Why do FIM events have 30 team limits?

Competition
1

According to FRC-events, all FIM events have around 30-team limits. There are the same amount of events, a greater amount of teams, and fewer spots. Also, it could hurt eliminations because there are fewer teams, meaning that if some teams don’t show, there might not be enough for a complete alliance selection. Is this just a glitch, did FIM decide to do this, or did I just miss something?

2

The first and second round limits aren’t the actual event capacity, in general. There’s (I think even in districts) a few spots held back.

And FIM and other districts do like to run in the 30-40 team range. Smaller field of teams means more plays.

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3

Can’t speak to FIM but the KC area went to more smaller regionals because they could be held in gyms instead of arenas. The cost of 3 smaller regionals was cheaper than 2 larger ones. Central MO has a 26 team roster, it makes it tight but their pit space is crowded with 26 teams.

4

Speaking with our PDP for FIM in the past that is true. FIM gets many last minute rookies in the fall so usually there are spots held at events that open up later (don’t quote me but it was around 4-8 spots, per event when I asked before). Unless there is a big change from last year I’d expect events to be close to 40 especially with only 5 weeks again.

For example we are currently wait-listed for our second event (it was our second choice because the first must have also filled up) and waiting for those held reservation spots to open. I’m sure multiple teams are stuck in this waiting boat until those clear out.

5

That has been true for most of FiM’s history. A few events, maybe those that are more remote, or if there are 2 events close to each other on the same weekend, might end up with 34 or 36 teams, but most push it all the way to 40 by the time registration is complete.

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6

But even last year the remotest event (Escanaba) had 38 teams (but https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2023/MIESC had 40 listed so a couple teams I think weren’t able to make it).

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7

Only showing 30 teams at each event is temporary but typical for FIM at this point during registration. Each event should end up with at a capacity of 40 teams.

At this point any team not assigned to a second event (~225 by my estimation) has to sit tight and wait for FIM to finish assigning teams to events.

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8

My guess is next week when 3rd events opens up teams will be able to get in
But now I want to switch waitlist but don’t want to lose a week 4 event

9

FiM needs to wait until registration is over. This year is November 13th.

FiM works really hard to start new teams once that is finalized then you will see the events move to 40 teams.

Between now and Nov 13th. many teams will be on waitlist for their 2nd preferred event, and by that week most events will be 40, with some events remaining at 36-38.

10

Yep, this isn’t just a FiM thing. FMA limits the initial rounds to 30 or 32 depending on the venue size, but several of our larger venues regularly get to 36 or so. Reserves are held for the same reason regionals hold them.

It sounds like FiM is more aggressive with it, but they have unique density and growth rates, and different needs to go with them.

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