age requirements for FRC?

[Techhexium]

Originally Posted by EricH

The unofficial/marketing age ranges for the FIRST competitions:
JFLL, 6-10 years.
FLL, 10-14 years.
FTC, high school (I think--that's what I remember offhand)
FRC, high school

I heard this from an offseason event yesterday that FTC is for middle school and high school students, from ages 10-18.

[nikeairmancurry]

From what I was told 330 has a 6th grade driver?

[Mike o.]

Originally Posted by Techhexium

I heard this from an offseason event yesterday that FTC is for middle school and high school students, from ages 10-18.

FTC was originally geared towards High Schoolers as a way to provide a more accessible and affordable program. With the growing number of middle schoolers and sometimes elementary schoolers getting involved with FLL early, they are finding that by the time they reach 7th and 8th grade, these students have developed the skills and knowledge to be able to successfully compete on a FTC team. So yes we are starting to see more and more middle schoolers competing on FTC teams.

[gblake]

Originally Posted by Techhexium

I heard this from an offseason event yesterday that FTC is for middle school and high school students, from ages 10-18.

And, if they didn't clarify the difference between the mandatory ages (see the rest of this thread), the age range targeted (but not mandated) by FTC, and their personal opinions; then they did their audience a disservice.

Not being clear on those three points is a common mistake that should be weeded out of our collective consciousness.

[bduddy]

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?

[Foster]

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.

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by Foster

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.

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.

[Phoenix Spud]

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.

[Merle]

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

[fhobart]

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.

[yarden.saa]

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.

[Nick Lawrence]

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

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Nick Lawrence

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

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

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

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

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....

[gblake]

Originally Posted by yarden.saa

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.

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