it on your own.

• Read the District Planning Guide and do all the things it says.

• Find money/sponsorship to pay for all of the above

1. 13 events means you’ll need two fields. So you’ll have to purchase two fields at about $25,000 each, plus two sets of road cases to keep the fields in. You’ll also need a place to store them when not in use.

I’m sure I’m missing stuff, but as you can see, it’s a pretty substantial undertaking. This post/thread is a great resource as well.