What is FRC?
The FIRST Robotics Competition
challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common
problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a
common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them
in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a
committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST
redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for
excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious
professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building
partnerships that last.
What's involved
Want to know what's involved? Please take some time to read through the following documents. It may take some time to read every document listed on this page, but you will be glad you did. The information compiled by FIRST staff, as well as the best experts on FRC - the teams themselves. You will learn the basics of what to expect from your FRC season. It's going to be a great experience, and it will be even better if you're prepared.
Season Overview
The official season starts with event registration in the fall, proceeds from the Kickoff in early January through the six-week robot design and build period, and continues to the robot shipment deadline in late February. The Regional events occur late February through early April, culminating at the FIRST Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. In the 2008 season there were 41 Regional events. Event information is available via the What's going on in my area map found on the upper right corner of each web page.
What is the structure of an FRC team?
There is no typical or FIRST mandated team structure. FIRST does require each team to assign adults to the official team roles of Main, Alternate and Shipping Contact – other than that, you are free to structure your team as best suits you! Most teams comprise 25 students (there is no maximum) and can be made up of one or more high schools or youth organization(s). We also have home-schooled teams that compete. More information about team structure is available in "Starting an FRC Team."
Cost to Participate
For a sample team budget, please see Appendix A of the FRC Handbook below.
Ready to get your team going?
Step One: Register your information on-line in our Team Information Management System.
By registering your information, you will become a part of the FRC Community and begin receiving communications from FIRST. You will also receive a temporary team number in preparation of event registration in the fall. Please note that completing this stage of the process does not commit you to becoming a team. You You are only considered a registered team after your team has selected an event (during the fall registration period). You can also withdraw and receive a refund any time up until you take delivery of your kit of parts.
Step Two: Get in touch with the Regional Director in your area
The Regional Director and/or Senior Mentor know the teams, schools and businesses in your area. He/she can help you form a plan for getting your team funded, organized, and in touch with other teams in the area for mentoring assistance.
Step Three: Read the following key FIRST documents
Starting an FRC Team - Tips on recruiting, organization, and basic equipment you will need.
FRC Handbook - How to guide your team through the season. Includes sample team budgets and schedules in the appendices.
FIRST Mentoring Guide - We've compiled some tips on how to be a great resource for your team
Step Four: Familiarize yourself with these Community Resources
(ASME) Guide to Starting a FIRST Team
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - provides a brief overviewif what it means to lead an FRC team.
Team in a Box - FRC Team 341 has created a how-to DVD for new FRC teams
Chief Delphi - FRC Team 47 website, an informal gathering site for FRC team members
Non-Engineering Mentor Organization (NEMO) - a "support group and information exchange" for al lthose non-engineers who are just as essential to their teams as the engineers.
Rural Team Resources - FRC Team 103 has established an online network to assist rural teams
For a complete list of resources visit the Team Resources area.
Disclaimer: The community resource links listed above lead to external web sites that are not endorsed or controlled by FIRST, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information about FIRST programs.
Contact Team Support at Headquarters
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Team Support at frcteams@usfirst.org or call us directly at 800-871-8326, dial 0. We are available Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00PM Eastern time.