Rules & Expectations for FRC Competition
To see the full set of official rules from FRC site, click here.
Here is a summarized overview of important “to dos,” recommended items and practices that are likely helpful while competing, and official rules for participants. Its content is not season-specific.
General Rules apply throughout an event, from load in to load out.
What to Bring
One page checklist of important items to bring to the event.
- Remind your team to consider these points when dressing for the event:
- First, remember our requirements for safety glasses in the manual, rule S01. As the rule says, “All event attendees must wear ANSI-approved, UL Listed, CE EN166 rated, AS/NZS, or CSA rated non-shaded safety glasses while in the ARENA. Lightly tinted lenses are permitted provided eyes are clearly visible to others, but reflective lenses are prohibited.” Steampunk goggles may be a fun costume item, but unless they meet these requirements, you can’t wear them in place of your safety glasses.
- Also, some of you may be tempted to bring fanciful weapons as part of your costume to events - Don't!. Please rethink this, even if the weaponry is obviously non-functional. You may be at a venue in which weapons of any kind (even obviously fake ones) are not allowed. Also, this is the kind of thing that can make people uncomfortable. No one will get into trouble for notbringing a weapon, I can tell you that for sure.
- Please review the Safety Manual! You can view the Safety Manual here: http://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/frc/safety-manual. It is important that teams obey all safety items, including wearing closed toe shoes, wearing gloves when necessary, and practicing safe lifting techniques.
- Respect boundaries in the Pit area! Please be respectful of fellow teams by being aware of how much space your team is using in the Pit area. Each team is usually allocated a 10’x10’x10’ Pit space. Please be conscious of how much space your team is using to allow adequate workspace for your neighbouring teams, and to ensure overall safety for everyone. We appreciate your Gracious Professionalism®!
Here is a summarized overview of important “to dos,” recommended items and practices that are likely helpful while competing, and official rules for participants. Its content is not season-specific.
General Rules apply throughout an event, from load in to load out.
- Don’t forget to wear safety glasses! Everyone is required to wear safety glasses at all times in the Pit area and in the playing field area.
- Teams may not be in the pit areas outside of pit hours
- All team members must wear safety glasses, closed toed/heeled shoes, and tie back long hair.
- Teams are not permitted to save seats for team members that are not present. This includes marking or roping off areas. If the event is crowded, take turns in the sitting area.
- Do not bring or use skateboards, hoverboards, drones, bottled gas including helium, noisy devices or noise makers (including whistles and horns), or walky talkies.
- No using venue internet
- Do not sell any products. This includes food, hats, shirts or any promotional products.
- Do not distribute any food products, such as candy, water, soft drinks or fruit.
- Do not play loud music in The Pit.
- Inappropriate clothing is not permitted.
What to Bring
- Banner to post over their driver station during a match. Be sure it meets specifications posted here
- Competition Spirit - bring attention to your team in ways that are in good taste and in the spirit of the competition
- Consent and Release Forms (if not done electronically) - Hard copies of the Consent and Release forms must be turned in to the Pit Administration desk before a team is eligible to compete at an event. Details on the Consent and Release form process are available here.
- Mentors registered in the Team Registration System may complete the electronic Consent and Release form in that system.
- Turn in a Team Roster when we check-in at Pit Administration, along with any hard copy forms.
- Flags and/or signs for display in their pits and/or the playing field area, under these rules:
- Do not cover or move other team or sponsor signs already in place.
- Share the available space fairly with other teams.
- Do not obstruct the view of spectators.
- Hang signs in a safe manner.
- At the end of the event, safely remove all signs and anything used to hang the signs (tape, string, etc.).
- Mascots and Team Costumes
- Robot Carts for transport robot throughout an event (robot must be powered off when transported from one area to another... in other words, we can't drive it around)
- Must be easy to control, maneuver, and pose no risk to bystanders.
- Must fit through a standard 30-inch door.
