Tune in to the Cactus Wren Award Ceremony!
Saturday, December 19 at 10 AM Arizona Time
Live streamed by the CocoNuts
Congrats to all the teams that competed in our first Ultimate Goal Remote Qualifier!
Friday, December 18, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
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
Thursday, December 3, 2020
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
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."
Thursday, November 5, 2020
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.
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!
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
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
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!
Thursday, October 1, 2020
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!
Friday, September 11, 2020
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
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
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
11:00 AM ULTIMATE GOAL FIELD TOUR will also be live-streamed:
PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS
ROBOT DESIGN & TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS
CONTROL SYSTEM & PROGRAMMING WORKSHOPS
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!!!!
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