How Can I Convince My School to Rename the Robotics Club to a Robotics Team?
Hi everyone! I’m currently a senior in a Louisiana high school and lead a competitive VEX Robotics team. Despite being one of the top-performing teams in our state, we are the only group in our parish that is still considered a “club” rather than a “team.”
This classification has resulted in some limitations, notably a hefty entrance fee that enables any high school student, including freshmen and even middle schoolers, to join as long as they can pay. While I firmly believe in keeping robotics accessible to younger students, it’s frustrating to see talented members leave each year, only to be replaced by newcomers who don’t prioritize robotics. Here are the main drawbacks of our current “club” structure:
— Overcrowding
Our school’s robotics club is far too large. Initially, we used the cafeteria as our workspace, but to accommodate the powerlifting team, we’ve been moved to a cramped 30×18 foot classroom. With an average of five members per team, it’s nearly impossible to be productive during our robotics class time. Ironically, the atmosphere is manageable only because only about six people tend to show up for practices, a testament to how many of the 30 registered members don’t genuinely engage with robotics.
— Parts Shortages
For those unfamiliar with VEX, each robot is entirely student-built, meaning we rely heavily on our parts supply. Unfortunately, what was sufficient for two teams in our first competitive year is now stretched thin across six teams. Most of our funding comes from our two coaches, who often have to dig into their own pockets for essential items like pneumatic kits ($300 each), parts, and competition fees.
— Funding Challenges
Building and maintaining our robotics teams is an expensive endeavor. I estimate each team requires nearly $1,000 or more to operate effectively. The funds raised through student fees barely cover event admissions, especially with my team scheduled to attend a competition in Auburn, Alabama, costing around $600. We currently receive some grants from a few sponsors who appreciate our work, but being recognized as a “team” would greatly simplify fundraising and provide better access to school-sponsored fundraisers. This would alleviate some financial pressure on our coaches, who don’t even receive compensation for their extra hours spent supporting the committed members after school.
I’m not arguing that the school or fundraisers should be the sole source of funding for robotics, especially since even sports teams don’t have that luxury. What I’m advocating for is the opportunity to ensure students and staff have adequate support from these funding avenues.
If I succeed in reclassifying the robotics club as a team, it would enable us to hold tryouts to identify dedicated individuals committed to competing at a higher level. This change would help prevent overcrowding and ensure that a select few teams receive sufficient funding to maximize our potential.
That being said, I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to approach this proposal. I haven’t yet presented this idea to my coaches and would love to hear your thoughts or critiques on this process. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your input!
It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into the challenges facing your robotics club, and I commend you for your commitment to improving the experience for all involved. Here are some strategies you could consider when proposing to rename your robotics club to a robotics team:
Create a Presentation: Develop a well-structured presentation that outlines the benefits of reclassifying the club as a team. Use data and concrete examples to highlight the current challenges (team packing, parts shortages, funding issues) and how these translate into real-world impacts on your ability to compete effectively.
Highlight Successful Team Models: Research and present examples of other high schools that have successfully transitioned from clubs to competitive teams. Demonstrating how this change has positively impacted those schools in terms of performance, fundraising, and student engagement can add credibility to your argument.
Demonstrate Commitment: Show that there is a committed core group of students who are genuinely invested in robotics and willing to put in the effort required for a competitive team. This could be evidenced through current achievements, competition rankings, or participation in practice sessions.
Propose a Tryout System: As you mentioned, implementing a tryout system can help ensure that only dedicated students join the team. Outline how this would work, emphasizing that it’s meant to promote commitment and growth, not exclusion.
Address Funding Concerns: Discuss how formal recognition as a team would enhance your ability to secure funding and sponsorships. Provide ideas for fundraisers and collaborations with local businesses, and explain why school recognition would be beneficial for these efforts.
Gather Support: Seek support from your team members, coaches, and even parents of students who are involved in robotics. Having a few testimonials or signed statements of support can add weight to your proposal.
Propose a Meeting: Once you’ve gathered sufficient information and support, request a meeting with your school’s administration, coaches, or relevant committees to discuss your proposal. Clearly articulate your goals for the team and the benefits it could bring to the robotics program and the school as a whole.
Be Open to Feedback: Be prepared to listen to feedback and concerns from the administration or coaches. They might have valuable insights or alternative suggestions that could further strengthen your proposal.
Follow Up: After your initial meeting, follow up with a thank-you note and reiterate your enthusiasm for the project. If there are next steps, make sure to stay engaged and show your commitment to seeing this through.
By approaching this process thoughtfully and collaboratively, you will likely bolster your chances of successfully renaming your robotics club to a team. Good luck, and remember that your passion for robotics and dedication to your peers will shine through!