Team Resources

Team Communication

2021-2022 BTI Email Blasts

FIRST Team Email Blasts

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Archive of FIRST Tech Challenge team email blasts

Team Blast 03/14/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week
  2. Bid For a Cause: 35 Years of FIRST® Virtual Auction
  3. 2024 National Advocacy Conference
  4. FIRST Certified Professional Development

Team Blast 03/07/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week

Team Blast 02/29/23

  1. Upcoming Team Webinars
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. REV Control Hub 1.1.4 Early Access

Team Blast 02/22/23

  1. Team and Mentor Certificates
  2. FIRST Tech Challenge Software Development Kit (SDK) Update
  3. FIRST® Career and Technical Education
  4. Tech Tip of the Week

Team Blast 02/15/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week — Wi-Fi Signal Strength
  2. Career Pathways and Industry Certifications

Team Blast 02/08/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week – Gamepad Calibration
  2. FIRST® Certified Professional Development

Team Blast 02/01/23

  1. Upcoming Team Webinar
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. Q&A Forum Answered Questions

Team Blast 01/25/23

  1. FIRST® HQ Employment Opportunity
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST® Scholarship – Deadline Feb. 1
  4. FIRST Camp Guides
  5. FIRST Championship Conferences – Request for Proposals

Team Blast 01/19/23

  1. Thank You, Coaches & Mentors
  2. Upcoming Dean’s List Award Webinar

Team Blast 01/11/23

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Re-Release
  2. Robot Controller Android Smartphone Reconsideration
  3. Tech Tip of the Week

Team Blast 01/04/23

  1. Thank You, Coaches & Mentors
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. FIRST® Championship Conferences

Team Blast 12/21/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week
  2. Explore Career Opportunities before 2024
  3. FIRST® HQ Office Closure

Team Blast 12/21/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week
  2. Explore Career Opportunities before 2024
  3. FIRST® HQ Office Closure

Team Blast 12/07/23

  1. Team Webinars
  2. Upcoming Team Dean’s List Webinar
  3. Tech Tip of the Week
  4. Team Housing Now Open for 2024 FIRST® Championship presented by BAE Systems

Team Blast 11/30/23

  1. Upcoming Team Gameplay Webinar
  2. Good Luck to our Competing Teams!
  3. Game Manual Part 1 Rerelease Reminder
  4. Tech Tip of the Week
  5. Inspire the Future
  6. Two for One on Remote Professional Development
  7. FIRST® Inspire Gala Auction

Team Blast 11/22/23

  1. Happy Thanksgiving!
  2. 2024 FIRST® Championship Team Housing
  3. Tech Tip of the Week

Team Blast 11/02/23

  1. Team Webinars
  2. Tech Tip of the Week

Team Blast 10/26/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week 
  2. New Blog: Express Enrollment Youth Registration (U.S./Canada)
  3. SHOW Us Your Skills This Season with Kahoot! 
  4. FIRST® Memorial Scholarship Applications Open (Global)  
  5. Field Setup and Assembly Assistance 
  6. Diary of an Innovator Blog Series

Team Blast 10/19/23

  1. Tech Tip of the Week
  2. Rookie Team Resource Spotlight
  3. Team Webinars
  4. Dean’s List Nominations are Open!
  5. New Resources Released
  6. Complimentary Software for Teams

Team Blast 10/12/23

  1. Game Manual Part 2 Re-Release – October 11, 2023
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. Team Gameplay Webinar – Tonight
  4. Professional Development

Team Blast 10/05/23

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Re-release 
  2. monday.com
  3. FIRST® Safety Manual Release
  4. Tech Tip of the Week
  5. Team Webinars

Team Blast 09/28/23

  1. SDK Update
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. Inspire the Future
  4. Updating Team Rosters
  5. Team Webinars

Team Blast 09/21/23

  1. Express Enrollment Launch
  2. Tech Tip of the Week
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A Forum is Open!

Team Blast 09/14/23

  1. Congratulations on an Awesome Kickoff
  2. Last Chance to Register for the Kickoff Sweepstakes
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A Forum
  4. Software Development Kit Update
  5. Machine Learning Toolchain Update
  6. Tech Tip of the Week
  7. FIRST Tech Challenge Scoring Calculator
  8. FIRST Tech Challenge Events

Team Blast 09/07/23

  1. CENTERSTAGESM presented by RTX Kickoff This Saturday, September 9, 2023
  2. Dean’s List Season Updates
  3. Purchasing AndyMark Game Sets and Field Elements
  4. FIRST® Tech Challenge Software Development Kit Update
  5. Crowd Sourcing Webcam Calibration Data
  6. Tech Tip of the Week
  7. Register Your Team Today to Enter the Kickoff Sweepstakes

Team Blast 08/31/23

  1. Take The Time for Youth Safety
  2. Extended Team Support Hours
  3. Kickoff Sweepstakes Reminder
  4. Kickoff Shout Out

Team Blast 08/24/23

  1. FIRST® Educators Recognition Program
  2. Kickoff Sweepstakes Reminder
  3. CENTERSTAGESM presented by RTX Season Kickoff
  4. Kickoff Shout Out

Team Blast 08/17/23

  1. Kickoff Sweepstakes Opens Today!
  2. Kickoff is Coming!
  3. Coach’s Goal Tracker

Team Blast 08/10/23

  1. One Month Until Kickoff

Team Blast 08/04/23

  1. Kickoff is Coming!  
  2. Game Manual Part 1 
  3. Robot Building and Programming Resources 
  4. CENTERSTAGESM Presenting Sponsor RTX

