**FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Season Information and Updates

[Pat Fairbank]

Greetings Teams:

Please read the important season information below.

I Second Event Registration

The next major deadline is October 28 when team registration for a second regional event will open at 12:000 noon EDT. FIRST anticipates several regional events will fill quickly at this time and recommends all teams try to complete registration for the first event prior to noon on October 28 (six events already have wait lists!) This will avoid your team not getting into the event of choice.

II Deposit Information

Please note the policy for deposits applies only to events beyond your initial event. This means there is no deposit required for the first event registration. The $500 deposit for rookies is required only if you choose to have the Robovation kit sent to you early!

For full details go to http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2005/paymentterms.htm

III Credit Card Payment Option for Event Registration

FIRST is now offering the convenience of on line credit card transactions for Event Registrations. You will find this featured in the TIMS system after you are registered for an event. You will now be given the option to pay either a $500 deposit or the full balance due on line with either a Visa or Master Card. Instructions are provided to guide you through the on line steps. For your convenience, the system will also email a receipt to the card holder providing payment. If you have any questions concerning this feature please call FIRST finance at 800-871-8326, ext. #414 or #415.

IV Grants

Again, for teams in need of funding, please go to http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/grants.htm. The application deadline for NASA and LEGO grants is November 9 and the applications for FIRST Team Assistance grants is November 15.

Financial assistance is available so please keep current on the list of potential funding sources!

V Event Deadline Dates

All teams should be aware of critical deadlines for the Robotics Competition. These deadlines are available at http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/frc_time.htm

Go Teams!