Section
AT THE
7 EVENTS

Table Of Contents


7 AT THE EVENTS ....................................................................................................................... 3
7.1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................................3
7.2 FIRST EVENT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................3
7.3 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................3
7.3.1 Safe Travel ..............................................................................................................................................3
7.3.2 Staff/Volunteer Badges ...........................................................................................................................3
7.3.3 Safety Captains .......................................................................................................................................3
7.3.4 Mandatory Safety Glasses - They are not forehead protectors ...............................................................3
7.3.5 NEW: Robot Carts .................................................................................................................................3
7.4 SAMPLE COMPETITION AGENDAS........................................................................................................4
7.4.1 Regional Competitions............................................................................................................................4
7.4.2 Championship Agenda............................................................................................................................4
7.5 COMPETITION OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................5
7.5.1 Practice Rounds ......................................................................................................................................5
7.5.2 Official Robot Inspection........................................................................................................................5
7.5.3 Competition Matches ..............................................................................................................................6
7.6 TEAM REGISTRATION ..............................................................................................................................6
7.6.1 Consent / Release Forms - A Requirement for Registration ...................................................................6
7.6.2 Registration Envelope.............................................................................................................................7
7.7 THE PIT.........................................................................................................................................................7
7.7.1 Be Safe, Be Kind.....................................................................................................................................7
7.7.2 Administration Station ............................................................................................................................7
7.7.3 Pit Map....................................................................................................................................................7
7.7.4 NEW: Team Stations ..............................................................................................................................7
7.7.5 Aisles.......................................................................................................................................................8
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7.7.6 Suggested Equipment..............................................................................................................................8
7.7.7 Replacement Kit Parts Availability at Events.........................................................................................8
7.7.8 Control Systems ......................................................................................................................................8
7.7.9 Machine Shop .........................................................................................................................................9
7.7.10 Announcer.............................................................................................................................................9
7.7.11 Robot Traffic Flow................................................................................................................................9
7.7.12 Queuing.................................................................................................................................................9
7.7.13 Property Security...................................................................................................................................9
7.7.14 Lost and Found......................................................................................................................................9
7.7.15 First Aid ..............................................................................................................................................10
7.8 OPENING AND AWARDS CEREMONIES..............................................................................................10
7.8.1 All Teams Should Attend......................................................................................................................10
7.8.2 Pit Manners/Rules During the Ceremonies...........................................................................................10
7.9 TEAM SOCIAL...........................................................................................................................................10
7.9.1 Requirements ........................................................................................................................................10
7.9.2 Deadline for Attendance Count.............................................................................................................10
7.9.3 Regional Socials....................................................................................................................................10
7.9.4 Championship FIRST Finale.................................................................................................................10
7.10 PARTICIPATION MEDALLIONS ..........................................................................................................11
7.10.1 One-Time Pickup at Team's Initial Event ..........................................................................................11
7.10.2 After Your Initial Event ......................................................................................................................11
7.11 TEAM SPIRIT ...........................................................................................................................................11
7.11.1 Team Styl'n .........................................................................................................................................11
7.11.2 Mascots and Team Costumes..............................................................................................................11
7.11.3 Banners and Flags Rules .....................................................................................................................11
7.12 SITE RESTRICTIONS..............................................................................................................................12
7.13 COURTESIES AND RULES ....................................................................................................................12
7.13.1 Pit and Competition Safety .................................................................................................................12
7.13.2 Courtesy and Site Regulations ............................................................................................................13
7.14 CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................................................................13
7.14.1 Donated Software Use/Restrictions ....................................................................................................13
7.14.2 Saving Seats Not Allowed ..................................................................................................................14
7.14.3 Fundraising ideas ................................................................................................................................14
7.14.4 Competition Spirit...............................................................................................................................14
7.15 LOCAL STORES - WEBSITES................................................................................................................15
7.16 TEAM CHECKLIST .................................................................................................................................16
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7 AT THE EVENTS
7.1 OVERVIEW
This section provides a general summary regarding a FIRST credo, mascots/uniforms, recommended items and
equipment for teams to bring, Pit rules, event schedules, registration, practice rules/time slots, and robot
inspections. Please read the following to get a "feel" for competition schedules, registration procedures,
practice times, and matches. Please familiarize your team with this overview so all team members understand
the routine and rules.
Please notice and carefully read the "NEW" items in all sections of the Manual.
7.2 FIRST EVENT INFORMATION
To ensure that your team has the proper Regional information for its event(s), download Regional sections
from the FIRST website for the specific events they will attend. These sections are only available on the FIRST
website, and contain critical event-specific information. http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/rgevents.htm
7.3 SAFETY
Participants and team mentors should review FIRST safety policies and procedures prior to participating in
events. FIRST will provide materials on the FIRST website and at the events. Use the above link and go over
the "Site Restrictions" in "Site Info" for your event. Please ensure that your team knows and follows safety
measures such as the following:
7.3.1 Safe Travel
Travel in pairs or larger groups at all times going to, coming from, and during each event. Include at least one
adult during transportation.
7.3.2 Staff/Volunteer Badges
At events, staff and volunteers will wear distinguishing badges. Advise your team members as to this system
and whom to approach with questions and problems.
7.3.3 Safety Captains
Each team shall appoint a safety captain, adult or student, who will observe and make suggestions for a safe
workplace and work methods prior to and during the competition events. He or she will receive a badge at the
team's initial event and will help to maintain a safe environment for their team at each event.
7.3.4 Mandatory Safety Glasses - They are not forehead protectors
FIRST requires all teams to bring and supply safety glasses for its members and guests for each competition.
Students and adult team members and guests must wear them to protect their eyes:
· While uncrating the robot
· Working on the robot
· When observing any robot building/repair work
· While competing
Operators, players, and coaches will not be allowed on the competition field without them. Regular glasses do
not qualify as safety glasses. You must use safety goggles over them.
Goggles are not required to be worn over regular glasses if the regular glasses are made of polycarbonate /
plastic material similar to that in safety glasses and safety side shields are attached.
7.3.5 NEW: Robot Carts
To make sure your team members are safe when they are going from the Pit to the competition area, bring
some type of cart to transport your heavy robot. The carts must remain in the team pit area when not in use for
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robot transportation. All carts should fit through a standard 30-inch door. Cart wheels must not damage site
flooring.
7.4 SAMPLE COMPETITION AGENDAS
For event-specific agendas, go to the website and download the agenda for each event you will be attending.
Print it and bring it with you so your team will have the schedule(s).
http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/rgevents.htm
7.4.1 Regional Competitions
Thursday Limited pit opening-7:45 a.m. (3 persons per team to uncrate team robot)

