Once you have decided to start an FTC team, the following steps will guide you through the registration process and beyond.

Register

  1. Read the "How to Start a New FTC Team" page:  
  2. Once registered you will be asked to pay your registration fee of $275. You do not need to do this immediately but you will not be qualified as a team until it is paid. Once paid you will be given your official team number that will stay with the team each year.
  3. Order a Robotics Kit. On the information page there is a link for ordering a kit. This takes you outside of FIRST to a Pitsco/Lego site. Any grants you have been awarded should be reflected here.

Team Registration

Has your team finished registration? Are you unsure if you're team has finished registration? Check out our easy Team Registration blog post for all the hints, help, and reminders you need to finish registering your team for the 2016-2017 FIRST Tech Challenge Season. 

Youth Team Member Registration

The season is in full swing! One key step to remember is to have the Parents/Legal Guardians apply for their students to join your team. We offer some simple instructions in the Youth Team Member Registration Guide that you can share along with your team members and with your community. 

Grant Reminder
Speaking of team registration... your team cannot receive grant funding until you have completed the team registration process. You need to have two screened adult members, they must agree to our Youth Protection Policies, and they must have a completed consent and release form before the funds will be released to your account. Check your team's status in our FIRST registration system. If you have questions about your team's registration status please contact ftcteams@firstinspires.org or call 1-800-871-8326. 

Learn

There is a lot of guidance available to help your team get off to a great start!
  • Read the FTC Game Manual Part 1 and Part 2 for rules of the current game.
  • Read the FTC Mentor Guide - it is filled with tips on organizing and running a team.
  • Attend the NJ FTC Summer Workshop for hands on hardware and software training.
  • Attend at least one NJ FTC Practice Day for hands on practice with your robot on a regulation field.
  • Or, bring your kit or partial robot to receive help from veteran teams.

Compete!

  • Have Fun!
  • Attend at least one NJ FTC Summer Outreach Event; this is an excellent way to get a head start on an FTC season!
  • Attend at least one early season Practice Day; this is a good way to meet other teams and get some early season tips.
  • Attend at least two Meets; this is the first step towards qualifying to the next level in NJ FTC, and will give you real experience competing against other teams before the championship tournament levels.
  • Attend at least one Qualifying Tournament; this is the second way to advance to the next FTC Competition level.
  • Try to attend the NJ FTC Championship Tournament in February. This is the pinnacle of FTC in New Jersey!

Keep in Touch:

There are several ways to communicate and learn things about FTC.Keep up with any updates emailed to the main contact and; share this information with the team.

Fundraising Suggestions:

  • Divide up the cost among team members and their families.
  • Solicit Sponsors
    • Write to local businesses your team members frequent, like banks, stores, restaurants.
    • Contact local Civic Organizations.
    • Write to businesses that are interested in technology.
    • Ask parents’ place of business.
    • Ask grandparents or other relatives to sponsor your team.
  • Hold Bake sales, Yard sales, Raffles.
  • Host a Spaghetti dinner at your school or other location for a fee.
  • Some grants are available for needs-based or underserved teams.  Schools can apply for grants to foundations that have a history of supporting robotics.  
Sponsor Recognition:
  • Tell all sponsors that you will recognize them on the back of your t-shirt or on a poster in your pit area at competitions, etc.
  • Send them photos or copies showing their name advertised. 
  • Make sure the team supports those businesses who sponsor you, if possible.  
  • Follow up with your sponsors and tell them about your experiences.
Sample Letter asking School to Authorize or Sponsor a Team; contributed by one of our teams who went through the process.