Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

This topic made me think of a question - would an adult, who graduated from high school many years ago but never entered college, be eligible to be a driver?

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

While there isn't a rule about MS students and FRC, you should check with the people that have the insurance for your team. Ours does not allow MS roboteers to use power tools, the prior one from the school district had the same constraint.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

I don't think so because the intent and the wording of the driver/human player requirements seems to indicate a kid currently attending school by the usage of the word student.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

A great point. Our 7th and 8th graders are in a "shadowing program", and among other things are not permitted to work in the pits at competition -- though they can still scout, etc.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

From my understanding, the upper age limits in FIRST competitions are set while the lower ones are more flexible. They are:

JFLL: 6-9
FLL: 9-16 (Or 9-14 in the US and Canada)
FTC: 14-18 (senior)
FRC: 14-18 (senior)

This isn't to say you can't have younger students. I was very involved on my FRC team in 8th grade. Because our school year is off by 6 months in Australia, we recruit kids in 8th grade and up.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

There is an age requirement for being in the pits. From the safety manual:
"Children twelve (12) and under must have a person eighteen (18) or older with them at all times."

This age requirement conflicts with section 4.9 of the 2011 rules where it states:
"Children under 12 MUST be accompanied in the Pit by an Adult at all times!"

Based on these rules some younger Middle Schoolers may require constant chaperoning in the pit area.

Merle
Granby GRUNTS #3146 - FRC Mentor
Granby Red Blox -FLL Coach
Jr Granby Red Blox - JrFLL Coach

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

My daughter, 12, attended many build sessions and served as an active member of the scouting teams at two regionals and the championships. In fact, she wants to not be part of our middle school's FLL team and instead skip ahead to FTC and FRC. I had to convince her that her experience would serve the middle school team and she needs to be a leader. I don't think you can pigeon-hole younger members and instead should consider them case-by-case, as long as the rules are adhered to.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

My brother is 12 years old and is going to the middle school next year.
He told me he doesn't want to go to FLL, he wants to go to FRC.
If he won't be at FRC he wont go to FLL, so we are in a big problem.
I am mentoring our FLL team so I am disappointed that he don't want to be in the FLL.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

In the Canadian system, you may take a 5th year of high school even if you have your diploma. This is the route I'm taking, and under FRC rules I could still technically be an active competitior. For example, 1114's alliance captain this year was a senior on a victory lap, I believe. The rules are pretty vague, but I'm pretty sure it implies (not specifically says!) someone under the age of 19-20 or so as being a pre-college student.

-Nick

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

Pre-college student means pre-college student. You're pre-college. Can't get simpler than that.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

What about a student that graduates from high school, but doesn't go to college immediately after? Are they still pre-college? What about a student that graduates HS and does not go onto college?

Not that I'm trying to find loop holes or anything.... ;)

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

Your brother will either decide to participate, or decide to sit out.

Give him advice, but don't force him. Mentoring is different from commanding.

Let him decide, and let him accept the consequences of his decision.

Starting a VRC or FTC team might be a good 3rd option

Blake

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

The question you need to ask is not whether he or she is pre-college, but whether he or she is a student. If someone graduates from high school and doesn't enroll in college, I think the answer is no.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

Your mistake was that you graduated from high school. You should have failed so you have retake your senior year again and again. That or move to Canada.

Re: age requirements for FRC?
 

This is starting to sound like it may need eligibility requirements. Dean Kamen always mentions that he blatantly stole from the sports model, so will that mean it will take that next step?