Team Blast 07/27/23

  1. Follow us on FIRST® Tech Challenge Social Media
  2. FIRST® IN SHOWSM Presenting Sponsor Qualcomm
  3. FIRST Tech Challenge Grants
  4. Fundraising Resources
  5. AndyMark Game Set Pre-Orders

Team Blast 07/21/23

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Reminder 
  2. CENTERSTAGESM Presenting Sponsor RTX 
  3. CENTERSTAGESM presented by RTX Graphic Assets 
  4. Summer Learning Skills Blog Series 
  5. Helpful Team Resources 

Team Blast 07/13/23

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Release
  2. Software Development 8.2 Kit
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Grants

Team Blast 06/29/23

  1. FIRST® HQ Office Closure
  2. Core Values and Social-Emotional Learning
  3. Game Manual Part 1
  4. Team Tip – Delegate and Designate

Team Blast 06/22/23

  1. FIRST® Diary of an Innovator Application Reopened
  2. Summer Outreach
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Facebook and Twitter

Team Blast 06/08/23

  1. Registration is Open!
  2. FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants
  4. Kit of Parts Options and Pricing
  5. FIRST Tech Challenge Camp Guide
  6. Gaffers Tape Change Reminder
  7. Professional Development Opportunities

Team Blast 04/06/23

  1. Thank you to our Coaches, Mentors, and Event Volunteers!
  2. ML-Toolchain Update
  3. Tips for Discussing Your FIRST® Experience in Interviews
  4. Reminder – Official FIRST® Tech Challenge Q&A Forum Season Closed

Team Blast 03/30/23

  1. Official FIRST®  Tech Challenge Q&A Forum Season Closing
  2. Reminder – Congratulations on an awesome POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Season
  3. 2023 National Advocacy Conference (United States)

Team Blast 03/09/23

  1. Congratulations on an awesome POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Season
  2. Attention Educators in the United States: New DonorsChoose Funding Opportunity
  3. FIRST® Championship Student Ambassador Program

Team Blast 01/05/23

  1. Thank you, coaches & mentors

Team Blast 12/29/22

  1. FIRST®Tech Challenge Rookie Grant – Reminder
  2. FIRST® HQ Holiday Hours
  3. FIRST Championship Conferences
  4. FIRST Alum Update

Team Blast 12/22/22

  1. Gameplay Pro-Tip – Beacon Size
  2. FIRST® HQ Holiday Hours

Team Blast 12/15/22

  1. New Control Hub and Connecting Electronics Videos
  2. 2023 FIRST® Championship Team Housing Now Open! – Reminder
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants – Reminder

Team Blast 12/08/22

  1. Software Development Kit Update
  2. Computer Science Education Week Kahoot
  3. Pro-tip – Official Game Q&A Forum
  4. Electrostatic Mitigation Reminder
  5. 2023 FIRST® Championship Team Housing Now Open!
  6. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants
  7. FIRST Scholarship Program

Team Blast 12/01/22

  1. FIRST®Championship Housing 
  2. FIRST® Tech Challenge Software Development Kit Release

Team Blast 11/17/22

  1. FIRST® HQ Thanksgiving Holiday 
  2. 2023 FIRST Championship Team Housing

Team Blast 11/10/22

  1. Basic Bot Build Guides Available
  2. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Program
  3. Team Webinars – Reminder

Team Blast 11/03/22

  1. POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies -Team Webinars 
  2. Game Manual Part 2 – Reminder 
  3. Forum Update – Reminder  

Team Blast 10/27/22

  1. Important Resource Updates! 
  2. Forum Blog Post 
  3. FIRST® Mentor Network 
  4. FIRST® Scholarship Program 
  5. FIRST® Tech Challenge Dean’s List Team Webinar

Team Blast 10/22/22

  1. Upcoming Gameplay Team/Coach Webinar
  2. Game Manual Part 1 Updates
  3. Complimentary Software Available for FIRST® Tech Challenge Teams
  4. Updated FIRST® Alumni Handbook

Team Blast 10/6/22

  1. Walk Like Woodie Day
  2. FIRST® Alumni Handbook
  3. Reminder – FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A Forum is Open!
  4. Upcoming Team Webinars

Team Blast 9/29/22

  1. FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A Forum is Open! 
  2. Upcoming Team Webinars 
  3. FIRST® Students are More Than

Team Blast 9/22/22

  1. FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A Forum Opening
  2. POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies
  3. Congratulations to the winners of our 2022 Kickoff Sweepstakes

Team Blast 9/15/22

  1. POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies
  2. Materials Release
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Software Development Kit (SDK) Release
  4. New Kahoot!
  5. Signal Sleeve and TensorFlow

Team Blast 9/8/22

  1. Kickoff is Here!
  2. Materials Release
  3. Kickoff Sweepstakes
  4. Reminder: Technical Documentation is Moving
  5. Machine Learning for FIRST® Tech Challenge Teams and Robots

Team Blast 9/1/22

  1. Kickoff Sweepstakes
  2. Kickoff is Coming!
  3. Technical Documentation is Moving!
  4. Machine Learning for FIRST® Tech
  5. Challenge Teams and Robots
  6. New FIRST Tech Challenge Software for Teams
  7. Equity and Access Grant
  8. FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grants
  9. Qualcomm Technologies
  10. Raytheon Technologies Sustainability

Team Blast 8/25/22

  1. Kickoff Sweepstakes
  2. FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant and Tool
  3. Kickoff is Coming!

Team Blast 8/18/22

  1. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grant
  2. FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant and Tool
  3. Kickoff is Coming!
  4. FIRST® Equity and Access Grant Application Now Open

