Heather,
I respectfully disagree. I see new standards as trying to keep our kids safe and believe it's worth it even when it requires more paperwork. Every recreational sporting team in my area requires in person sign ups from all participants, and all coaches go through background checks every year. I see FLL as not creating new standards, but finally keeping pace up with the times.
I certainly understand (first hand) working with disadvantaged team members, but just like in FLL missions, we need to search for creative solutions to our obstacles. Maybe your next FLL meeting could in a public library and have everyone meet near the computers so they can register online as a team. Borrow one of the meeting rooms, have 2 or 3 team building sessions and talk about your meeting schedules. If the libraries are further away then some of your families can get easily on the bus route, tell your situation to the school principal and see if the school library can't be opened for 30 minutes on a Saturday or open for for 30 minutes one evening during a meeting. Or meet where is convenient for you and try to bring a laptop. If that isn't possible, is it possible to meet at any member's home who has internet and then allow each parent in time to register one by one? I'm not saying this is the easiest thing in the world, but FLL's new requirements are not out of line with other national team, scouting or youth group organization. Boys and Girls clubs of America will not allow you to drop off your unregistered child with a random volunteer, and now neither will FLL. There are a number of options around the technical challenge your team faces. I hope you explore what works best for your team, and then be able to refocus your energies on the good you do by bringing STEM knowledge to kids who clearly would not have that advantage without you!
Sincerely,
Brandy B.
Coach of the Electrical Invaders