**FIRST** FTC Registration System

[Mark McLeod]

Welcome to the 2007 season of the /FIRST/ Tech Challenge! We are very excited to begin another year!

The /FIRST/ Tech Challenge Registration System is now open to all teams. This system is different than last year, so please take the time to read through the system and answer all required fields. There are a few changes that were made that are explained fully below. Please read them carefully.


1. Assigning Contacts

Each FTC Team must list a Main Contact and an Alternate Contact. We also _*very strongly*_ encourage you to put in both primary and secondary information for both the Main and Alternate Contacts. The registration system will not allow you to proceed without completing the Main and Alternate Contact fields.

2. Temporary Team Numbers

The registration system will assign you a temporary team number that is several digits long. When /FIRST/ receives the registration fee for your team, a confirmation email will be sent to the Main Contact. This will include your permanent team number for the 2007 season.

3. 2007 Season Team Numbers

You may notice that there is no option to request your team number from last year, or your current /FIRST/ Robotics Competition or /FIRST/ LEGO League team number. When you register a team in our new registration system, you'll receive a temporary number; when your registration fee is paid, you'll receive your actual team number. Your team number will be good for this season, but will change year to year. You may not request certain team numbers.
We've made this change for a number of reasons. First, it helps the FTC program staff to simplify the logistics of tracking, identifying, and managing the high volume of teams that we expect to participate in this and upcoming years of the /FIRST/ Tech Challenge program. Second, it helps to keep your costs low. Much time and effort is needed to verify and assign each individual team number, and the additional workload would potentially cause the price of registration for the 2007 season to increase. The /FIRST/ Tech Challenge program seeks to offer an accessible and affordable opportunity for students to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering. Third, we've listened to your feedback. The numbering system in the past caused many teams to want the same team number from past FRC or FLL experience, as well as teams who participated in the former /FIRST/ Vex Challenge Pilot Program. In the interest of fairness to all of our teams, we've defaulted to this numbering system. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

4. Registration System Assistance

Should you get stuck or need assistance with the registration system at any time, please feel free to call /FIRST/ at (800) 871-8326. Follow the prompts, and help will be on the line shortly.


This year's registration system is available at: https://my.usfirst.org/ftc/tims.

Best of luck this season! GO TEAMS!

- /FIRST/ Tech Challenge Staff