Team Blast 8/11/22

  1. Kickoff is Coming!
  2. Summary of Rule Changes for the POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Season 
  3. Updated Resources Release
  4. Sign Up for TETRIX® Giveaways
  5. Reminder – FIRST® Tech Challenge Development Kit (SDK) v7.2 Release Available

Team Blast 8/4/22

  1. Kickoff is Coming!
  2. FIRST® Tech Challenge Development Kit (SDK) v7.2 Release Available
  3. Updated Resources Release
  4. Extended Team Support Available
  5. Professional Development Opportunity

Team Blast 7/22/22

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Release
  2. POWERPLAY presented by Raytheon Technologies Season Materials Release

Team Blast 7/14/22

  1. Game Manual Part 1 Release
  2. Control Hub “Share the Spare” Reminder
  3. FIRST® Mentor Network

Team Blast 6/16/22

  1. Control Hub “Share the Spare” Plan
  2. POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Game Field Pre-Orders
  3. Game and Season Materials Webpage
  4. Team Management Resources Webpage
  5. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants

Team Blast 6/02/22

  1. Check out our POWERPLAYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Season Teaser
  2. Registration for the 2022-2023 POWERPLAY Season is NOW Open
  3. FIRST® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants
  4. Control Hub Availability Update
  5. POWERPLAY presented by Raytheon Technologies Game Field Pre-Orders
  6. FedEx Social Challenge Deadline Extended
  7. Happy Pride Month

Archive of FIRST Tech Challenge team email blasts for the 2021 – 2022 FREIGHT FRENZY presented by Raytheon Technologies season:

Team Blast 5/03/22

As we get ready to open team registration for the 2022-2023 FIRST® ENERGIZESM presented by Qualcomm season, we wanted to notify FIRST® Tech Challenge teams that AndyMark will begin accepting Team Pre-Orders for the 2022-2023 game sets beginning on May 4, 2022, at 12 p.m. noon (Eastern Time Zone).

Team Blast 4/28/22

  • Congratulations to all our FREIGHT FRENZYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Champions and Award Winners!
  • Introducing FIRST® ENERGIZESM presented by Qualcomm!
  • Upcoming FIRST® Dashboard Maintenance Reminder
  • FIRST Signing Day
  • 2022 National Advocacy Conference
  • The FIRST & U.S. Air Force Leadership Experience

Team Blast 4/14/22

  • Upcoming FIRST® Dashboard Maintenance Reminder
  • Watch the World Championship Live Stream
  • Get Ready for Something Exciting
  • 2022 National Advocacy Conference
  • Innovation Faire Company and College Virtual Match Up

Team Blast 4/07/22

  • Upcoming FIRST® Dashboard Maintenance
  • Watch the World Championship Live Stream
  • The FIRST & U.S. Air Force Leadership Experience

Team Blast 3/31/22

  • World Championship Payment Deadline
  • 2022-2023 Season Team Registration Pricing (U.S. & Canada)
  • The FIRST® & U.S. Air Force Leadership Experience

Team Blast 3/24/22

  • 2022-2023 Season Team Registration Pricing
    (US & Canada)
  • FIRST® Championship Hotels Now Available
  • Did Your Team See “More Than Robots”?
  • FIRST® Signing Day

Team Blast 3/17/22

  • “More Than Robots” Premieres Friday
  • Student Ambassador Program Opportunity
  • Connect Your Team Members with Career Opportunities

Team Blast 3/3/22

  • Student Ambassador Program Opportunity
  • Game Manual Part 1 Update – Reminder
  • FIRST® Graduation Yard Signs

Team Blast 2/17/22

  • Tonight! – Team Gameplay Discussion
  • Volunteer at a FIRST® Robotics Competition
    Event
  • FIRST® Mentor Network
  • Game and Season Materials Page

Team Blast 2/10/22

  • February Team Gameplay Discussion
  • More Than 800 Mentors Ready to Help!
  • Last Chance to Submit!
  • Levi Strauss & Co Webinar

Team Blast 1/27/22

  • Celebrating Mentor Month
  • Important Manual Updates
  • Deadline – 2022 Dr. Bart Kamen Scholarship
  • Gameplay Pro Tip! Remote Events
  • FREIGHT FRENZYSM Merch Available Now

Team Blast 1/13/22

  • January Team Webinars
  • Announcing Build the Future powered by Star Wars: Force for Change
  • Application Open for FIRST® Certified Trainers
  • 2021 FIRST Annual Impact Report Available Now
  • Take Advantage of the FIRST® Mentor Network

Team Blast 1/7/22

  • Upcoming Team Webinars
  • Driver Hub Update
  • FIRST® Alumni
  • 2022 FIRST® Championship Conferences
  • Team Housing for 2022 FIRST® Championship
  • Team Gameplay Quiz

Team Blast 12/23/21

  • Happy Holidays!
  • FIRST® HQ Holiday Hours
  • Team Housing for 2022 FIRST® Championship

Team Blast 12/16/21

  • Judging Pro Tip
  • Driver Hub Resources from REV
  • FTC Scoring Team Guide
  • Now Open – Team Housing for 2022 FIRST® Championship
  • Official Q&A Forum for FREIGHT FRENZYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies Reminder

Team Blast 12/9/21

  • Official Q&A Forum for FREIGHT FRENZYSM presented by Raytheon Technologies
  • December Team Webinars
  • Updates to Judging Materials and Process
  • Celebrate Computer Science Education Week (December 6-10) with FIRST®!
  • The FIRST® Mentor Network
  • FIRST® Championship housing
  • Final Days to Purchase: Give the Gift of Inspiration