Team arrival. Pit usually opens about 8:30 a.m.

Release form collection.
Registration - before noon
Practice rounds
Official weigh-in and inspection
Pit closes, usually at 8 p.m.


Friday
Pit opens, usually about 8 a.m.
Team lineup begins about 8:30 a.m.
Opening ceremony, about 9 a.m.
Seeding (qualifying) matches
Awards ceremony
Pit closes 6 p.m.
Team Social, if applicable


Saturday
Pit opens, usually about 8 a.m.
Opening ceremony, usually about 9 a.m.
Continued seeding (qualifying) matches
Elimination matches, usually about 1 p.m.
Awards ceremony
Pick up bronze medallions at the Pit Administration station
Receive returned Chairman's Award submissions
Pit closes- Robots packed and shipped
7.4.2 Championship Agenda
Thursday
Limited Pit opening on Wednesday night from 6 to 9 p.m. (3 persons per team to uncrate team
robot and charge batteries only. This is not a work session)
Team arrival. Pit usually opens about 8:30 a.m.
Registration upon arrival and before noon
Practice rounds
Official weigh-in and inspection
Pit closes, usually around 8 p.m.


Friday
Pit opens, usually about 8 a.m.
Team lineup begins at 8:30.
Opening ceremony about 9 a.m.
Seeding (qualifying) matches
Pit closes


