Good Luck Cactus Wren Teams!

 GOOD LUCK TO THE TEAMS COMPETING AT 
THE CACTUS WREN QUALIFIER!

Good luck to all the teams competing starting tomorrow in the Cactus Wren Qualifier! You are truly pioneers - this is one of the first FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifiers using the remote event hub to take place in North America! GO TEAMS! 

All Teams are invited to join us for the Cactus Wren Award Ceremony, which will be live-streamed Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 am. The link will be posted to the blog! 

EVENT FORMS - You can find the forms your team needs to submit for judging in this folder. When you get ready to compete in a remote qualifier, your team will be given a deadline to upload your judging materials. The forms in this folder include the Control Award and Request for Judging Feedback. 

DEAN'S LIST - The deadline to nominate sophomore or junior students from your team for January Events (Petrified Wood and Palo Verde) is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 at 11:59 PM EST. A lot of teams are competing in these events so don't wait! Find out more about the Dean's List and how to nominate your students HERE. 

TEAM WEBINARS - FIRST is offering another series of webinars for teams on competing in a remote environment. Recordings of the previous webinars can be found here. 

• Remote Judging - Dec. 14 at 9:05 PM EST
• Remote Scoring - Dec. 15 at 8:05 PM EST
• Remote Gameplay - Dec. 17 at 8:05 PM EST

ARE YOU READY??? Qualifiers Start Next Week!!!!

 
It's almost time to play Ultimate Goal! Whether you're munching rings or flinging them through the air, it's time to showcase what you can do! 

Spam Anyone? 

We're getting reports from some coaches that emails coming from FIRST officials are ending up in spam folders. Please check your spam folders and look for emails from Christine, Patti, Dave and Susan. Please add us to your approved senders - we don't want you to miss out on important updates - many schools are tightening email server security. And of course, remember to check the blog early and often! 

Payment Deadline

Please remember to submit your payment for your qualifiers by December 18. We use your entry fees to pay for such essentials as awards, fields, and everything needed to run our events! Teams that don't meet the deadline will incur a late fee. 

A message from Head Referee Rich

“Teams are strongly encouraged to review the most recent Game Manuals posted on the Game Season Website.  A recent change in the Game Manual 2 clarifies how the Power Shot Goals may be scored…  in quick…  

The ring has to directly contact the power shot goal to score.  At the COVID Classic Scrimmage, a Team asked about hitting the bottom support bar hard enough that it causes the Power Shot Goals to move from Forward to Back position.  I had not seen this update to the scoring so my response indicating it should count is not correct.  The only way to score Power Shot Goals is for the Ring to hit the colored element. 

 

Best Wishes to all teams out there, I miss seeing you all and feel free to email any questions

Ref Rich”

Don't Forget - secure your spot at our qualifiers!

We have many teams that still haven't registered for their 2020/2021 qualifying tournaments. Please remember that while we have all our events listed as remote, we hope to be able to shift some to traditional in-person events as conditions allow. Please don't wait to register - some events are close to capacity! And as always, stay safe, healthy & positive and continue to hope for turn for the better in the pandemic!

Event Lists & Capacity

Speaking of event capacity....Listed to the right on the blog is our new current list of spots available at each event. Did you know that you can view registered teams and results on the FIRST website? Check it out here! (Note: teams will only appear on the event page once added to the event hub by Patti.) If you'd like to see who's gearing up to play with you, check out the current team list here. 

Qualifiers Kickoff Next Week!

Good luck to all the teams competing in the Cactus Wren Qualifier starting next week! If you're team is competing, you'll receive a link to a Google drive to load your photos and videos from your competition to showcase at the award ceremony. The award ceremonies from each event will be live-streamed on the CocoNuts' YouTube Channel. Links will be posted here to the blog - be sure to tune in! 

Season Updates from FIRST

• Remote Judging - Tips and Tricks
• Game Manual Updates
• Game Play Quiz - test your knowledge before playing remotely!
• Remote Scoring System Quiz - test your knowledge before playing remotely!
• Mentoring a FIRST Team Remotely Training

Coaches and Mentors - Patti needs your input

"Greetings Coaches & Mentors,

Our AmeriCorps VISTAs are working on a project to help recruit and retain mentors by providing or making accessible any resources that are currently lacking. In order to do so, they have created two surveys, one for coaches and one for mentors, to find out what is working and what needs to be improved. If you could fill out your respective survey or forward to any other coaches/mentors on your team, that would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reach out to Patti Strones with any questions."