Team Blast 12/2/21

  • Remembering Evelyn Kamen
  • Game Manual Part 1 Re-release
  • FTC Scoring Team Guide
  • Virtual College Fair
  • Final Days to Purchase: Give the Gift of Inspiration

Team Blast 11/24/21

  • Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
  • FIRST® FORWARDSM Merchandise
  • Virtual College Fair

Team Blast 11/10/21

  • Holiday Hours
  • Virtual Coding Tool
  • DonorsChoose Funding Available
  • Team Webinars
  • Virtual College Fair

Team Blast 11/4/21

  • Resource Release – Scoring Team Guide
  • Rookie Grant Deadline Extended
  • Team Webinars
  • Team Registration Instructions
  • Virtual College Fair

Team Blast 10/28/21

  • Alliance Shipping Hub Changes
  • Rookie Grant Deadline
  • New this season in FIRST Tech Challenge Scoring
  • Team Webinars
  • Tallo
  • Reminder: Complete Dean’s Homework!

Team Blast 10/21/21

  • Game Manual Part 2 Re-release
  • Basic Bot Guides Available on our Website
  • Team Webinars
  • REV Driver Hub Resources
  • Blocks Sample OpMode Tensor Flow
  • Find FIRST on Kahoot
  • 2022 Dr. Bart Kamen Scholarship
  • FIRST Merchandise

Team Blast 10/14/21

  • New Game-Specific Rule
  • Official Game Q&A Forum is Open
  • Scoring System – Team Guide
  • Team Access to Scoring System for Remote Events
  • Team Webinars
  • FIRST Alumni Tip
  • Watch Episode 4 of Galactic Builders

Team Blast 10/7/21

  • New Game-Specific Rule
  • Official Game Q&A Forum is Open
  • Scoring System – Team Guide
  • Team Access to FIRST Tech Challenge Scoring System for Remote Events
  • New Machine Learning Tool Beta Testing Opportunity
  • Team Webinars
  • AndyMark Game Field Set Orders
  • Walk Like Woodie Day

Team Blast 9/30/21

  • Driver Station Workaround
  • AndyMark Game Field Set Orders
  • FREIGHT FRENZY
  • Galactic Builders Season 2, Episode 3
  • Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program

Team Blast 9/23/21

  • Kickoff Info
  • Kickoff Sweepstakes Winners
  • FREIGHT FRENZY Resources Blog
  • Updated Programming Resources
  • Reminder: Youth Protection Screening
  • Galactic Builders
  • Rookie Grants
  • FIRST Alumni

Team Blast 9/16/21

  • Kickoff
  • Gracious Professionalism
  • Rookie Grants
  • Extended Hours for Team Support
  • YPP Screening
  • Galactic Builders Season 2

Team Blast 9/9/21

  • Kickoff
  • Gracious Professionalism
  • Sweepstakes Deadline
  • Extended Hours for Team Support
  • Rookie Grants
  • Career Webinar with Qualcomm

Team Blast 9/2/21

  • FIRST Tech Challenge Apps No Longer on Google Play
  • FREIGHT FRENZY Kickoff
  • Gracious Professionalism
  • Game and Field Set Kickoff Sweepstakes
  • FIRST Career Webinar with Qualcomm
  • Rookie Grants
  • Commemorating Christa McAuliffe’s Birthday

Team Blast 8/26/21

  • Game and Field Set Pre-Order Deadline
  • Kickoff Sweepstakes
  • Kickoff is Coming
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge Update
  • FIRST Career Webinar with Qualcomm

Team Blast 8/19/21

  • Kickoff Sweepstakes
  • Deadline to Order Your Game and Field Set
  • Save the Date – September 18
  • Remote and Traditional Game and Season Materials
  • Remote Field Perimeter Build Guide
  • New Driver Hub for our 2021-2022 Season
  • And Speaking of Kickoff
  • Coming Soon! 2022 FIRST Scholarship Program

Team Blast 8/12/21

  • FIRST Apps No Longer on Google Play
  • Kickoff Reminder
  • FIRST LEGO League Season Reveal
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grants
  • Register Your Youth Team Members

Team Blast 8/5/21

  • FREIGHT FRENZY presented by Raytheon Technologies Kickoff is Coming
  • FIRST LEGO League CARGO CONNECT Season Reveal
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grants

Team Blast 7/22/21

  • Game Manual Part 1 Update

Team Blast 7/15/21

  • FREIGHT FRENZY presented by Raytheon Technologies Game Manual Part 1 Released

Archive of FIRST Tech Challenge team email blasts for the 2020 – 2021 ULTIMATE GOALSM presented by Qualcomm season:

Team Blast 6/24/21

  • ULTIMATE GOAL presented by Qualcomm Season Celebration
  • Celebrate the Class of 2021
  • Vote for your favorite FIRST Tech Challenge Innovation to Win!

Team Blast 6/17/21

  • ULTIMATE GOAL presented by Qualcomm Global Season Celebration
  • Dean Kamen Assigns Homework
  • FIRST Global Innovation Awards powered by Star Wars: Force for Change
  • Join us for the 2021-2022 season!

Team Blast 6/10/21

  • Celebrate FIRST Graduates
  • College Admission Webinar
  • Collecting Team Photos and Videos
  • National Advocacy Conference
  • FIRST Global Innovation Awards powered by Star Wars: Force for Change
  • Join us for the 2021-2022 season!

