Starting a First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team

Anyone can form a team, whether or not he or she has a strong technical background or robotics experience. A team can be a school class, after-school program, extracurricular group, home school, neighborhood group, club, or civic organization. A team consists of three to ten students, ages 14-18, and at least one adult coach, which can be a teacher, parent, or adult volunteer. An adult coach can be the coach for multiple teams, but a student can be on only one team.

There are a few things every potential FTC Team should know before registering, including how to register! Here you go...

Season Overview

Costs

Registration for the 2008-09 FTC Season is now open

Registration for the 2008 season will be $275 U.S. This registration fee will enable teams to participate in official FIRST Tech Challenge tournaments around the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Please note that this registration fee covers only the FIRST official registration, and does not guarantee participation in an official tournament. Please see our Events page for more information.

The new platform kits are a total of $900. These kits are intended to be all-inclusive, containing all materials needed to have a competitive FTC team. Three programming options will be available in every kit. Teams that participated in the 2007 season of FIRST Tech Challenge will be eligible for a $450 grant to be used towards the purchase a new kit from FIRST. Rookie grants are also available and teams should contact their Affiliate Partner for further information, (swatson@coe.montana.edu).

What is necessary to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge?

For assistance with the FTC TIMS Registration System, please call (800) 871-8326.  Please note that all main and alternate contact information must be completed before the option to purchase the registration fee and/or the New Platform Kit will become available.

Organizing a Team

Anyone can form a team. It can be a school classroom, after-school program, extracurricular group, home school, neighborhood group, a club, or civic organization. A team consists of three to ten students, ages 14-18, and at least one adult coach.

A student can only be a team member on one team. A student is not allowed to be a member on multiple teams.

Any single coach can be the coach for multiple teams. For example, a teacher could be the coach for multiple teams in their classroom.

For a number of reasons, it is difficult for us to match an individual with a pre-existing team.

Typically, we encourage interested individuals to consider forming their own team.

Questions Answered for Potential Coaches

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 ten maximum students on your team, 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.

What You Need To Get Started

Besides eager students and a willing coach, teams require a place to meet and a few needs within that site. A team needs the following items:

• Internet Access
• Enough secure space for a 12’ by 12’ field
• Work tables and chairs
• Space for meetings and building
• Good lighting in work area
• Simple sets of tools for working with VEX parts

How to Register

Now that you have some of your questions answered, here's how to become an official team (if you still have lingering questions, please visit www.usfirst.org)! Know that while an individual coach can coach multiple teams, an individual student can only be on one team.

Step 1: Visit Team Resources to learn of available resources.

Step 2: Determine a Coach or main contact person for the FTC team. Get their e-mail address and other contact info.

Step 3: Determine where you want your FTC information shipped to.

Step 4: Gather your payment information and billing address. If paying by credit card, statement and billing address must match.

Step 5: Go to FTC Registration!

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 9/22/08