Saturday
Opening ceremony
Continued seeding (qualifying) matches
Elimination matches, about 1 p.m.
Awards ceremony
Teams receive returned Chairman's Award submissions before Pit closes
FIRST Finale
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Pit closes- Robots packed and shipped
7.5 COMPETITION OVERVIEW
This section provides general competition information and necessary details with regard to scheduling, robot
inspection, practice times, safety, rules, regulations, and suggestions for teams.
7.5.1 Practice Rounds
Your registration envelope will contain a list of Thursday practice times and indicate on which field you will
practice. Teams cannot switch practice times.
7.5.1.1 Time Slots
All teams will receive a list of all the practice times. Your team must be ready to practice at the designated
times and on the specified fields. If your team/robot cannot be ready for your practice time slot, send in the
human player only or forfeit the practice slot entirely. Your team members may want to scout other teams
and their strategies.
7.5.1.2 Courtesy
In order to make the most of practice time, there will be a specified number of teams on a field during an
assigned practice slot. Each team must be respectful of the other teams sharing the field. Friendly interaction
between machines is acceptable if all teams are willing. Un-sportsman-like conduct on the part of a team
during practice could result in loss of practice time.
7.5.2 Official Robot Inspection
To ensure all robots are safely constructed and fall within the FIRST parameters, there is an official robot
inspection. Please read below for criteria:
· To ensure safety and readiness, pre-inspect your robot before you ship it. This will make your official
inspection go more smoothly.
· Inspectors will use an Official Inspection sheet for checking robots; a draft copy of the inspection
checklist will be available to teams during the season.
· Inspectors will ask the team members questions. Make sure they are familiar with the robot
operation and can respond correctly to the inspector's questions.
· Teams may practice on Thursday without completing the inspection process. However, if field
personnel deem a robot unsafe, it will not be allowed to practice until the unsafe condition is
eliminated.
· Robots must pass inspection before competing on Friday.
· Have your robot re-inspected after you make alterations.
· Inspectors may re-inspect randomly before or after matches.
7.5.2.1 When Does Inspection Take Place?
FIRST staff and volunteers will be on site all day Thursday, until the Pit closes, to inspect machines. It is not
necessary to wait until you are totally ready to begin the inspection process. It is to your advantage to start
the process early. Go to the weigh/sizing station to document height/weight specifications. Inspectors can
sometimes help find problems and/or provide suggestions during an early inspection.
7.5.2.2 Procedure
Bring your robot to the Inspection Station when you are ready to begin. Partial inspections, such as height
and weight, help prevent an inspection clog at the end of the day. Don't wait till the last moment to begin.
· Team members must accompany the robot and be prepared to answer Inspectors' questions.
· Inspectors check off items on an Inspection Sheet as the team passes those portions of the process.
· Return with corrected items until your robot passes inspection.
· Each time you modify your robot, you must request and pass a re-inspection.
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7.5.3 Competition Matches
Match List: Once a team passes robot inspection, it is eligible to compete. Before the Pit opens on Friday
morning, the Pit Administration Supervisor will place copies of the Match List on each team's Pit table. This
list includes both Friday and Saturday matches and provides information as to when teams will participate,
with whom, and against whom.
Scouting: Teams often use the list for scouting other teams and their strategies. This may be especially
helpful when choosing alliances for the final rounds.
Early Matches: Make sure your team is on time in case you have an early match on Friday or Saturday. If
your team is in any of the first four matches on Friday or Saturday, volunteers will ask you to line up
before the Opening Ceremony. Matches begin right after its conclusion.
Maintaining Schedule: The Pit Announcer and Queue Team will work together throughout the days to line
up teams for competition matches and maintain the schedules.
Pay attention to the practice/match schedule and listen for announcements throughout the day. You will need
to know when you will compete, find out the number of the ending match before lunch and which match
designates the end of the competition day.
7.6 TEAM REGISTRATION
Registration takes place Thursday morning at Regional Events and Wednesday evening and Thursday
morning for the Championship. At each event, an adult member of each team must register by noon on the
first day of the event. Registration takes place in the Pit at the Administration Table.
Prior to attending your event(s), please download the General Information Sheet and the Agenda. You can
find agendas on the 2006 FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Events page.
http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/rgevents.htm
Please read the following information carefully.
7.6.1 Consent / Release Forms - A Requirement for Registration
Web location for form: http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/consent_release_form.pdf
Teams cannot register without a completed form for each team member attending the event(s), including
adults traveling with the team. Persons under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian's
signature.
7.6.1.1 Prepare and Collect the Forms
Assign someone to take care of this project in advance. Do not leave it for the last minute! If a person does
not attend the first event and did not turn in a form, he/she must complete one and turn it in at the event he/she
attends. This includes the Championship. We will not accept school permission forms.
