As a former Michigander, I see the benefits of going to play in Indy before you compete in Michigan and I totally agree with the strategic decision to do so. But, now, as a Hoosier, I can see how this could have adverse effects on Indiana teams.
But, as I look at team lists for events, what does everyone think of Michigan teams going to play in Indiana? Is it fair? Not fair? (This could go for any out of district play, this is just the question at the forefront of my mind, as someone coming from Michigan to Indy.)
I’m just wondering what other people’s thoughts on this. I’m not sure what the correct answer is, or if there is one; I just wanted to see what people think. This is just a question! Because I get both point of views. I just want to hear thoughts on it!
I don’t see anything unfair about interdistrict play. It’s not like those teams are gaining points or an advantage that they didn’t pay for. It’s basically just an expensive practice.
The unfair part is that district teams have this ability to travel anywhere and even have an event as practice before the ones that count, whereas regional teams have no such benefits.
The argument about it not being fair is that these teams get to come and compete, and they could (potentially) take all of the captain spots and make it very hard for the teams from the home district to get ranking points for State, especially in a place like Indiana, where we only have three district events.
As someone who was from a Michigan team originally, I totally get why teams do this. It lets them figure everything out before they compete at their home district. But, for Indy teams (especially the ones competing at St Joseph), it can become hard to get these coveted points, because there are just so many teams coming down to play.
Honestly, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer. I don’t think it will be completely fair until everyone is in a district or they make regionals cheaper, etc… Personally, I think it is much easier to qualify for Worlds in the district structure, so I hope that FIRST will even the playing field a bit in the coming years, for those teams still competing in the regional structure.
I completely see where you are coming from, and you are correct. Unfortunately for Indiana, there’s only 3 district events, two of which are week 1 and 2, so playing outside of the district before your first event is not possible.
This is just the way of the world though, so I’m looking forward to the expansion of FRC in Indiana, so we have more districts. It’ll come in time!
In Week 2, my team (3620) will host the Michigan St. Joseph district competition.
The same weekend (starting one day later), 135 will host the Indiana St. Joseph district competition, about 50 minutes down the highway from us.
Both events should be quite competitive. On paper (using past performance based on blue banners, OPR, awards, years of experience, etc.) the Indiana event looks a little stronger; however, the difference is not huge, and while the Michigan teams competing across the state line are a factor in the strength of the field, they are (IMHO) equally matched by strong Indiana teams.
Were all the Michigan teams to come up and play against us, our event would be stronger, and the Indiana event weaker.
Should my team be glad to avoid stiffer competition early in the season? I can assure you, we are not.
Should Indiana teams be mad about facing stiffer competition early in the season? I am certain that the competitive ones are not. They have a gleam in their eyes.
