Arizona Qualifiers begin in 11 days!!!! ARE YOU READY?
READ the most updated versions of Game Manual 1 and Game Manual 2 prior to competition!!! These were both updated in late October.
Qualifier Payment Due December 2
Communication is key - please let us know the status of your payment before this deadline. A PO request is fine by this deadline, but if we don't hear from you, your team may be dropped from your events.
Don't forget:
- Your team must have your season registration paid with FIRST AND have two coaches cleared through the youth protection screening prior to competing.
- The scoring system actually will not allow us to add your team unless this criteria is met!
- Your team name will be displayed at the competition during matches and awards as it's listed on your FIRST Dashboard. Make sure that you update it if there have been any changes prior to your event. We can't make changes once the event is in progress.
- Questions? Contact Patti or Susan.
Portfolio vs Notebook - what's the difference?
- Notebook: The record of your entire season, kept electronically or as a hard copy in the pits. Judges may ask to see your notebook in judging or in follow-up interviews in the pits.
- Portfolio: A concise record of your team's accomplishments, not to exceed 15 pages. The portfolio will be uploaded to the FTC Scoring System by the Tuesday prior to your tournament so judges can review your materials prior to your interview on tournament day. If your portfolio exceeds 15 pages, judges will STOP READING after page 15.
- Please read Game Manual Part 1 for details on what is required for your portfolio to be considered for judging. NEARLY ALL JUDGED AWARDS REQUIRE an engineering portfolio to be submitted in order for a team to be considered.
Submitting Judging Materials
- Control Award Form - fill this out, upload it to the scoring system, and print to give to judges during your interview.
- Teams will be added to the FTC Scoring system for their events. This is where you can upload your Portfolio and Control Award form.
- Please contact Patti with questions about the scoring system.
PDF Tips - Getting your engineering portfolio sized to uploadAs your Engineering Portfolios get more elaborate and detailed throughout the season, you may run into a size issue. Keep in mind that the size limit for uploads through the scoring system is 15 Mb. If your team is receiving an error message about file size when you try to upload your judging materials, try these helpful tips from teams.
Who's playing at my event?
- You can see a list of teams registered for each event HERE. This is also listed on the right side of the Blog.
- Official event results can be viewed here on the official FTC page.
Packing List
- TEAM ROSTER showing all students have had a parent sign the online FIRST Consent form or paper consent forms for any students unable to do it online. CLICK HERE for instructions on the Youth Registration System or download the consent forms in ENGLISH - SPANISH
- SAFETY GLASSES for all your students, mentors, and spectators. We will not be able to loan safety glasses safely due to continued sanitizing concerns.
- Closed-toed shoes and long hair tied back is required in the pits and on the field.
- Your robot!
- Alliance markers for red and blue
- Team numbers attached to bot
- Spare robot batteries and charger
- Robot controllers
- Programming computer, charger, and programs backed up on a flash drive
- Box or small cart to move the robot from the pits to the field
- Do a pre-event inspection for both software and hardware before arriving. Inspection sheets are in Game Manual Part 2 in the appendix.
- Engineering Portfolio and Notebook
- Power supply and extension cord
- Pit decorations or displays - please contact tournament director for information on size of pit
- Team swag and spirit items
- Scouting plan
- Team spirit and Gracious Professionalism!
Health and Safety
While we are not requiring masks at events unless CDC or Arizona guidelines and rules change, there are several things you can do to help keep all participants and volunteers healthy:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer early and often, especially when using high-contact items such as practice fields or game elements
- Stay home when feeling unwell - there are plenty of colds and flus going around in addition to COVID (sharing is not caring!)
- Mask up after having COVID - for at least 5 days after your 5-day quarantine
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Screen the health of your students prior to leaving - if anyone on your team feels sick, ask them to stay home
- Maintain health and safety standards at home with your team to help keep everyone healthy
Dean's List - Interview Event
The FIRST Dean's List honors student leaders on each team who exemplify the values of FIRST, have made a positive impact on their team and in the community, and show technical expertise. Each team many nominate up to two 10th or 11th grade students. Nominees become Dean's List Semifinalists. A panel of judges will interview each nominee and select our Finalists to be considered at World Championship.
This year, all Dean's List interviews will take place remotely via the FTC Scoring system on January 24, 25, and 26, 2023 in the afternoon/evening. Dean's List nominations are due by December 15, 2022 to be considered. No late nominations will be accepted. For more information on the Dean's List criteria and how to nominate your sophomore and junior leaders for the FIRST Dean's List, click here.
Advancement
We are excited to plan a large, in-person Arizona Championship again! The Championship will take place on February 25, 2023 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. 44-48 teams will advance to the Championship through the qualifying tournaments. Advancement numbers will be announced soon, but in the meantime, be sure to read the advancement criteria in Game Manual Part 1.