7.6.1.2 Bring Required Forms to Registration
Do not forget these forms. We may not have extras. By choosing to attend or participate in the 2006 FIRST
Robotics Competition events, each person grants FIRST permission to use all photographs and/or video
footage. Use our consent forms only for this purpose. Treat the Robotics Competition like any other school
activity requiring parent/ legal guardian consent.
Read below for instructions and requirements:
Team's Initial Regional Event
Later Regionals &
the Championship
1.Download the FIRST Consent and Release form from the FIRST website.
Supply a form for
2.Fill in your team number on the line in the lower right hand corner
anyone who has not
provided a form at an
3.Make enough copies for all team attendees, students and adults.
FRC event during this
4.Have each team member fill one out and sign it. Team members under
competition season.
eighteen must have a parent or legal guardian sign their forms.
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5.Collect the forms, clip them together, and bring them to the event.
6.Give them to the registration personnel at the Pit Administration Station at
your first Regional of the season.
7.6.2 Registration Envelope
Upon receipt of the team's consent/release forms, each team will receive an event-specific registration
envelope containing:
Pit Map: Pit layout. It shows team location, parts replacement, inspection/
weigh/size areas, the traffic flow, and Pit Administration area.
Practice Times: Designates practice times for all teams.
Safety Badge This safety badge is in the team's initial event registration envelope.
Team List: List of competing teams by number, official name, and state.
4 Team Operator Badges: These are for the 2 operators, 1 human player, and 1 coach/mentor. The
badge with the dot is the mentor's. The mentor can be an adult or student.
He or she cannot score points or operate the robot.
7.7 THE PIT
Teams spend a lot of time in the Pit working on their robots. It also houses the Replacement Parts area and the
inspection station. It is important to use thoughtful manners and true team spirit here since quarters are equal,
but are often cramped.
Get to know other teams, help each other when you can, and keep the aisles clear. Time is short, and help may
be right "next door" in the adjacent Pit station.
7.7.1 Be Safe, Be Kind
· Use common sense regarding safety and courtesy.
· Read and follow the "Courtesies and Rules List" section. Print and provide these to all team
members.
· Wear required safety glasses in the Pit when working on or watching work done a robot. Wear them
on the playing field.
· Choose a student or adult Safety Captain during the build season. This person will monitor team
safety at the event also.
7.7.2 Administration Station
The Pit Administration Station is centrally located in the Pit area. FIRST staff members and/or volunteers run
this area to register teams and help teams and visitors. Come to the Pit Administration station to:
· Turn in your team's Consent/Release Forms.
· Register and receive your registration envelope. Check your event agenda for the Pit opening/closing
time for each event.
· Notify a staff member that your team is ready for its initial robot inspection.
· Get answers to most questions.
· Ask about lost and found articles.
· Report an illness or injury.
7.7.3 Pit Map
You will receive a Pit map when you register. It shows team location, robot traffic flow, First Aid Station,
Replacement Parts Area, Inspection Area, and the Pit Administration Station.
7.7.4 NEW: Team Stations
These designated spaces help organize team placement and help team members, judges, and visitors find
teams easily. Please keep your numbers visible and aligned. They are set up to be as equal as possible.
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Each team's pit station will have a table and power outlet.
For safety and because of insurance regulations, teams cannot build any structure that supports people or
items for storage above the work area in their pit space. No structures should be higher than 10 feet above
the floor and must safely support any signs or displays mounted to the structure. FIRST will require the
removal of any pit structure that is deemed unsafe by event management personnel and local committee
members.
7.7.4.1 Station Numbering/Signage
You will see team numbers on poles aligned for easy team station identification. These signs are reused at
other events, so please do not remove them. This will be considered stealing.
7.7.4.2 Space Regulations
Each team is allotted the same amount of workspace. The size may vary from site to site. Please keep your
equipment and team members within this area and do not allow spillage into the aisle or undesignated
space. It is not gracious to expand your space. If your team is too large for the allotted space, encourage
your team members to leave the area and take turns scouting other teams and/or watching the matches.
Do not add to your space by setting up in another area of the Pit or by adding additional height.
7.7.5 Aisles
It is extremely important to keep aisles clear for safety, judging accessibility, robot mobility, courtesy, and
maintaining competition schedules. Please advise team members not working on the robot to watch the
practice rounds or competitions. Keep chairs and equipment out of the aisles. Please sit in the audience, not
on the floor or in the aisles.
7.7.6 Suggested Equipment
We suggest you bring the following:
· Extension cord, heavy duty and at least 25 feet long.
· Power strip to make best use of your power drop.
· Other items as suggested on the Team Checklist in this section of this Manual.
· A relatively small cart to transport your heavy robot from the Pit to the playing field. Please do not
add music to your cart.
7.7.7 Replacement Kit Parts Availability at Events
As FIRST grows, the issue of replacement kit parts grows also.
FIRST asks that teams bring any unused parts from their kits to events to assist and support each other. You
can expand your FIRST Network as you exchange parts.
The FIRST Replacement parts area is located in the Pit. The number of parts is limited.