COACH SURVEY

MENTOR SURVEY

AZFTC "COVID Classic" Scrimmage & Season Schedule

1st Dean's List Deadline Approaching! 

It's hard to believe, but the first deadline to nominate your outstanding 10th and 11th grade students will be here soon! 

The deadline to nominate students is the 15th of the month prior to the competition that you'd like your nominees interviewed at 11:59 PM EST. So, for our season the schedule looks like this: 

• November 15: Cactus Wren
• December 15: Petrified Wood, Palo Verde
• January 15: Turquoise, Saguaro Blossom, Copper, High Country
• February 15: Desert Vista

Check out the Dean's List Nomination Guide for more details.

Arizona's "COVID Classic" Remote Scrimmage!

Are you ready to try out your robot? Are you ready to get your hands on the remote event hub? Can't wait to showcase your bot? Do you really just miss seeing other teams???? Then the "COVID Classic" Scrimmage is for you! 

Join us Saturday, November 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM! No matter what state your robot is in (from ready to go, to more of a hypothetical situation) join us and:

• Enter scores using the remote hub from your dashboard
• Showcase your robot by uploading a video to be seen by other teams
• Train your scorekeeper and referee
• Get robot help from our team of CSAs, FTAs and Robot Inspectors
• Practice your judging presentation
• Network and socialize with other teams

Schedule: 

10:00 to 10:15 AM: Welcome and Introductions

10:15 to 11:00 AM: Remote Event Hub tour

11:00 AM to Noon: Scorekeeper and Referee Training

Noon to 3:00 PM: Work and help time - help from key volunteers available for programming, robot design, strategy, mock judging interviews, game play

3:30 PM: Deadline to upload scrimmage match scores & Scrimmage Closing Ceremony

To register for the Scrimmage, please email Patti sooner rather than later to get your team added to the Remote Hub. Please include your team name and number. The Scrimmage is FREE to all Arizona teams! 

Important: Your team needs to be registered with FIRST in order to participate in events on the Remote Hub.

Registration Now Open for Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifiers!

Our season schedule is official! We're offering 8 qualifiers this season in December, January, February and March. 

• Cactus Wren Qualifier: December 11 - 17, 2020
• Petrified Wood Qualifier: January 15 - 21, 2021
• Palo Verde Qualifier: January 22 - 28, 2021
• Turquoise Qualifier: February 5 - 11, 2021
• Saguaro Blossom Qualifier: February 12 - 18, 2021
• Copper Qualifier: February 19 - 25, 2021
• High Country Qualifier: February 26 - March 4, 2021
• Desert Vista Qualifier: March 5 - 11, 2021
• Arizona Championship: March 26 & 27, 2021

If your team has already registered for events, you will receive an invoice soon listing the events you've been assigned to and instructions for payment.

Teams will have the option to switch from a remote event to an in-person event as conditions allow and as the events get closer. When filling out the registration form, teams will also be asked to let us know what type of field you will use for a remote event and who will be your official scorekeeper and referee for remote events.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ARIZONA QUALIFIERS

Teams can also now apply for registration relief grants from the CocoNuts. These grants will be awarded to teams based on need every two weeks until their pool of money is depleted. The next date they will be selecting recipients is October 22, and teams who apply by that date will be notified the following week. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A REGISTRATION RELIEF GRANT

The tournament registration fee for each team is $200, which allows teams three qualifier plays. Payment is due in December. Invoices will be sent to teams indicating any grant money and the event selections. 

Live Webinar Series - (Note: Arizona is 2 hours behind Eastern Time)

• November 11 (8:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Technical Troubleshooting
• November 17 (8:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Remote Scoring
• November 19 (9:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Gameplay
• View the recordings from last month's webinars here
• Join in the Remote Field Fun and make it loud with #remoterobots
• Webinars Offered by NAU Center for Science Teaching & Learning:
• Nov 16 (4:00 PM AZ Time): Opportunities in FIRST for All Ages
• Nov 17 (4:00 PM AZ Time): ROADS on Asteroids NASA challenge
• Nov 18 (4:00 PM AZ Time): Funding your Robotics Team
• Nov 19 (4:00 PM AZ Time): Engage K12 in Coding - COVID & Beyond
• Register for the NAU Webinar Series HERE

Four Part Video Series - FTC Remote Events

This video series walks through the Remote Event hub, and how to score an official match. Access the Videos HERE. 

