**FIRST EMAIL**/Let the Lunacy Continue!

[Mark McLeod]

Greetings 2009 Championship Teams:

Wow! Here we are, one week before the start of the 2009 FRC Championship event. Our trucks are loaded and on their way to Atlanta, with the FIRST FRC staff and our fantastic volunteers soon to follow. We can't wait to get things started and to see you all down there!
Before you go, we want to remind you of the key points below. We also want to bring your attention to an important notice regarding robot transport home.

Due to the current economic conditions, FIRST is encouraging all teams that want to take their robot directly home to do so. This will lessen the financial impact on our valued sponsor FedEx, and also allow you to have quicker access to your robot. Therefore, we are extending our offer to allow teams to remove their robots from the event. The new request deadline is next Tuesday, April 14th 5:00 pm EST. To recap the instructions:

• Email your request to frcteams@usfirst.org. Your letter will be reviewed by the Director and you will be notified of your permission;
• The email subject line should be: "Robot Removal, “Championship Event - Team XXXX (your team #)";
• State your reason for the rule variation;
• Provide a description of the vehicle you will use to transport your robot and crate.

Please note the following rules apply:

• The drayage company will neither help nor provide equipment for the removal, and teams will not be permitted to use the loading dock and no pallet jacks available to go out the front;
• You may have to load out at an earlier or later time than may be convenient;
• You will also be responsible for dismantling and removing your robot crate. Do not expect to receive assistance in those processes;
• A $250 clean-up fee will be assessed for any crates left behind;
• Please stop by the Pit Administration table prior to leaving the building with your robot so you can be officially "checked out" by FIRST staff!

IMPORTANT: Remember, if you do ship your robot home do NOT exceed the 400 lb crate limit or you will be charged accordingly! This means be very careful what you pack in with your robot (e.g., tools) that might cause you to exceed this weight stipulation. We do plan on re-weighing all crates. As always, second crates are your responsibility to ship through the Shepard shipping desk.

Any questions? Please contact us at frcteams@usfirst.org

NEXT.....

......please read the following important information and reminders!

• Make sure you have read the updated 2009 CMP Essential Information document, your A-Z guide for key Championship "To-Knows!" at: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/Events/2009/09_CMP_Essential%20Info.pdf
• Divisions - your team has been assigned to a Division! Check to see where you team's pit is located at the following link, and remember to look for your Division sign at the Pit Administration table when coming to register your team! https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=teamlist&menu=false&event=CMP&yea r=2009&event_type=FRC
• FIRST on Twitter….Follow the highlights from this year’s Championship on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/FIRSTAtlanta09
• Please share with your family and friends the link to the NASA site where they can watch the event take place starting Friday, April 17th, via webcast at http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2009_frcwebcasts.php or on Digital TV at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/digital.html
• Don't forget your team's Safety Glasses!

Let the Lunacy Continue.............Go 2009 Championship Teams!