The following are the ONLY items that will be available at any event.
Battery Quick Disconnects
CIM Motors
Muffin Fans ­ Large and Small
Nippon Denso Window Motors and Couplers
120 Amp Main Breakers
Fisher-Price Motors/Gearboxes
Wheel Hub Adapters
Various Pneumatic Fittings ­ but no cylinders,
Globe Motors
tanks, compressors or valves
Batteries & chargers will NOT be available at any time at any event unless you have made prior
arrangements with FIRST.
7.7.8 Control Systems
Teams are responsible for all Innovation First, Inc. products required at events. If a team has a problem with
the controller, LOANERS will be available under the following restrictions:
· Teams must get approval from the on-site Innovation First, Inc. staff member.
· An adult member of the team must provide a Credit Card number to ensure proper return of the items after
the completion of the event.
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If the part is not returned at the end of the event, FIRST will bill the credit for the borrowed item(s).
· All "loaner" items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
(*) Requires approval from Innovation First, Inc. before a team can borrow equipment.
Operator Interface *
Robot Controller *
Radio Modems *
AC Adapter for Operator Interface
Speed Controllers (Victor 884)
Relay Modules (Spike)
7.7.9 Machine Shop
Each event has a machine shop to help teams with repair and fabrication. While the machine shops vary from
event to event, FIRST strives to have welding and a variety of high-powered tools available at the shop.
Grinding and tools that cause sparks are not allowed in the Pit, so teams must use the machine shop when
repairs and fabrication may produce sparks.
The staff and volunteers in the Pit Administration Station will be able to tell you how the system works.
Sometimes the machine shop is on site and readily accessible to all teams, but when it is off site, we require
teams to use the mandatory transportation provided at the venue. Teams cannot travel to the machine shop "on
their own."
7.7.10 Announcer
Each event has a Pit announcer to coordinate the queuing (lining up) of teams to the practice or competition
lineups. Please do not ask the announcer to make frivolous announcements.
7.7.11 Robot Traffic Flow
There is a pre-determined traffic flow pattern organized to maximize efficiency of the team/robot ingress and
egress of the competition areas. Refer to the Pit Map. The queuing team maintains this pattern at each event.
Please obey the traffic rules to ensure an efficient lineup for practice and competition.
7.7.12 Queuing
The Pit announcer and volunteers must maintain the practice and match schedules. Your team should
designate team members to be your queue specialists and carefully watch the schedule and alert the team when
its turn is near. They should:
· Look at the Pit Map to find the pre-set traffic pattern for each event.
· Highlight team practice times on the Practice Schedule on Thursday and your competition match
times on your Match List for Friday/Saturday.
· Listen carefully for the queuing announcements.
· Line up your four (4) competing team members and robot when your team number is announced.
· Check the Saturday schedule to see if your team is in the first matches of the day, in which case lineup
is prior to the Opening Ceremony.
7.7.13 Property Security
There have been occasions when items such as cameras and laptops have "disappeared." Use common sense
and do not leave such valuable items unattended. Neither the site nor FIRST is responsible for theft.
Designate a representative to remain in the Pit during team absences, or take your valued items with you.
7.7.14 Lost and Found
If you find an article or lose one, please come to the Pit Administration Table to fill out a "Lost Item Report,"
or to turn in an article you find. We try hard to return articles to owners during events and after the season.
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7.7.15 First Aid
There will be an EMT or Nurse in the Pit area to assist with injury and illness. Refer to the Pit Map for the
First Aid Station location. Please notify the Pit Administration Supervisor of any injuries or illness.
7.8 OPENING AND AWARDS CEREMONIES
There are both Opening and Awards Ceremonies on Friday and Saturday at Regional events. These
ceremonies allow us to show honor and respect for our country, sponsors, teams, volunteers, and award
winners and to provide the opportunity to applaud the successes of team members. They give teams a chance
to "meet" the Judges, Referees, and important persons and sponsors involved with their event.
FIRST presents trophies and medallions to award-winning teams. We expect all teams to attend on time.
7.8.1 All Teams Should Attend
We encourage all team members to attend the ceremonies to show appreciation for the event and those people
involved who are volunteering their time and efforts.
7.8.2 Pit Manners/Rules During the Ceremonies
1.) Team members will not be allowed to use power tools, hammers, and other noisy tools during the
ceremonies.
2.) All persons in the Pit should observe the code of behavior for the presentation of the Star Spangled
Banner and any and all national anthems:
· Maintain a respectful silence.
· Stand, facing the flag. If there is no flag, look toward the video screen showing a flag.
· Hats off, please.
7.9 TEAM SOCIAL
The team social is a great part of the competition celebration. If your event has a Team Social, it will
probably be after the Awards Ceremony on Friday evening and include food, fun, and an opportunity for
teams to unwind and get to know each other in a relaxed environment. These events are informal and
entertaining!
7.9.1 Requirements
In order to plan for the socials, please ensure the following:
Head Count: Prior to the deadline, the team Main/Alternate Contact must enter the team's
attendance number in TIMS. (If the team will be attending more than one event,
please enter a number that reflects the average attendance.)
Chaperones: Each attending team must have 1 responsible, adult chaperone for each 10 students.
