So… here’s a long story short. We’re a second year team and already on tier 2 status. Don’t ask how because I don’t know. Anyways, we called up FIRST to confirm this and they told us yes. But that’s not the question. When we asked her about registering for nationals, she said that they are already filled up. How the heck can you already be filled up when WE DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS? She said that the best thing we could do would be to be put on a waiting list because lots of teams usually drop out. So what happens then if a team wins its regionals? Do they say, “Tough luck, we’re already full”? If someone could explain this to me, it would be excellent. Also, is there a difference between “going” to nationals and “competing” in nationals?
There are several ways to be able to go to Championships. It would help you to read the Championship qualification criteria found here..
Registration for Championships a while back (FIRST calendar) with registration available for Tier one teams the last week or so.
FIRST saves spots for those teams that will qualify through their performance at regionals this year. Those teams will have the opportunity to sign up after their regional wins (as per the qualification criteria).
If your team does want to go to Champs, I recommend that you do get on the waiting list. Many of the teams who will qualify through their regionals may already be signed up so spot may become available later in the season.
Your team is late in signing up. Place yourself on the waiting list and see what happens. You are tier 2 because it has bee 2 years since you were at Championships. I know you just started then but that is how it is set up.
As for winning, there are enough spots reserved for teams that win their way to Championships. I do not believe that there has ever been a team that has won that was not eligible to go. You still have to come up with the cash.
There will also be teams that have signed up that may win a spot as well. This would mean that teams on the waiting list could be delegable also.
Good luck. Championships are awesome. I sure hope that our team earns a way.
Your coach should have received an e-mail a couple of weeks ago saying that registration was open to Tier 2 teams. Now that Tier 1 teams have been allowed to register, there aren’t any spots left, save for the waiting list. If your coach didn’t get the message, I would strongly suggest that he/she and your other team mentors and leaders sign up for the frcpublic mailing list.
http://listserv.leapit.com/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=frcpublic&text_mode=0&lang=english
According to Event Stats and Team List there should be 9 more spots open. I would try to get into one of those 9 spots or at least get put on the waiting list. If you are within the top 10-15 on the list you will have a good shot on going.
Whoa! When did that happen? Last time I checked, there were 0. Yes, I would suggest taking one of those spots immediately.
The registration deadline is past so I don’t think you will be put into one of those 9 spots. FIRST is updating there system with the teams that have just dropped different events. As Gamer said the system might still let you get onto the waitlist.
Thanks alot. You guys have been really helpful. We went ahead and put ourselves on the waiting list so we’ll see how it goes. But I’m still wondering, why the heck do they do this so early? I mean sure, you have to move around travel plans, by why wouldn’t you just “anticipate” instead of actually signing up?