• Part 1: Introduction to the FTC Scoring System
• Part 2: Playing a Test Match
• Part 3: Scoring an Official Match
• Part 4: Scoring on Paper & Uploading Scores

Five Part Video Series - Autonomous Mode Navigation

Includes how to lay out plans for a maze, how to build code, and more! Access the Videos HERE. 

PTC Resources for Teams

Virtual College Fair for FIRST Students!

On November 12, FIRST^® partner Tallo is hosting a free virtual college fair specifically for FIRST students. We will introduce you to colleges who are looking for FIRST students because on your teams you have learned the skills and gained the necessary experience to be successful in the future. We’re using a new app, Ping by Tallo, to match you with colleges based on how your interests and preferences align with theirs. It’s a fast and easy way to learn about new schools who have great programs, choose who you want to connect with, and email their representatives a connection request. Sign up today! Choose the "FIRST Fair" when you sign up.

Youth Team Member Registration - Required this season

All youth team members are required to complete registration this season. If your students have already signed the consent form previously, they will need to complete the updated version (which has language specific for this season). Instructions for completing youth registration can be found here. 

DON'T FORGET! Kickoff workshops are still available on the Blog for teams to view throughout the season! 

Webinar Series for FTC Teams

Four Part Video Series - FTC Remote Events

This video series walks through the Remote Event hub, and how to score an official match. Access the Videos HERE. 

• Part 1: Introduction to the FTC Scoring System
• Part 2: Playing a Test Match
• Part 3: Scoring an Official Match
• Part 4: Scoring on Paper & Uploading Scores

Five Part Video Series - Autonomous Mode Navigation

Includes how to lay out plans for a maze, how to build code, and more! Access the Videos HERE. 

Live Webinar Series - Arizona is 3 hours behind Eastern Time

• October 21 (8:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Technical Troubleshooting
• October 26 (9:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Specific Judging
• October 27 (8:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Remote Scoring
• October 29 (8:05 PM Eastern Time): Team Gameplay

PTC Resources for Teams

Virtual College Fair for FIRST Students!

On November 12, FIRST^® partner Tallo is hosting a free virtual college fair specifically for FIRST students. We will introduce you to colleges who are looking for FIRST students because on your teams you have learned the skills and gained the necessary experience to be successful in the future. We’re using a new app, Ping by Tallo, to match you with colleges based on how your interests and preferences align with theirs. It’s a fast and easy way to learn about new schools who have great programs, choose who you want to connect with, and email their representatives a connection request. Sign up today! Choose the "FIRST Fair" when you sign up.

Youth Team Member Registration - Required this season

All youth team members are required to complete registration this season. If your students have already signed the consent form previously, they will need to complete the updated version (which has language specific for this season). Instructions for completing youth registration can be found here. 

Registration Now Open for Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifiers!

Arizona Teams can now register for their qualifying events. The registration form asks you to select three weeks that your team wants to compete in December, January, February and March. We will use your selections to assign your team to three remote events. Teams will have the option to switch from a remote event to an in-person event as conditions allow and as the events get closer. Teams will also be asked to let us know what type of field you will use for a remote event and who will be your official scorekeeper and referee for remote events.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ARIZONA QUALIFIERS

Teams can also now apply for registration relief grants from the CocoNuts. These grants will be awarded to teams based on need every two weeks until their pool of money is depleted. The first date they will be selecting recipients is October 22, and teams who apply by that date will be notified the following week. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A REGISTRATION RELIEF GRANT

The tournament registration fee for each team is $200, which allows teams three qualifier plays. Payment is due in December. Invoices will be sent to teams indicating any grant money and the event selections. 

DON'T FORGET! Kickoff workshops are still available on the Blog for teams to view throughout the season! 

Arizona Event Registration - Now Open!

 Registration Now Open for Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifiers!

