NEW TEAM

[GeeTwo]

Prepare and file a chairman's award submission. You aren't eligible as a rookie, but we have found that the skullwork we put into reporting what we actually do helps inspire us to do more each year. I also suspect that when rookies do these, they are available to the rookie all star judges.

Come to your first competition ready to provide help, even as you are ready to receive help. Our rookie year, there was another rookie team at Bayou that thought the robot was supposed to be built on Thursday. We sent the students who built our KoP chassis and a programmer and helped them at least have a robot that drove.

If your one veteran player hasn't figured out already, make it clear that (s)he has a significant fraction of the team's FRC experience, and there is a responsibility to teach everyone else (including the new adults) about the mechanics of the tournament, gracious professionalism, and FIRST culture in general.

Make it loud - don't be the "stealth team" within your school. Do something to get on the announcements every week or two, including some presentations/group projects at pep rallies and so forth. You can't change the culture if no one knows you're there. Especially if your school has a strong sports/competition culture, intentionally market yourself as a team, not a club. While many teams have names and branding that do not reflect the school, selecting a name and branding (colors) that mesh well with the school's will help. If your school colors are green and silver, does it really make sense for the team colors to be red and blue when you do a demo during halftime? Especially if your opponent that day is the Patriots?

[rsisk]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

....
I also suspect that when rookies do these, they are available to the rookie all star judges
....

In my experience this is not typically the case. The team should be prepared to hand a copy to the judges, but don't expect the judges to read them, they just don't have the time considering all the teams they have to interview.

Single sheet with bullet points that highlight the information in the chairman's submission is much more effective.

[RoboDawg]

Contact other PNW teams. Search the FIRST website for teams near you and reach out! You are part of a vibrant and thriving district. Welcome to the FIRST family!

[Chief Hedgehog]

Like others have stated, there is no formula. It is all on the judges. Here are a few things I can state:

1. Find your nearest teams and start to network early and often.

2. Concentrate on building a team, not a robot.

3. Two areas that rookie teams overlook are marketing and Pit/Pit Safety. If you overlook either, it can be detrimental.

If you want more info, please PM me.