Team Conduct: All team members must conduct themselves with gracious professionalism.
7.9.2 Deadline for Attendance Count
Provide the event attendee information, on line in TIMS, no later than three weeks prior to your event. If you
are attending more than one event, average the count for a good approximation.
7.9.3 Regional Socials
Check the Regional Events section, "Site Info," on the website for dates and location for this activity at
http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/rgevents.htm There is no charge and "come as you are from the
competition" is the dress code. Remember that your behavior reflects the ethics of your team and sets the
tone for the activities. We expect the best from our teams, because they are the best!
7.9.4 Championship FIRST Finale
This event takes place after the Awards Ceremony on Saturday evening. Please refer to the Championship
Site Info.
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7.10 PARTICIPATION MEDALLIONS
FIRST provides ONE box of twenty-five (25) bronze medallions to each team that has not won medals as a:
· A Regional Chairman's Award winner
· An Engineering Inspiration Award winner
· A 2006 Regional Champion or Regional Finalist
7.10.1 One-Time Pickup at Team's Initial Event
We will hand out the medallions at each team's initial event only. Pick them up and sign for them at the
Pit Station on Saturday once it is clear that your team will not receive one of the three awards listed above.
If your team has been to another event, you will not receive a second box of medallions.
7.10.2 After Your Initial Event
If teams forget to pick up their medallions, you should act quickly and request that FIRST ship the team
medallions.
· The team will pay for the medallion shipment cost via their the shipping account number in TIMS
· The medallions will not ship until after our trucks return from the Championship and materials are
unloaded and categorized. The estimated ship time would be mid or end of May.
· We will accept check, credit card, or money order. We will not accept purchase orders.
7.11 TEAM SPIRIT
Competing as a team is fun as well as rewarding. Part of the pleasure and reward of being a team member is
the way the team stylizes itself with team T-shirts, trading buttons, hats, cheers, cheerleaders, and costumes.
7.11.1 Team Styl'n
When deciding on a team name or acronym, consider how you can work a theme around it to make your team
more fun and recognizable. Refer to the "Communications" Manual section, "Using the FIRST Logo" for
logo use clarification.
7.11.2 Mascots and Team Costumes
Keep safety in mind. Awards acceptance often means descending and ascending bleachers. Please make sure
that mascot and team costumes are safe for the wearer as to vision and movement and are comfortable and
cool enough to prevent fainting and dehydration.
7.11.3 Banners and Flags Rules
Sponsors provide FIRST with banners so we can display them in specified areas as a way of thanking them
for their generosity. We encourage teams to bring team flags and/or sponsor banners, but we ask that you
adhere to the following:
· You may bring banners to the competition area, but please do not use them to section off seating.
Saving group seats is not permitted.
· Hang banners in your Pit station only, not on the Pit walls.
· Do not hang them in the competition area. This area is designated for official FIRST sponsors'
banners.
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7.12 SITE RESTRICTIONS
Please read the following restrictions and adhere to them in order to promote an orderly, safe, pleasant, and
exciting competition. As a group, we all should honor agreements with the venue and help promote the spirit
of good partnership. Please:
Do not bring food on the site. If you bring food, do not bring it onto the property.
Do not use noisy devices, such as floor stompers, whistles, or air horns.
Do not save seats. It is not fair to other teams or the public we hope to interest as team sponsors/volunteers.
Do not deliver or ship robots directly to the site. All shipments go through the drayage company.
Do not arrange for Internet access on the site or attempt to connect to the Internet.
Do not sell any products. This includes food, hats, shirts, or any promotional products.
Do not give out any free food products, such as candy, water, soft drinks, or fruit. You may trade team
pins, however.
Do not sell raffle tickets.
Do not remove any FIRST or Team number signs. This is stealing! We use signs for multi-event and
multi-year applications.
Do not bring helium tanks or use walkie-talkies.
Do not invite or bring live bands to play in the audience. This dilutes the presentation on the playing field
and is too loud and confusing for the audience.
Do not play loud music in the Pit because it interferes with important announcements. If a team receives
more than a warning or two, the power to the team's Pit Station will be shut off and/or the music confiscated.
Do not form "tunnels" during the Awards Ceremony. This can cause discomfort to those traveling through
them and creates safety issues.
Do not run in the venue.
Do not wear open-toed shoes.
7.13 COURTESIES AND RULES
The behind-the-scenes action is in the Pit. That is where you can get to know other team members and
perhaps pick a few brains and learn a few things. The FIRST Staff and volunteers want you to enjoy the
competition and request that your team follow courtesy rules while in the Pit, on the playing field, and in the
audience.
We are trying to encourage support from our audience members at the Regional events and the Championship
because we need continued and growing support from outside sources. Please help to make guests feel
comfortable and welcome. Provide your team with rules below so everyone can work and compete in a safe,
sportsmanlike, friendly, and orderly environment.
7.13.1 Pit and Competition Safety
SAFETY CAPTAIN Each team appoints a Safety Captain who will help maintain safety at
events, especially in the Pit. He or she should monitor your team's
general safety practices as well as Pit and Pit Station safety.