Team Blast 6/3/21

  • FIRST Seniors Week
  • College Admission Webinar
  • Collecting Team Photos and Videos
  • Season Celebration
  • Youth Protection Screening
  • Logos and Artwork
  • Resource Library Update
  • Reflecting on and Celebrating your Impact

Team Blast 5/27/21

  • New FIRST® FORWARDSM Season Announced
  • AndyMark Pre-Orders
  • Collecting Team Photos and Videos
  • FIRST Seniors Week
  • Save the Date!
  • Congratulations to our Finalists
  • Compass and Promote Award
  • 2021 National Advocacy Conference
  • Rookie Grants
  • Youth Protection Screening

Team Blast 5/20/21

  • New FIRST Season Announced
  • Team Pre-Orders
  • Last Team Webinar

Team Blast 5/13/21

  • AndyMark Pre-Orders
  • FIRST Dashboard Maintenance
  • Team Webinars
  • FIRST Seniors Week
  • Promote and Compass Awards

Team Blast 5/6/21

  • AndyMark Pre-Orders
  • Dashboard Maintenance
  • New Driver Hub
  • Team Webinars
  • FIRST Signing Day
  • Thank You FIRST Teachers
  • Meet the Scoring System Volunteers
  • Youth Protection Screenings
  • Calling for Promote and Compass Award Submissions

Team Blast 3/25/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Tallo Profile
  • Inside Innovation
  • Teaching the Future

Team Blast 3/18/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Women’s History Month
  • Team Webinars
  • New on FIRST @ Home
  • Youth Team Members Required to Complete Registration
  • Deck out Your Desk

Team Blast 3/11/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Updated Manuals
  • Dean’s List Deadline Approaching
  • Team Webinars
  • Inside Innovation: Tips from BAE Systems
  • New on FIRST @ Home

Team Blast 3/4/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended
  • Beyond FIRST Tech Challenge Part 4
  • Team Webinars
  • Cool Weather, Cooler Swag
  • Badges and Opportunities on Tallo

Team Blast 2/25/21

  • Tune in Today
  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Beyond FIRST Tech Challenge Part 3
  • Keep Developing your FIRST Innovation Challenge Solutions
  • Team Webinars
  • New FIRST @ Home

Team Blast 2/18/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • February Team Webinars
  • FIRST Mentor Network
  • Changing the Game: STEM, Sports & Advancing Equity
  • FIRST Alumni Resource Coming Next Week
  • Ready, Set, Innovate!

Team Blast 2/11/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Dean’s List Deadline
  • Beyond FIRST Tech Challenge
  • FIRST Alumni and the Innovation Challenge
  • February Team Webinars
  • Solution Identified for Issue with V6.1 of the Robot Controller Software
  • Installing FIRST Tech Challenge Apps Without Google Play

Team Blast 2/4/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Game Manual Updates
  • New Resources for Alumni
  • February Remote Season Team Webinars
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge Submission Portal Now Open
  • Deadline Extended – Apple Virtual Engineering Technology Camp
  • Some Training Exercises Are More Fun Than Others

Team Blast 1/28/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • January Team Webinars
  • FIRST Mentor Network
  • Apple Engineering Technology Camp
  • Beyond the Bots – Mentor Month
  • Get in the Game
  • New Alumni Remote Resources Coming

Team Blast 1/21/21

  • Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Remote Resources: CAD Collaboration Options
  • January Team Webinars
  • Celebrate National Mentoring Month
  • Apple Engineering Technology Camp
  • Events Webpage

Team Blast 1/14/21

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge
  • Inside the Game Design Committee
  • Dean’s List Award Deadline
  • Last Chance – FIRST Tech Challenge Grant Deadline
  • Beyond the Bots Twitch Series
  • Bart Kamen Memorial Scholarship
  • January Remote Season Team Webinars
  • National Mentoring Month

Team Blast 1/7/21

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge
  • Teamwork and the Remote Season
  • UL Safety Resources
  • Apply for FIRST Scholarships
  • Beyond the Bots Twitch Series

Team Blast 12/23/20

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Remote Team Resource Release – Remote Event Gameplay Video
  • Remote Event Judging Interview Tip
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Hours

Team Blast 12/10/20

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Gameplay Pro Tip of the Week
  • Remote Team Resource Release – Remote Teamwork Programming
  • Dean’s List Award
  • Team Webinars
  • #CSEdWeek
  • FIRST Alumni Spotlight
  • LEGO Star Wars Holiday Contest

Team Blast 12/3/20

  • Remote Resources Release – Remote Judging Tips and Tricks
  • Game Manuals Update
  • Remote Teams – Test Your Knowledge
  • #CSEdWeek is almost here – celebrate with us!
  • Remote Mentoring Training

Team Blast 11/25/20

  • FIRST HQ Holiday Hours
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Sales Tax Exemption Process and Forms
  • Volunteer Pins and Patches
  • Tallo Digital Badges and FIRST College Fair Update
  • Wrap up your holiday shopping and SAVE

Team Blast 11/19/20

  • November Remote Season Team Webinars
  • FIRST Innovation Challenge
  • Remote Programming Video
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Sales Tax Exemption Process and Forms
  • Dean’s List Award
  • AndyMark Remote Competition Orders
  • Wrap up your holiday shopping and SAVE

Team Blast 11/12/20

  • November Remote Season Team Webinars
  • Dean’s List Award
  • Mentor Network
  • Virtual College Fair

Team Blast 11/5/20

  • November Remote Season Team Webinars
  • Remote Field Fun
  • TensorFlow for Everyday Objects
  • Virtual College Fair
  • Celebrate National STEM Day this Sunday with FIRST

Team Blast 10/29/20

  • Remote Field Requirements
  • Game Resources Release
  • Remote Season Team Webinars
  • TensorFlow Update
  • Virtual College Fair
  • Amazon Ccyber Roboticsc Challenge

Team Blast 10/22/20

  • Remote Team Resource Release
  • Virtual College Fair
  • Remote Team Webinars
  • FIRST GAME CHANGERS Gear
  • Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge

Team Blast 10/15/20

  • Remote Team Resources Release
  • PTC Resources for FIRST Tech Challenge
  • Remote Team Webinars
  • FIRST Alumni Program – Save the Date
  • FIRST Apparel – Game On!