Arizona Teams can now register for their qualifying events. The registration form asks you to select three weeks that your team wants to compete in December, January, February and March. We will use your selections to assign your team to three remote events. Teams will have the option to switch from a remote event to an in-person event as conditions allow and as the events get closer. Teams will also be asked to let us know what type of field you will use for a remote event and who will be your official scorekeeper and referee for remote events.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ARIZONA QUALIFIERS

Teams can also now apply for registration relief grants from the CocoNuts. These grants will be awarded to teams based on need every two weeks until their pool of money is depleted. The first date they will be selecting recipients is October 22, and teams who apply by that date will be notified the following week. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A REGISTRATION RELIEF GRANT

The tournament registration fee for each team is $200, which allows teams three qualifier plays. Payment is due in December. Invoices will be sent to teams indicating any grant money and the event selections. 

DON'T FORGET! Kickoff workshops are still available on the Blog for teams to view throughout the season! 

ARIZONA VIRTUAL KICKOFF is HERE!!!!

WELCOME TO ULTIMATE GOAL! 

We're super excited to Kickoff the 2020-2021 Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Season with you all! Where ever you may be - gather together how ever you can - virtually or in person - to celebrate! This season may be a bit different than what we're used to but our commitment to offering you the best possible program remains as strong as ever. 

On behalf of the Planning Committee, volunteers & CocoNuts.... GO TEAMS!

Share your excitement on social media using: 

• @FTCTeams (FIRST Tech Challenge)
• #FIRSTFFC (FIRST Force for Change)
• #ULTIMATEGOAL (new game!)
• @AZ_FTC (Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge)
• @cocorobo (CocoNuts)

Saturday, September 12, 2020 

Scroll down to view workshop and Kickoff Videos

• 8:00 AM: AZ Season Information with Dave and Christine (Prerecorded - run time: 31 min)
• 9:00 AM: Official ULTIMATE GOAL Kickoff - video provided by FIRST
• 10:00 AM: Workshops available
• 11:00 AM: Arizona Statewide Locations open to see the field 
• Coaches: please check your email for your appointment time
• Ultimate Goal Field Virtual Walk-Through & Q&A with Rich & Robert 
• 1:00 PM: Control System Q&A with head FTAs Zach and Lexxi
• 4:00 PM: Coaches Meet & Greet "Happy Hour" - Q&A with Dave and Christine
• 5:00 PM: Mechanical Design and Strategy live Q&A with Matt

2020 ARIZONA KICKOFF WORKSHOP LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS

FIRST Tech Challenge Ultimate Goal Official Page

Professional Development Hours for Attending Kickoff! - Teachers may receive continuing education hours from NAU's Center for Science Teaching and Learning for watching Kickoff workshops! To receive your certificate, CLICK HERE and complete the survey by Friday, September 18.  

SEASON INFORMATION & GAME REVEAL

• Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge 2020-2021 Season Information
• Presentation Slides
• Official ULTIMATE GOAL GAME REVEAL - 9:00 AM Arizona Time

LIVE Q&A SESSIONS 

11:00 - Field Walk-through, Q&A

1:00 - Control System Q&A

4:00 - Coaches & Mentors Q&A

5:00 - Strategy & Design Q&A

Click here to access Zoom sessions to ask questions

11:00 AM ULTIMATE GOAL FIELD TOUR will also be live-streamed:

PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS

ROBOT DESIGN & TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

• Mechanical Design (Design; Strategy)
• 2020 Safety for FIRST Tech Challenge Teams
• The Engineering Design Process - How to Tell your Team's Story
• FIRST Tech Challenge Field & Hardware Inspection (PDF)
• Highlighting Your Engineering Notebook
• KanBan

CONTROL SYSTEM & PROGRAMMING WORKSHOPS

• Blocks Programming
• FIRST Tech Challenge 2020 - Introduction to Control System (PDF)
• Why Doesn't My Robot Work?!?
• FIRST Tech Challenge 2020 - Control System Updates  (PDF)
• GitHub Jiu-Jitsu - Mastering the Art of the Push

TEAM MANAGEMENT, JUDGING & OUTREACH WORKSHOPS

• FIRST Tech Challenge Judging Updates & Tips
• FIRST Dean's List (PDF)
• Fundraising and Marketing for FIRST Teams
• Communication and Dynamics of a Veteran Team
• Imagery & Marketing for FIRST Robotics
• How to Run your Team Remotely
• FIRST Advocacy
• New NASA Robotics Challenge

HAPPY KICKOFF FROM YOUR ARIZONA PARTNERS AND PLANNING COMMITTEE!!!!