Battery Safety: Charge in an open, well-ventilated area. Do not charge near an open
(Sealed Acid Lead) flame or near equipment that may produce sparks. Do not use smoking
materials in the battery charging area. Charge in an upright position. It is
not safe to charge the SAL battery in an inverted position.
Should your battery leak, ask the Pit Administration Supervisor for
baking soda to absorb the acid.

Brazing/Welding/Soldering: Prohibited at the pit stations. Use the machine shop.


Fire Extinguishers: Located at the Pit Administration Station and near the Playing Field.
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Grinding/Paining: No grinding or painting in the Pit. Designated grinding and painting
areas are available to teams


Open Flames: No open flames are allowed in the buildings

Pit Station Crowding: Please stay within your Pit Station or move to the competition viewing
area. If the pit area becomes too crowded for teams and their machines to
move back and forth to the field safely and quickly, FIRST will request
that some team members leave the area.


Robot Loading in/out: For safety and accountability, only the drayage company handles loading
in and out of robots.


Robot Operation: Operate robots on tether only in Pit area.


Running: No running in the venue


Safety Glasses: All team members and onlookers must wear safety glasses when working
on a robot or observing same. They are required on the playing field. If
you wear glasses, you must wear safety goggles over them." Teams are
required to bring enough safety glasses/goggles for team members and
their guests


Two-way radios: Not allowed in the Pit or near the playing field since they may interfere
with robot operation and cause accidents.
7.13.2 Courtesy and Site Regulations

Bands or Drum Units: No live bands in the audience or Pit.


Food: You cannot bring food on site at all. Not even as a promotion.
Do not provide teams with candy, water, fruit, soft drinks, etc. This is to
promote good will and the spirit of partnership with the venues

Music/Noise: No loud music, audio systems, whistles, banging sticks, blow horns, etc.
They interfere with announcements. They prevent teams from hearing
important announcements, can be annoying, and can cause hearing loss.
Power may be shut off and/or radio/cd player, noise makers confiscated.


Phone lines: No free phone lines for internet access.....at all.


Pit/Machine Shop Hours: Specific hours are necessary to provide teams with equal work time.
Please be aware of the opening and closing hours of the Pit and Machine
Shop posted on the agenda you receive in your Registration envelope.
The Pit Administration staff will advise you of corrected hours.

Selling items at the event: Because of site regulations/contracts, FIRST cannot allow teams or
individuals to sell items, such as T-shirts, pins, etc., at any events.
7.14 CONSIDERATIONS
You will often hear the expression Gracious Professionalism throughout your involvement in FIRST. You
can read Woodie Flowers' definition in the "Introduction" portion of the Manual. One of our main goals is to
encourage all team members to conduct themselves with kindness, consideration, and sharing. We hear
heartwarming stories of teams sharing parts, helping to build and/or repair competing robots, and helping
rookie teams avoid preventable pitfalls. These are examples of some side benefits of being involved with this
organization. Please read the following sections to help further the success of FIRST and its teams.
7.14.1 Donated Software Use/Restrictions
Software companies donate software to FIRST teams, and we consider it as part of the Kit of Parts. They
provide it with the understanding that the teams will read the licensing agreement and comply with their rules.
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The donated software is for team use and is not donated for use by the school. Think about which computer
will be the most convenient and appropriate for team use.
Be sure to check the number of allowed installations for each application. It is illegal to install software on
more than the stipulated installation number.
7.14.2 Saving Seats Not Allowed
Sitting together in a group during competition rounds makes the game more exciting and fun. It's where you
can show support for your team. Since very often there is not enough seating to accommodate everyone,
there has to be a policy regarding seating, so teams are not allowed to save seating space.
With this in mind, it is not gracious or fair to hang banners or ribbons to designate such an area. We will
remove and discard banners or roping, etc. Please take turns sitting in the bleachers. Share the fun. When
you see there is a crowding problem, leave after your team's match and return later for another few rounds.
7.14.3 Fundraising ideas
There is some very unique fundraising going on within FIRST teams. If your team has any ideas to share and
help other teams:
1. Make sure you document them in your Chairman's Award submission.
2. Please e-mail your ideas to frcteams@usfirst.org so fellow teams can share your innovations in
profitability. This is a way of building on and expanding Gracious Professionalism.
3. Please realize that fundraising is not allowed at competition events.
7.14.4 Competition Spirit
We ask that you choose to bring attention to your team in ways that are in good taste and in the spirit of the
competition. Please refrain from the following:
· Using obnoxious noisemakers.
· Using objects that can damage bleachers or floors.
· Do not tape or affix items or papers to walls, bleachers, floors, or other site areas.
Please make sure your Pit Station is clean when you leave the site.
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7.15 LOCAL STORES - WEBSITES
Use these URLs to locate stores in the vicinity of your hotel and/or competition site. Before you travel, print
out directions from both the competition site and your hotel. Competition site addresses for each event are on
our website in the Events Sections, "Site Info."
Note for Canada: Please note that the website addresses for stores in Canada end in ".ca".
If the address is for a home page, click on the "find a store," "store locator," or "location."
HARDWARE STORES
Ace Hardware http://www.acehardware.com/
Lowe's http://www.lowes.com/
Menard's http://www.menards.com/nindex.jsp
The Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/home.html
The Home Depot Canada www.homedepot.ca
True Value Hardware http://www.truevalue.com/
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Kinko's http://www.fedex.com/us/officeprint/main/index.html/
Office Depot http://www.officedepot.com/
Office Max http://www.officemax.com/
Staples http://www.staples.com/about/store/find/
Staples Business Depot www.staples.ca
VARIETY STORES
Kmart http://www.bluelight.com/home/index.jsp
Target http://target.com/target_group/stores_services/index.jhtml
Wal*Mart http://www.walmart.com/cservice/ca_storefinder.gsp?NavMode=7
ELECTRONICS
Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/
Circuit City: http://www.circuitcity.com/
Future Shop www.futureshop.ca
Radio Shack®: http://www.radioshack.com/
DRUG STORES
CVS Pharmacy http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/cvsmain
Eckerd http://www2.eckerd.com/Default.asp
Rite Aid http://www.riteaid.com/stores/locator/
Sav-On http://www.savon.com/default2.asp
Shoppers Drug Mart www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
Walgreens http://www.walgreens.com/

