Get Involved
This area contains an overview of the FIRST Tech Challenge program and the requirements to assemble a team. There is also a Coaches' Handbook available for team use, which is an excellent guide to help you get started each season.
1) 2008 Schedule
2) Who Can Join FTC?
3) Team Criteria
4) Kickoff and Challenge
5) Registration and Cost
6) Coaching
7) Volunteers and Mentoring
1) 2008 Schedule
May 28, 2008- Registration Opens
September 2008 - Season Kickoff - more information coming soon
November 2008 to February 2009 - Tournament Season - more information coming soon
April 16-18, 2009 - FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship Event in Atlanta, GA
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2) Who can join FTC?
Q: Who can participate in FTC?
A: 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.
Q: How do I join a team in my area?
A: Please contact ftcteams@usfirst.org, and our Team Support will put you in touch with an Affiliate Partner or Regional Director in your area.
Q: What is the schedule, and how do I register my team to participate?
A: Teams register online on the FTC registration web site from May to February. FTC reveals the yearly game challenge in September. October and November are the active months when teams prepare their solutions to the game challenge, and all tournaments occur November through February.
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3) Team Criteria
Q. What is the usual team size?
A. A team may consist of up to ten students and a minimum of 1 adult team coach. The small-team concept works well with this age group and encourages a closely knit team.
Q: Do the team members need to have a technology background?
A: FTC motivates students just becoming familiar with basic concepts in science, math, and technology. The program is able to effectively engage students from various backgrounds, instilling new ideas and concepts in more experienced students, while helping to inspire, motivate, and encourage learning basic principles and skills among students with less experience. Through their FIRST involvement, students will also learn about important, life-long team skills such as planning, collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork.
Q. What are teams expected to do?
A. The FTC Coaches' Handbook provide teams with an overview of what the program entails. The team members should get together and practice programming, building, and team skills before the game challenge is revealed. After the Kickoff, the team will plan, strategize, and refine robot building and programming, as well as prepare their Engineering Notebook. While attending events and enjoying themselves, teams should follow the FIRST credo of "gracious professionalism" when associating with other teams, event attendees, judges, and referees.
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4) Kickoff and Challenge
Q: What is the yearly game challenge?
A: The challenge is the annual game that FTC reveals to its teams each September during the on-line 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.
Q. What is the Kickoff, and when is it?
A. The 2008 Kickoff took place in September, and is the illustrated on-line presentation of the annual game challenge and related materials. Please check back for the actual date.
Q. Can we register after the game challenge is revealed?
A. Yes, you can register in the program at any time through the month of February 2009. You will not receive an official team number for the 2008 season until your team is fully registered and paid.
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5) Registration and Cost
Q: Where can I register my team?
A: Please visit our Registration page for links and more information about registering your team for the 2008 season.
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6) Coaching
Q: How much time is involved in coaching a team?
A: You will need to arrive at your own optimum time commitment, but generally teams range from three to six hours per week, with additional weekend hours if needed around tournament season.
Q: Does the coach need to have a technical background?
A: 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 Vex robot building. For additional assistance we encourage the coach to enlist the support of a technology mentor or guest speaker(s).
Q: Is one coach enough?
A: A team of 4-5 kids can operate with only one coach. However, if you have the maximum 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.
Q: Are there any learning materials or training available?
A: Yes, the FTC Coaches Handbook is a helpful resource for coaches. More materials and resources are currently being developed.
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7) Volunteers and Mentoring
Q. Who can be a mentor?
A. Mentors can be technology professionals, professors, college students, or older participants in the FIRST Robotics Competition. FTC participants have the opportunity to explore engineering principles and practices while working with positive role models.
Q. What benefits do mentors and volunteers provide?
A. The richest experience occurs when the coach seeks additional support from parents and volunteers who combine their specific skills. We recommend high school students participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition because they have experienced teamwork and timelines and often make wonderful mentors. The partnership establishes a rewarding learning experience for all.
Parental cooperation and support is invaluable to FTC team members. Parents can act as a resource as well as volunteers to assist with transportation, refreshments, fundraising, etc. Asking a parent/volunteer to work with teams in her/his area of expertise provides valuable one-on-one interaction. For example, an engineer can speak to the team as a whole, and then provide direction to the builders and programmers on the robot's design. A graphic artist or illustrator can offer advice to the team for creating its logo and/or team t-shirts.
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