How to Start

The best way to learn about organizing a FIRST Tech Challenge Team is to experience it! Find a local team or two and follow their progress through a season. Attending an event is a good way to experience the program for yourself. And you can meet with team leaders and students, speak with their sponsors, and the robots first-hand. Visit

What events are in my area

to search for events near you.

Once you're ready to start a team, you will need to form partnerships with team mentors and sponsors. Local manufacturing and technology companies are ideal candidates for this, as are local colleges, universities and technical schools. Many local chapters of professional organizations support FIRST through volunteer help from their engineers, scientists, and technologists.

• Coaching
• Participation & Costs
• Teams
• Kickoff & Events

Coaching

Does the coach need to have a technical background?
A technical background is helpful, but not necessary. Learning alongside the team is expected. Coaches must be willing to acquire some basic knowledge of the programming environment and robot building. For additional assistance we encourage the coach to enlist the support of a technology mentor or guest speaker(s).  A good resource for more information is NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization) at http://www.firstnemo.org.

What is the time commitment for an FTC coach?
You will need to arrive at your own optimum time commitment, but generally teams range from 3 to 6 hours per week, with additional weekend hours if needed around tournament season.

Is one coach enough?
A team of 4-5 kids can operate with only one coach. However, if you have the recommended number of students on your team (10), you will probably need some extra help. You may want to ask teachers, parents, or other volunteers in your area to help you run your team.

Are there any learning materials or training available?
Yes, the FTC Coach's Manual is a helpful resource for potential coaches to get an idea of how things worked during the 2009 season. More materials and resources are currently being developed.

Participation & Costs

How do I register?

Registration for the 2010-2011 is open as of May 3rd, 2010.  Register here. 

What is the cost of participating in the FTC program?
The FTC program has a $275 program registration fee. Additional season costs include the FTC Competition Kit, event registration fees, and potential travel costs.
View sample budget 

What do I need to compete in the 2010 season? 

Kit Description Flyer 

The 2010 season promises to be one of our best and most exciting yet! Seasonal changes and updates to the FTC Competition Kit are underway, and will be announced prior to the kickoff in September. There are limitations placed on the number of kits allowed per team. The following kits can be purchased:  

2010 FTC Competition Kit - $749
2010 FTC Competition Kit without LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^®- $549
2010 FTC Resource Kit - $199 
2010 FTC Software Renewal Kit (for returning teams) - $69 

How many kits can my team purchase this season?
 
For the 2010-2011 season, teams may purchase one kit as follows:

New Teams: 

In addition to the competition kit, it is recommended teams purchase at least one FTC Resource Kit for $199.  

Returning Teams: 

In addition to the competition kit, it is recommended teams purchase at least one FTC Resource Kit for $199.  

Both new and returning teams may purchase as many FTC Resource Kits for $199 each, as desired and all TETRIX spare parts at a 30% discount.

Can our team reuse the new kit from season to season?
Yes, the kits can be reused. Teams are not expected to purchase the full kits each year, though upgrades will be required. At a minimum, the 2010 FTC Software Renewal Kit is required in order for teams to continue using their programming software.

For helpful information on getting started with the Tetrix kit: Getting Started Guide 

If I order a kit now, when will I receive it?
More information coming soon.

Teams

Who can participate in FTC?
The FTC program is aimed at high school aged students, and is flexible enough in structure that a team can form within the school or home-school environment, as an after-school program, with a neighborhood group, or as part of any youth-based organization. There is no age limit placed on the team members but they cannot have already graduated from high school in order to participate.

How do I join a team in my area?
Please contact ftcteams@usfirst.org, and Team Support will put you in touch with an Affiliate Partner or Regional Director in your area.

What is the usual team size?
A team may consist of  3 to 10 students. The small-team concept works well with this age group and encourages a closely knit team.

Last season, there were grants for teams. Are those still available?
Returning team and rookie grants were for the 2008 season only.

Can I keep my team number from the prior season(s)?
Teams that competed in the prior season(s) will keep their team numbers.

Kickoff & Events

What is the Kickoff, and when is it?
The 2010 Kickoff will take place September 11, 2010, and is the illustrated online presentation of the annual game challenge and related materials.

What is the yearly game challenge?
The challenge is the annual game that FTC reveals to its teams each September during Kickoff. Teams must determine their strategy and program, build, and test their robot. Working through the engineering process brings the reality of science and technology to students on a more intimate, hands-on level while instilling teamwork mores.

Can we use Vex parts with this year's game?
Please see the Game Manual for any and all game specific questions. An updated manual for the 2010-2011 season will be available as soon as the new game is released in September.

Will there be an event in my area this year?
Affiliate Partners are in the planning stages of their events. As dates are confirmed the FTC staff will post information on www.usfirst.org.

What programming tools can be used in the 2010 season?
The kit comes with software and one-year team licenses for three programs: RobotC and LabView. Teams may choose to use either of the programs when designing their robot. All Kit options include one year team licenses for both programs. If not purchasing a new kit, the FTC Challenge Kit is required for all returning teams in order to renew the team licenses on the programs.