Team Blast 10/8/20

  • Walk Like Woodie
  • Remote Team Resources Release
  • Dean’s List Updates
  • Youth Team Members Required to Complete Registration

Team Blast 10/2/20

  • Get in the Game: Introducing the FIRST Innovation Challenge
  • Remote Team Resource Release
  • Updated Game Manual Part 2
  • Ken Johnson’s Season Address

Team Blast 9/24/20

  • Control System Software Release
  • Forums Open
  • Remote Team Resources
  • New Alumni Program Resources
  • Sales Exemption Process and Forms

Team Blast 9/17/20

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Season Kickoff
  • ULTIMATE GOAL Season Materials
  • Remote Team Resources
  • FIRST Alums Demonstrate Remote Matches
  • Coming Soon, FIRST Tech Challenge Resource Blog
  • FIRST Alumni Program

Team Blast 9/10/20

  • ULTIMATE GOAL Season Kickoff
  • ULTIMATE GOAL Season Materials
  • Last Chance for our Kickoff Sweepstakes
  • New FIRST @ Home Curriculum

Team Blast 9/3/20

  • Remote Collaboration for Teams
  • Last Chance to Register for our Kickoff Sweepstakes
  • FIRST Volunteers Champion the Game
  • FIRST Professional Development Courses
  • FIRST Scholarship Opportunities

Team Blast 8/28/20

  • Control System Software Update
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff Updates
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Sweepstakes
  • FIRST Scholarship Program

Team Blast 8/20/20

  • FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff
  • Remote Season Updates
  • Thinkscape Access – Digital Resources to Manage Your Season
  • New! FIRST Mentor Network
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Sweepstakes

Team Blast 8/13/20

  • Announcing FIRST Mentor Network
  • Launching FIRST Tech Challenge Sweepstakes
  • Career Tips for Making the Most of your FIRST Experience

Team Blast 8/6/20

  • Great FIRST Gifts for Your FIRST Alumni
  • Thinkscape Learning Management System Now Open

Team Blast 7/23/20

  • FIRST Tech Challenge Season Roll Out
  • New Resources
  • Leveraging FIRST to Boost Your Career

Team Blast 7/17/20

  • ULTIMATE GOALSM presented by Qualcomm Game Manual Part 1 and Game Manual Part 1 – Remote Events Release
  • FIRST Scholarship Program

Team Blast 7/2/20

  • FIRST GAME CHANGERS Season
  • New Resources
  • Field Pre-Orders Reminder
  • Send Us Your 2020 Graduation Stories
  • FIRST HQ Holiday Hours

Team Blast 6/25/20

  • FIRST Tech Challenge 2020-2021 Season, ULTIMATE GOALSM presented by Qualcomm
  • ULTIMATE GOAL presented by Qualcomm Field Pre-Orders are Open

Team Blast 6/18/20

  • Event Experience for the 2020-2021 Season
  • Teaser Release
  • AndyMark Pre-order Game Sets

Team Forums and Blogs

FTC Official Forum
The official FIRST® Tech Challenge Forum that covers Official Game Q&A, rules, advancement criteria, judging technology and general Community Questions.

FTC Official Blog
The official FIRST® Tech Challenge blog with general information and Tech Talk sections.

The Orange Alliance
Compilation of seasonal scores from events across the country.

Chiefdelphi FTC Forums
A place where both FTC and FRC teams meet online to discuss all aspects of the FIRST competitions.

FTC Discord Server (unofficial)
Active chat/discussions with teams and alumni

Reddit – FTC Subreddit (unofficial)
Subreddit dedicated to FTC topics

FIRST Team Resources
Team resources page for FTC teams.

Team Registration

Start a Team Checklist

✓ Create a FIRST® Account (www.firstinspires.org)
✓ Create a Team Profile
✓ Invite Primary Contacts
✓ Check out available grants (https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/grants)
✓ Pay Season Registration and Purchase Product
✓ Complete Youth Protection Screening (US/Canada Lead Coach/Mentors only)
✓ Invite Team Members
Register for local events
✓ Review Available Resources on the Team Management Resources page.

For a full walkthrough, check out our Team Registration for Rookies.


Returning Veterans full walkthrough can be found at: https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/veteran-registration.pdf

 

 

Game and Season

Game and Season Info

Visit our Events Page for more info.

