gauntletguy: read
this, specifically parts 3 and 4. You'd have to decide for yourself, and that would only work if the competition rules allow it.
Seems to me that anything can be used as long as the terms of the license/copyright are met... whether it be something like a CC by-nc-sa license, or a standard record company deal (e.g. Moving Pictures album by Rush). If the copyright holder says it's okay (whether by license or by permission), it should be fine.
Note that I can't find anything other than
this, so take that into consideration when deciding to apply the above paragraph.
edit: I forgot to note, you would have to comply with all terms, obviously, so if there's a CC by-nc-sa license, you must attribute the work as specified, not use it for commercial purposes (fine for FIRST), and share it alike (e.g. post it online somewhere).