9/30/2014 - Helpful Info for Rookie Teams from USFirst.org

Welcome Rookie Teams!

We are looking forward to seeing your first season with FTC unfold. To help, we have compiled a list of resources that we think you will find useful and where to find them. Good luck!

     Helpful Info for Rookie Teams

·         There’s a lot to know and do! FTC provides lots of

o   Resources for Teams: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/team-resources

o   Resources for Mentors: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/mentors

·         Sign up to receive Team Email Blasts and stay on top of all things relevant to FTC Teams and see past email blasts: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/emailblastarchive.aspx

·         The FTC Resource DVD is available through download only. Get your copy here: http://goo.gl/n75gOK

·         There are useful FTC Tutorials on a variety of topics on the FTC YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/FIRSTTechChallenge

·         Ask an Expert resources hosted by FIRST, with presentations from community experts: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/askanexpert

·         The Game Manual has two parts! Become an expert here:

o   Part I released July 1: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

o   Part II released at Kickoff, Sept 6: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

·         Question about a Game rule? Grab your unique ID & password for the Game Forum in TIMS. Sign into the Game Forum starting September 15 (when it opens): http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php and ask the Game makers a question. The answers and rule clarifications are posted in the forum.

·        

Download LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS Competition Toolkit before programming and watch Team email blasts for info on updates: https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-18080

·         ROBOTC resources: http://www.robotc.net/ftc/

·         PTC gives free CAD software to all FIRST Teams!  Download and learn their software here:
http://www.ptc.com/company/community/first/

·         Get your TETRIX / MATRIX kit of parts and Game field CAD drawings (available Sept 15) here: http://www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse

·         What other teams are in your area?: http://www.usfirst.org/whatsgoingon

·         What do I do? When? The season schedule is available here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/seasontimeline

·         Sign up for Events soon! Learn all about FTC Events: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/events  and then find Events happening in your area here: http://www.usfirst.org/whats-going-on-

·         Teams need to register and parents need to give consent online in the Youth Team Member Registration System: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/team-member-registration-process-overview. For information on completing registration on paper, check out: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/team-member-registration-faq .

·         What are Awards? Read about them in the Game Manual and here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/ftcawards

·         Game graphics and marketing tools (available after Kickoff in Sept.): http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/marketing-tools/ftc

·         Scholarships for upperclassmen:  http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/scholarships

·           Become a part of the community:

o   Game Forum (opens Sept. 15): http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php

o   FTC blog: http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/

o   on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTCTeams

o   on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTCTeams

o   on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100910548536794889930/posts

o   on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/firsttechchallenge

·        Questions? Help is close at hand:

o   Contact your local FTC Representative: http://www.usfirst.org/regional-contacts

o   Email FTC Headquarters: ftcteams@usfirst.org

Go Teams!

FTC Team Support

FIRST® is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organization

V 603-666-3906

F 603-666-3907

E ftcteams@usfirst.org

W www.usfirst.org