Qualifying for championship event
From FIRSTwiki
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Since 2001, teams have had to qualify to go to the national championship each year. Qualification requirements may be different every year. Check the FIRST website for up-to-date qualification information.
When the qualification system was first implemented, on alternating years even or odd numbered teams would automatically qualify, and additional qualification would be based on a points system, with varying points being assigned for different awards. Since the beginning, the (national) Chairman's Award winners were reserved a spot at the national championship. Since then, the system has changed to a tier based structure, basing qualification more on how long a team has not been to the nationals. There has been considerable controversy over the varying methods, which go to the heart of FIRST's Philosophy -- the issue being creating a championship that is challenging and exciting to watch, while not focussing on the competition aspect of the event as much as the rest of it.
