How to combine FRC teams

Competition Team Organization
1

Hello all,

Our team is planning to combine with another FIRST team, as they were displaced and need a new home, and our team no longer has the student inflow that it needs to survive. (Please do not argue these facts, we are already committed.)

My question is, are there any documents that outline the procedure for officially combining two teams into one team (with one number)? Did this significantly affect the granting process?

Is there anyone who has gone through this experience before, and could share some insight as to the paperwork required?

Thanks,
Daniel D’Souza

2

I haven’t been through it but I do know you need to contact [email protected] and probably your regional director.

They can walk you through all the specifics.

3

I’d say the best information you’ll get is from the horse’s mouth. You may want to talk to AZ FIRST. Here’s the contact info from usfirst.org:

Regional Director
Carol Popovich
[email protected]

4

And in regards to grants and all that sort of stuff, this is the go-to document for all the specifics on your eligibilities

5

I don’t have any contact information unfortunately, but mentors/people from Team 51 (Wings of Fire) would be a good resource. They were a combination of two teams (47 - Chief Delphi and 65 - The Husky Brigade) a few years ago.

6

In 2011 team 2334 lost their home, so 2410 invited them in. No paperwork other than adding students and a mentor to the roster. I was the team captain at the time.

It was a relatively easy transition for the team and I think everyone was happy with the results.

7

This was the current plan, but we will still check with our regional director.

Thanks CD!

8

Have you guys tried adding new schools to each team or just trying to work together but keeping each team their own?

9

On one level it is as simple as everybody joining the surviving team and not registering the other. Asking your local First people is the best advice. Some issues to think about though.

  • Is there any equipment that will combine IE trailer, tools? Who actually owns that stuff.
  • Does the defunct team have any sponsors & what is the best way to move them.
  • Can the history of the two teams be merged?
  • How to merge the management structures of the team.