Running a FRC Team - TAMSFormers5212/TAMSformers-Database GitHub Wiki

The following is not a strict order (as I don't remember the exact order - Tony), but make sure to keep track of deadlines. Make a calendar each year to keep track of this stuff.

1. Register the team on firstinspires.org

As veteran team, this is pretty simple. The team should be continued every year automatically, but make sure to log into the dashboard every once in a while over the summer or if any news comes out. Registration usually comes out very shortly (around mid-May) after the previous season ends.

2. Pay the registration fee of $6000

a. Make sure to get as much fundraising for this as possible. Grants

b. Parents who work at certain companies can get direct first credits for registration. (Corning, Ford*, etc)

RIP Lockheed Martin grant

3. Select your team events (which two district events you want to go to)

a. Timing. Avoid week 5, so there is enough time to plan for state. Hopefully the first event will be sucessful enough such that state is likely to happen versus still dependent on the second event. Additionally, make sure to be aware of close weekends and Spring break. Usually Spring Break occurs sometime around week 2 or 3. This means that 2 weeks in a row will not be an option.

b. Location. DFW events do not require hotels and save on costs. Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano have had events in the past. The next closest events are Waco and Belton.

c. What other teams are going to the event. You won't know until the events are finalized, but you can ask friends or look at past history.

4. Choose a Kickoff Location and Tote Opt Out

a. This will be where you pick up the kickoff kit. This is highly important as the kit includes the game pieces for the year. Just choose the most comfortable location for someone to pick it up. There are usually multiple locations in DFW and several around the state if no one location is available.

b. As a veteran team, we are not really interested in the KoP chassis or Black Tote of additional materials. Opting out of these will give the team credits to spend at Andymark (and rev?).

5. Register team members on firstinspires.org and FiT SmartWaiver

  • Make sure everyone has completed the consent and release forms
  • Everyone also needs to compelete the smartwaiver for FIRST in Texas. The roster is available on the FiT website by signing in as the team. *details are private
  • Both of these needs to be printed out and brought to competition in order to finish registration/check in. Note: when printing the rosters, avoid printing anyone who has not fully completed both. If someone is missing their consent and release forms on firstinspires, just uncheck the box that says print on roster.

6. Keep track of vouchers and coupons

FIRST Choice

  • The team password is given on the voucher and coupons page.
  • The team receives FIRST Choice points across two rounds. Each round will give teams a certain amount of FIRST choice points which can be spent on various items donated to FIRST Choice. This can include Roborios, PDHs, Neos, Krakens, NavXs, and more.
  • Focus on getting what is the most valuable and useful for the team immediately as there are limited points and items are not guaranteed.
  • After both rounds are over, it becomes first come first serve on the remaining stock.

Vouchers

  • Vulcan Spring - Get 6 free constant force springs.
  • Automation Direct - $50 voucher. Make sure to apply the credits correctly. Worth about 2400 zipties in 2024.
  • Rev Credit - $125+ coupon code
  • AndyMark - $450 gift card for opting out of black tote + another thing
  • Plummer Industries - 25$ coupon. Can't really get much worth shipping.
  • Digikey - $65 voucher. Make sure to apply the credits correctly.
  • [software vouchers]
  • [insert other companies that give free products]

* Available, but no mentor/parent

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