2022-2023 Power Play Game Manual 1

2022-2023 Power Play Game Manual 2

2021-2022 FREIGHT FRENZY Game Manual 1

2021-2022 FREIGHT FRENZY Game Manual 2

Engineering Notebook

Judging

Using the FIRST Tech Challenge Judging Session Self-Reflection Sheet
Why Team Self-Reflection?
Self-Reflection is an essential life skill. Whether it be your own behavior, job performance, or when
brainstorming an invention, learning how to step back and objectively evaluate your own performance is
valuable.
The FIRST Tech Challenge Team Judging Session Self-Reflection Sheet
FIRST Tech Challenge knows that judging can be a challenging part of the program for many students and
teams. Judging is subjective, and while Judges will use the Judging Feedback Form to provide teams with
insight into the team’s performance, Judges do not provide feedback to teams on how the decisions were
made. FIRST Tech Challenge judging can help students develop interview and public speaking skills, which
are necessary life skills, so it is important that teams prepare for, do their best in, and benefit from each judging
interview. To help teams maximize the benefits of their judging experience, FIRST Tech Challenge
recommends (but does not require) teams to complete a Judging Interview Session Self-Reflection Sheet. This
document is for the team’s use ONLY and will not be collected by the Judges or any other event day staff.
Judges do not use this document in any way as part of their deliberations or decision-making.
Using the Self-Reflection Sheet
Before the event, teams should complete the Self-Reflection sheet portion (top section only). After their judging
interview, teams should complete the remainder of the Self-Refection sheet – ideally as soon as possible so
that clear details can be recorded before they are forgotten. The type of feedback that is most useful should be
specific: “everyone made eye contact” or “a few members interrupted the Judges”. An example of less-helpful
feedback might be “we did great” or “this area needs improvement”. Over time, Self-Reflection will become
second nature and the team may not find it useful to use the Self-Reflection Sheet anymore, which is fine –
remember, teams ARE NOT required to complete the Self-Reflection Sheet.
Ideas for When and How to do Team Self-Reflection
Every team will approach goal setting and self-reflection in their own unique way. No one method is best, nor
would it work for everyone. Here are a few possibilities for when and how a team might approach the task, but
teams should develop the system that works best for them:
● Schedule Practice Interviews with teachers, mentors, parents, or even friends, and ask them to use the
Self Reflection sheet to review the team’s interview performance.
● Designate a student member of the team to be an interview session observer and take notes on the
Self-Reflection Sheet. This person should be a keen, unbiased observer and a good note-taker. Before
the next event, review the notes and prepare the team for judging with new goals and an adjusted
judging interview session plan.
● Provide each team member with a copy of the Self-Reflection Sheet to fill out at the event. Collect the
sheets and review them together in a post-event team meeting.
● Collect the team together immediately after the judging interview session to reflect on how it went. Have
one team member note what people say on the team Self-Reflection Sheet. Before the next event,
review the notes and prepare the team for judging with new goals and an adjusted judging interview
session plan.

Download The Team Self-Reflection Sheet

Team Administration

FIRST Mentor Manual

FTC Curriculum – free Schoology course

Thanks for your interest in FIRST  Tech Challenge curriculum!

Our curricular options have expanded, and the FIRST® Class free curriculum resources are now archived on www.firstinspires.org.

Bring FIRST Tech Challenge to your students

With FIRST Class Pack, educators and communities have access to larger, flexible implementation options to bring our life-changing robotics programs to their students. These offerings for PreK-12 map to national standards and can be implemented in the classroom or structured after-school environments.

FIRST Tech Challenge Class Pack gives students in grades 7-12 opportunities to develop technical STEM and holistic skills through competition and career-ready practices. Learn more about this year-long course and how you can implement our program for your students.

FIRST Youth Protection

 

Youth Protection Program

Oct. 8 2021

Content Type: FIRST General
Tags: Safety, Youth Protection
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The purpose of the FIRST® Youth Protection Program is to provide coaches, mentors, event volunteers, employees, Program Delivery Partners, team members, parents, guardians of team members, and others working with FIRST programs with information, guidelines, and procedures to create safe environments for FIRST participants.

The FIRST Youth Protection Program sets minimum standards recommended for all FIRST activities. Adults working in FIRST programs must be knowledgeable of the standards set by FIRST Youth Protection Program, as well as those set by the school or organization hosting their team.

Please contact us with any questions about Youth Protection guidelines, resources, screening or to report a concern. Youth participants are encouraged to reach out to Youth Protection for support and assistance if they have any concerns about their own safety and/or treatment or that of other participants in FIRST programs.


Report a Concern

We encourage anyone participating with FIRST or attending FIRST related activities or events to report concerns to FIRST Headquarters. Click on the “Report a Concern” button below to access The FIRST Reporting Portal which provides a confidential platform to report youth protection concerns, medical incidents, or other issues. All reports are reviewed by trained staff and reporters will receive a follow up response as long as contact information is provided.

Report a Concern


Youth Protection Program Resources

FIRST Youth Protection Program Guide

Youth Protection Training

This training is intended to enable adults working with FIRST teams to recognize situations that may pose a threat to team member safety and take the actions necessary to prevent and report injuries. 

  • To view the training, you must create or sign into an account on Schoology
  • You can create free account by selecting “Sign Up” as a “STUDENT.”
  • Follow instructions, How to Join a Schoology Course with an access code
  • Use access code: Q7NS-7HRX-9SDX5

 


FIRST Code of Conduct

The FIRST mission is to inspire a generation of science and technology leaders who are both gracious and professional. This FIRST Code of Conduct lists some of the basic behaviors mentors, coaches, volunteers, team members, affiliate partners, contractors, staff, and other participants should adhere to while participating in FIRST activities.

  • Exhibit Gracious Professionalism® at all times. Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.
  • Ensure the safety of all participants in FIRST activities.
  • Not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, use of profane or insulting language, or any actual or threatened violence.
  • Adhere to all FIRST Youth Protection Program (YPP) policies.
  • Report any unsafe behavior to event or local FIRST leadership.

Persons who do not comply with this Code of Conduct may be barred from participating in FIRST activities. 


Additional Trainings & Resources

These additional and complimentary trainings and resources can help coaches, mentors, volunteers, all FIRST participants further create an environment for team members to grow, learn, and have fun with minimal risk of injury.