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7.16 TEAM CHECKLIST
This list provides suggested items your team may want to / must bring. Replenish items between events.
SAFETY GLASSES are REQUIRED!
Bring required completed CONSENT/
Bring enough for all team members/your visitors.
RELEASE FORMS for all team members!
TOOL BOX ITEMS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
-- Adjustable crescent wrench
-- Banners - Corporate signs & flags for Pit Station
-- Allen wrenches
-- Cart for robot
-- Ball driver set / Nut driver set
-- Clock
-- Batteries and Charger
-- Dirt Devil - vacuum
-- Box cutter
-- Disposable camera / extra film
-- C-Clamp, large, medium, small
-- Drop light
-- Cutters
-- Epoxy
-- De-burring tool
-- File folder box for paperwork
-- Dremel tool/accessories
-- Hand truck
-- Drill bit set
-- Laptop / software / cables / floppies
-- Drill - cordless w/charger
-- Manual and Updates
-- Duct tape
-- Medical Release Forms
-- Electrical tape
-- Message Board - dry erase marker set
-- Flashlight
-- Notepads / spiral notebook / clipboard
-- Flat and Phillips Screwdriver assortment
-- Paper / Post It Notes
-- Hacksaw and blades
-- Paper towels and paper cups
-- Hammer (ball peen & brass)
-- Pens / pencils / sharpies / markers
-- Heat gun
-- Pit station monitor / clean up schedule
-- "Leatherman" tool
-- Portable printer
-- Level, small
-- Registration Papers - completed release forms
-- Lithium grease, spray can
-- Rubber bands
-- Lock tight
-- Schedule to set up and break down pit station
-- Magnet on a stick
-- Small broom
-- Needle nose pliers - medium, small
-- Small foldable seats for Pit Station
-- Open end and boxed end wrenches
-- Small trash can, trash bags
-- Paint brush
-- Spray cleaner
-- Pliers, - large, small
-- Stapler / staples
-- Power Outlet Strip / Extension cord (2)
-- Storage box - trinkets & trash (buttons)
-- Power Screwdriver
-- Team roster
-- Saber Saw/wood & metal blades
-- Upright storage bins
-- Sandpaper - various grits
-- Water cooler / cups or water bottles
-- Screws - nuts - washers
-- Ziploc bags
-- Shrink tubing
ESSENTIALS/PERSONALS
-- Socket set - ¼", 3/8" drive
-- 1st Aid Kit
-- Soldering iron, solder, solder wick, flux
-- Advil / Aspirin / Tylenol
-- Spare parts
-- Alcohol Prep Pads / 3M First Aid tape
-- Super glue / stick glue
-- Band-Aids / Blister kit / Ice Bag
-- Square - small, medium
-- Cough drops / sore throat medicine
-- Tap & die set/assorted taps
-- Extra - toothbrushes / hairbrushes / combs
-- Tape: Clear / masking / duct
-- Extra - travel size deodorant/razors
-- Tape measure / ruler
-- Eye wash and drops
-- Tie Wraps / Connectors
-- Hand sanitizer / Liquid Soap
-- Tin snips
-- Feminine products
-- Tweezers / scissors
-- Insect sting medicine / OFF spray
-- Vice grip - large, small
-- Kleenex / Cotton Balls / Wet ones / Q-Tips
-- Volt meter
-- Neosporin
-- WD-40 / Lithium grease, spray can
-- Pepto-Bismol / Imodium AD
-- Wire terminal crimpers / Wire strippers
-- Small Sewing Kit
-- X-Acto knife and blades
-- Sunscreen / Sunburn Spray / Aloe Vera

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