Email From FRC. Homework: Read to discuss Thursday.

Greetings Rookies:

Prepare for Kickoff:
If your team is attending a Kickoff, now is a good time to make sure your team is ready. 

Everyone attending a FRC Kickoff must provide a signed Consent and Release form in order to enter.  (For students under 18 the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.) You also need to bring a printout of your team roster from TIMS.  Don’t arrive without one.  Go to http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=8128 to view information regarding the Consent and Release form process.

Before you go, discuss your team’s plan for Kickoff with everyone who will be attending.   
·         Who will download the encrypted game manual before Kickoff?
·         How will everyone get there?
·         Does your school require permission slips from participating students?  Or proof of insurance from drivers?
·         If your local Kickoff is hosting a Robot Quick Build Workshop, have you signed up?
·         How will team members who are not attending Kickoff view the live broadcast?
·         Who will sign the team in at the Kickoff and sign for the kit of parts?  (Must be an adult mentor)
·         Does your team have access to a dolly or cart to facilitate picking up the kit?
·         Do you have a way to get the kit home?  - A kit of parts will fill most car trunks. 
·         Where and when will your team meet after Kickoff to discuss the game?
·         Who is responsible for inventorying the kit of parts once you get it back to your team’s workspace?
·         Who will complete the replacement parts section in TIMS before the deadline?

Understand Bag and Tag:
All teams MUST stop work on their robot on Robot ship day Tuesday February, 22nd. 

If your team is attending a Bag and Tag event (list here http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=18644 ) you will need to place your robot in the bag provided and complete a robot lock up form.  You must then arrange to transport the bagged robot to the event yourself.  If you believe you have no alternative than to ship your robot to a bag and tag event, the deadline to request special consideration by contacting frcteams@usfirst.org  is this Wednesday, December 15, 2010.  Everything you need to know is included in Section 5 of the Game Manual http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=452

If you are attending a traditional event (one that is not Bag and Tag), you will need to place your robot in a shipping crate (directions here http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2011_Assets/Shipping%20Crate%20Construction.pdf) and ship your robot via FedEx.  Everything you need to know is included in Section 5 of the Game Manual http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=452

Save yourself some trouble:
Rookie teams from last year suggest you secure a meeting place, obtain tools and start meeting with your team now.  Once the game is revealed, you won’t have time to think about anything other than design and build.   More details are available in the FRC Handbook. http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/Team_Resources/FRC Handbook.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact Team Support at frcteams@usfirst.org or 1-800-871-8326, “0” –  they are eager to help you during this rookie season!

Go Rookies!

FRC Team Support
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
200 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: (603) 666-3906  Fax: (603) 666-3907
http://www.usfirst.org/