Mentor Training
This training is for you if:

  • You are a former team member transitioning into a mentor role with your old team;
  • You are a former team member transitioning into a mentor role with a new team;
  • You have worked with a youth serving organization before but are new to FIRST;
  • You have never worked with a youth serving organization before; or
  • You are a veteran mentor and plan on inviting new mentors from any of the above categories to work with you and your team.

To view the training, you must create or sign into an account on Schoology. 

  • You can create free account by selecting “Sign Up” as a “STUDENT.”
  • Follow instructions here to join a Schoology course with an access code
  • Use access code: GT74RMJ8FQWPG

Team Safety Meeting Resources for Ages 6-10

More information regarding the Youth Protection screening/clearance process and what to expect:

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training & Resources 
As part of our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all our participants, we have partnered with leading organizations to create complimentary trainings and resources on how you can inspire the youth voice, create a sense of belonging, and more. Training and resource topics include: 

  • mentor and coach training,
  • youth member training,
  • gender equity
  • disability inclusion
  • language assistance
  • and more

Training Videos

Keeping Kids Safe – for adults working with youth

 

Team Safety Meeting Video – High School version

Team Safety Meeting Video – Middle School version

Team Management Resources

Team Management ResourcesDec. 18 2020| 0 KB

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For Rookie and Veteran Teams!

We want your season to be as easy as possible, so we have compiled all of the resources we think you will need to be successful. If you can’t find what you need, please don’t hesitate to email firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org. Favorite this page in your Dashboard and check back to see what resources we’ve added. 

Team Registration
Mentor Training and Resources
Budget
Fundraising
Marketing and Team Info
Engineering Notebook
Building the Robot
Preparing for Competition
Scholarships and Alumni
Stay Connected

Robot and Programming

Robot Building Resources

Robot Building ResourcesNov. 6 2020| 0 KB

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Programming Resources

Programming Resources:

Legal and Illegal Parts List

The Legal and Illegal Parts List is intended to provide visuals of the most common legal and illegal
parts. This document is to serve as a guide, however is NOT an all-inclusive list. teams and
volunteers should be sure to read all of the robot build rules in the Game Manual Part 1, and should
always reference the Game Q&A forum for additional build rule clarifications.

Robot Reliability Checklist

Logos

BTI Logos

BTI Logos

FIRST Logos

FIRST Logos and branding standards

Parts and Vendors

FTC Kit of Parts

FTC KIT OF PARTS (reusable year to year):

Rookie and veteran teams can purchase the base FTC Kit of Parts through the FTC Storefront accessible via the Team Dashboard.

Android Devices

Android Devices (aka phones):

For teams looking to order extra phones, these models of phones are approved for use in FTC:

Motorola Moto G 2nd Generation, Motorola Moto G 3rd Generation; Motorola Moto G4 Play, Motorola Moto e4 (see disconnect resolution)

There are threads on the FTC Forum discussing perceived advantages/disadvantages to types of phones.

Vendor Discount Codes

PITSCO and REV discount codes are available on the team’s FTC Storefront.

  • Enter the Storefront.
  • Click on the “Support” Button at the upper right corner of each page.
  • Click on the “How to Order Extra Parts.”
  • Each link will take you to the Vendor’s Website.
  • TETRIX and REV Robotics discount codes will appear below their logo. It’s only available once a team has fully purchased their Season Registration Fee.

Teams (rookies and veterans) may return to the Storefront throughout the season to purchase product following the access procedures above, per the restrictions of the Storefront (max 1 set per Category: Control, Electronics, and Competition). The FTC Storefront prices are deeply discounted versus ordering directly from the vendor.

While product listed in the “FTC Storefront” is necessary to build a functioning robot, teams are not required to purchase all product from the Storefront. Refer to the season’s Game Manual for the rules regarding allowable parts along with the Legal/Illegal Parts List

Need More Parts?

FTC encourages innovation and “out of the box” thinking! FTC has a generous allowable parts list that enables teams to use components outside of the standard FTC kit of parts. Teams may also fabricate parts including the use of 3D printing technologies. Always check the Legal/Illegal parts list and the Game Manuals when in doubt on whether a particular component is compliant with the season’s rules.

Pitsco – Official supplier of TETRIX parts.  Please Note:  The primary source for the initial purchase of the FTC Kit of Parts for teams is through the FTC Storefront. 

REV Robotics – Official supplier of the REV Expansion Hub and the REV Build Kit.

AndyMark – Official FTC game elements, official FTC field perimeter, Soft Tiles floor mats, some other legal FTC parts like chain, spacers, etc.

McMaster-Carr – Huge industrial supply company. Good source for 6-32 cap screws, nylon insert lock nuts, #6 washers (6-32 is the standard Tetrix fastener size). Also good for various size/shape aluminum extrusions, sheet aluminium, sheet polycarbonate plastic (Lexan), surgical tubing, etc. Fast shipping – standard UPS is 1 day service if you get your order in early in the day.

Powerwerx – Anderson connectors to replace battery/core module connections. Don’t forget the crimper!

Tower Hobbies – Duratrax Ultimate Hex drivers – 3/32″ and 5/64″ for Tetrix axle collar and axle/motor hub set screws. These are pretty much indestructible.

ServoCity – ServoCity is an online retail store specializing in servos, gearboxes and vast array of other mechanical parts.  Their Actobotics®product line is used by many FIRST® teams in their robot designs.

Boston Tech Initiative

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement: Boston Tech Initiative believes all young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders, and is committed to fostering, cultivating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

(857) 303-6635

info@bostontechinitiative.org