FIRSTTech_IconVert_RGBAges: 12-18

Way More Than Building Robots

Australian Team Registration

New Team 

    • Register via the official FIRST FTC portal for your official, permanent team number.
    • Place any PITSCO orders through the FIRST Storefront.

Returning Team

    • Please check and update Lead Coach/Mentor 1 and Lead Coach/Mentor 2 and accept the US FIRST agreement every season.
    • Due to a current systems issue, please perform a $0 checkout for the season.
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  • Step Two:  CLICK HERE
    • Register via the FIRST Australia Dashboard
    • Select your events for this season

Resources

 

 


FAQ's

  • Credit or invoice payment is required at the time of registration.
  • All teams must register through the official FIRST registration in the US to obtain a team number which allows teams to order from PITSCO.
    Teams will use the FIRST Storefront to order from PITSCO.
  • Queensland teams who have sponsorship will not be required to make credit card payment.  Please contact Peter Kellett if you have questions concerning whether or not your team falls under that sponsorship.
  • FTC Australia teams may participate in ONE qualifying event each season - where they may receive an invitation to compete in the Australia National Championships.
  • If you would like to join the FTC Coaches Forum, please request access here.
  • For more information, contact us.

For ALL FIRST Australia events, each participant including students and coaches must download, complete & submit on tournament day:

  • *Per the terms and conditions of registration for all FIRST programs, one completed consent form per participant (students and coaches) are required for each event in which the team participates each season.  This form has been drafted by FIRST and Macquarie University's legal teams in order to meet DET expectations in Western Australia.  This is the form for all Australian states and territories. There are no other acceptable versions and there are NO substitute forms (including Macquarie University Media Release forms).  Any participant who does not submit the form will not be allowed to participate in FIRST events.  

 

The really cool thing about FIRST Tech Challenge is being part of a team. All skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical and non-technical. Read on for more about team basics, time frame, commitment, and skills required.

What does every FIRST  Tech Challenge team need?

  • 2 or more adult Mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season, and beyond!
  • Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical advising, and other tasks.
  • A suitable meeting place and space to design and build a robot about the size of a microwave oven.
  • A standard kit of robot parts and a common set of game and robot rules issued by FIRST Tech Challenge.
  • A budget and a fundraising plan.
  • The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build camaraderie, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!

When does FIRST  Tech Challenge happen?

The FIRST® Tech Challenge season in Australia begins in June, when teams generally form and registration opens. Season kick-off is in early September when the season's game is announced. The design and build season runs from September to end of October. Tournament season varies by region and can begin as early as October and continues through April.  Regional Qualifying Events in Australia advance teams to the Australia National Championship (in December), and winners earn spots at FIRST Championship (USA) at the end of April. Teams can get together for scrimmages as well, where teams participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!

What is the time commitment?

Mentors or adult Volunteers meet with their team at least once per week during the build and competition season (September - April). Many mature teams also meet throughout the school year, and some compete in off-season events during the summer. You, your family, and your available free time can decide together how much time you can devote to the program.

As a team member, the same applies. Students meet at least once per week from Mid-September through April. Like any sport or other after-school activity, the more time you invest, the better you will become at your task(s).

Any special skills required?

All skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical and non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills to succeed, so what are you good at? Chances are we have a job for you. And we’ll probably teach you a few new ones while you’re with us.

Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST Tech Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills.

 

FIRST Tech Challenge gives middle and high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work and create together to solve a common problem. Teams are challenged to design and build a robot using a kit of parts and within a common set of rules to play a sophisticated field game. The robot game changes every season and is a blast!

FIRST redefines winning by rewarding teams for achievements both on and off the field − excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, Gracious Professionalism®, and outreach efforts are some of the award criteria. Winning is always secondary to the quality of the overall experience.

Remember: NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

7 essential steps to starting a FIRST  Tech Challenge team:

1. Gather support resources

Familiarize yourself with FIRST Tech Challenge by checking out the materials on our website and social media pages. Then locate your region’s Affiliate Partner or FIRST Senior Mentor. These people know the FIRST teams, participating schools, and FIRST-friendly businesses in your area. He or she can help you form a plan for getting your team funded, organized, and in touch with other teams in the area.

2. Enlist Coaches & Mentors

Each team needs two or more adult Mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season and beyond. Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, and other tasks.

3. Register and Pay

Once registered, your team becomes a part of the worldwide FIRST Tech Challenge community. You’ll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with a temporary team number in preparation for event registration in the fall. Part of the registration process include ordering the kit of parts and completing payment. (Please note that, until you click submit, you are not committed to becoming a team.)

  • Teams in Australia register via this webpage.  See left sidebar for details.

4. Build your team

Find and invite a few students (maximum 15) who want to be part of a robotics team. Be sure to emphasize that no technical skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Recruit all kinds of talents, not just engineering and electrical.

5. Fundraising

Your team will need to build a budget and fund their goals. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you. Many of them may already have a relationship with FIRST. We also have many fundraising opportunities you can explore, including grants for both rookie and veteran teams.

6. Learn about safety

At FIRST, student safety is always paramount. Every adult must become familiar with our Youth Protection Program (YPP). Take the time to watch our videos and read our youth protection materials.

7. Review Mentor and Team Resources

Part of the fun is designing and building your robot and FIRST provides a wealth of information in our Resource Library to help you. Find everything from technical guides, to fundraising ideas, or fun activities for your team.

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