FRC Student Eligibility

[zzzag]

First off, I'm still slightly new here, so sorry if this is posted in the wrong place. Also, this isn't exactly highest-priority for everyone as we brainstorm for Ultimate Ascent, but...

My team is sponsored by and builds in our school. A close friend of mine attends a school in the next town over. Over the years, hanging out together, he's gotten to know many of the members of my team.

During his freshman and sophomore years, he was a member of his school's team, but quit for complicated reasons having to do with interactions with his team's leadership and their reactions to his contributions.

This year, he wants to get involved again, but as a member of my team, which we would like as well. Is there any restriction against this by FIRST and/or any precedent for this occurring?

TL;DR: Student in nearby school wants to join our team rather than his school's. Is this okay with FIRST/CD?

[Garten Haeska]

I don't see why not. You can't be restricted to a team. Based on where that team is located. It just makes sense for a person to be on that persons school team or local team. Just my opinion.

[Racer26]

Provided its OK with the two teams involved? Sure. Nobody here or at HQ cares. The goal of the program is to inspire people. Does his being on your team instead of his own schools inspire him? Fantastic.

[vhcook]

You'll need to get clearance from your team leaders, because there may be insurance issues or other school administration or team administration concerns.

FIRST itself doesn't really care where the students come from as long as they come. This is purely a local administrative question.

[Chris is me]

I know plenty of people that have done things this, including myself. FIRST has no rules as to who can be members of what teams. Go for it.

Last year we took some students from 668 when their team found out they wouldn't be competing in Rebound Rumble. FIRST is completely fine with accepting students from other schools, and actually encourages it (It makes your team look good, also).

[nathan_hui]

The biggest opposition to this would be from the school staff, if your team is registered as a club. Also a problem would be logistics - can the student make it to meetings often enough to be effective? If the student is really motivated, it won't be an issue, but if the student wasn't able to make it over, then there's a problem.

If the team is a part of a school club, the school admin may have an issue with someone from another school joining that club. Now there's always the thing about going behind their backs, and more than likely, the admin will be welcome to adding people to the team, but there's the administration that doesn't go with the flow.

And again, what the other posters have mentioned too. Make sure the teams are okay with it. It's not going to help the student any if he/she is ostracized from both teams because he/she is going to the wrong school for FRC.

[Reanna]

Several members of our team left and created a completely new team this year. While it may be irritating, there's no restriction against it. When you say "quit for complicated reasons having to do with interactions with his team's leadership and their reactions to his contributions," it sounds like a lot of drama, so 'making sure the teams are okay with it' might be difficult, but I would try to.

But no, no restrictions.

[FPSRussia]

There is no restriction because the team I work on actually is made up of students from 5 different schools. I am actually from a different school than the host school.

[nathan_hui]

Originally Posted by FPSRussia

There is no restriction because the team I work on actually is made up of students from 5 different schools. I am actually from a different school than the host school.

Each school and team is subtly different. Good for you if your school and team are open. I hope it sets an example for other schools...

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by zzzag

First off, I'm still slightly new here, so sorry if this is posted in the wrong place. Also, this isn't exactly highest-priority for everyone as we brainstorm for Ultimate Ascent, but...

My team is sponsored by and builds in our school. A close friend of mine attends a school in the next town over. Over the years, hanging out together, he's gotten to know many of the members of my team.

During his freshman and sophomore years, he was a member of his school's team, but quit for complicated reasons having to do with interactions with his team's leadership and their reactions to his contributions.

This year, he wants to get involved again, but as a member of my team, which we would like as well. Is there any restriction against this by FIRST and/or any precedent for this occurring?

TL;DR: Student in nearby school wants to join our team rather than his school's. Is this okay with FIRST/CD?

Our Inbounder was from another school and has been on the team since she was 13. She attends a different school than the other kids. Because her mother is a mentor on the team it was approved by the team's leadership.
Just remember what works with one team could be an issue with others so Your Mileage May Vary.

[DonRotolo]

If the student is in high school, s/he is eligible to participate in FRC, at least from FIRST's point of view.

The rest has to do with scholl and team policies.

[Taylor]

This is a question for school administration.
We have a student on the team, enrolled in this school; his brother attends another school. Due to our school's liability and insurance policy, his brother would not be allowed to be a member of our team.