ONLY 16 DAYS UNTIL THE 2020 KICKOFF!!!!!

KICKOFF IS COMING - IT'S TIME TO PLAY!!!

Arizona Kickoff - September 12, 2020

Get ready for the 2020/2021 Game ULTIMATE GOAL! Kickoff may look a little different this year, but we're still ready to celebrate the start of another amazing season of FIRST Tech Challenge in Arizona with you! 

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW, then... 

PLEASE COMPLETE THE KICKOFF REGISTRATION FORM HERE

IMPORTANT: Please only fill out this form once per team. This form MUST be completed to receive a 2020 game piece. 

WORKSHOPS:

We have an incredible lineup of workshops for your offered by teams and members of the Arizona Planning Committee. These workshops will be prerecorded and made available to teams via the Blog and on the CocoNuts YouTube channel. The tentative list includes: 

• Season Information - Dave and Christine
• Mechanical Design
• Safety - traditional and remote formats
• Judging
• Dean's List
• Fundraising
• ULTIMATE GOAL Game Essentials
• Communication Dynamics 
• Sensors
• Engineering Design Process
• Imagery and Branding for FIRST Teams
• How to Run your Team Remotely
• Control System 101
• Why Doesn't My Robot Work?!?
• Season Updates for 2020 Control System
• GitHub Jiu-Jitsu: Mastering the Art of the Push
• Advocate for FIRST 
• How to Pre-Inspect your Robot

In additon to the prerecorded content, we will offer a handful of LIVE Q&A sessions via Zoom. The schedule will be announced prior to Kickoff, and sessions will include: 

• Arizona Coaches & Mentors - Meet & Greet & Q&A - with Dave & Christine
• Control System Q&A - with Zach, Lexxi, and CocoNuts
• ULTIMATE GOAL Field Tour - with Head Refs Rich and Robert

MEET THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST TIME:

One of the best parts of Kickoff is getting to see, touch and experience the field in person. This year we will be setting up the ULTIMATE GOAL field at various locations statewide. Teams can sign up for a time and location to bring a small group from your team to see the field and pick up your game element (1 per team, purchased by the CocoNuts with love :). If your team is unable to travel to a field location, please indicate that on the survey along with a good address for us to mail your game element to. We will be following recommended guidelines for safety, including: 

• Masks are required for all mentors and students coming to see the field
• Teams may bring no more than 10 people total (students and mentors)
• Social distancing must be observed
• Please help us disinfect the field between groups!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• 8:30 AM: AZ Season Information with Dave and Christine 
• 9:00 AM: Official ULTIMATE GOAL Kickoff - video provided by FIRST
• 10:00 AM: Q&A Sessions begin & Pre-recorded workshops available
• 11:00AM: Locations open to see the field

FIELD LOCATIONS:

Tucson - San Miguel High School

Chandler - Valley Christian High School

Flagstaff - Coconino High School

Phoenix - Cactus High School

CAN'T WAIT FOR KICKOFF???

PLEASE COMPLETE THE KICKOFF REGISTRATION FORM

IMPORTANT: Please only fill out this form once per team. This form MUST be completed to receive a 2020 game piece. 

Arconic Grants - Deadline is September 4!

We’re excited to announce the 2020-21 Arconic Foundation FIRST^® Tech Challenge team grant program. This $1,000 grant is available to rookie and veteran FIRST Tech Challenge teams in key Arconic operations locations within a 50-mile radius of CHANDLER, AZ!

  

The Arconic Foundation FIRST Tech Challenge team grant does not require an Arconic employee mentor/coach. The grant application will close Friday, September 4, 2020. DON'T WAIT - APPLY NOW!

Register your Team - Enter the Kickoff Sweepstakes

Register your team by Septebmer 10 for your chance to be entered into the FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff Sweepstakes! Four winning teams will receive a 2020-2021 ULTIMATE GOAL partial game set and scoring elements!