- Must remain in the team pit area (or in the cart staging area, if during a match) when not in use.
- Carts may not damage flooring.
- E25. Carts may not be equipped with music or other sound-generating devices, except for devices of reasonable volume used for safety purposes (e.g. to make others in the direct vicinity aware that a robot is on the move).
- Put the team’s number on the cart
- Refer to the FIRST Safety Manual for robot lifting techniques, and practice putting the robot on and off the cart to develop a quick, fluid routine. Also some great animations that were entered into the contest.
- Team Giveaways to promote your team’s identity - Example is a button with team logo and number
- Team Spirit and Team “Look” - 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.
- Recommend that we include the team number on all team T-shirts, trading buttons, hats, cheers and costumes.
One page checklist of important items to bring to the event.
- Suggested List of Items to Bring to an Event, covers other tools/aids teams should consider bringing.
What to do?
During Official Load In Day (Will impact us depending on when we arrive to Calgary)
Early Pit Setup (in addition to Team Load In and General Pit Rules)
Check-InEvent (at the Pit Administration station the evening before and/or the first morning of each event)
Get Inspected to ensure eligibility to compete
Pit Closing Etiquette
Report Incidents
Event Features
AgendaEach event publishes an agenda detailing location and timing (including when to drop-off your robot, when you can set up your pit area, ceremony timing, etc.), which is linked from the event’s “Event Information” page on the FIRST website (“Event Information” pages can be found here). Most events will have agendas published by February 15, 2017.
Teams are encouraged to review agendas for each event they will attend and have them available (either hard copy, soft copy, or bookmarked on a device) while on site.
CeremoniesAt every event, there are Opening and Closing Ceremonies to show honor and respect for represented countries, sponsors, teams, mentors, volunteers and award winners. Ceremonies provide everyone with the opportunity to applaud the successes of team members and mentors. They also give teams a chance to "meet" the judges, referees, MCs and other important persons and sponsors involved with the event.
At the Awards Ceremony, FIRST presents trophies and medallions to outstanding teams. We encourage all team members to attend the ceremonies, on time, to show appreciation for the event and those people involved who are volunteering their time and efforts. An exception is if a few team members need to remain in their pit to continue work on their robot during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, they may.
Event rules specific to ceremonies are as follows:
E34. Team members may not use power tools, hammers, or other noisy tools.
E35. No more than 5 team members are allowed in the team’s pit during ceremonies.
E36. Team members (including any remaining in the team pit) must observe the code of behavior for the presentation of all national anthems.
E37. Team members must stand facing the flag, maintain a respectful silence, and remove hats during national anthems.
E38. Do not form "tunnels" during the Awards Ceremony.
First Aid StationEach event hosts a First Aid Station to assist with any injury or illness. First Aid Stations are in the Pits (refer to the Pit map for the exact location), and teams should make sure all team members know where to get First Aid.
E39. Pit Administration Station must be notified of any injuries or illness.
Lost and FoundIf you find or lose an article, report to the Pit Administration station to fill out a "Lost Item Report" or turn in an article you find. We will make every reasonable attempt to return articles to owners.
Machine ShopSome events host a machine shop, open during specific hours (see the event’s agenda), to help teams with repair and fabrication of their robots. Machine shops are typically sponsored by NASA or local organizations. While the machine shops vary, FIRST strives to have welding and a variety of high-powered tools available at all events.
In most cases, the machine shop is on site and readily accessible to all teams. If a team attends an event where the Machine Shop is off-site, volunteers are in place to transport the robot or parts to and from the machine shop. In this case, a team fills out a Machine Shop Request Form that travels with the robot or parts, so the machine shop staff and volunteers can follow their directions. The event should set up a method of communication between the venue and off-site Machine Shop in case there are any questions.
E40. Team members may not travel with the robot to off-site machine shops.
E41. Teams may travel to the off-site Machine Shop on their own, either by walking or using their own vehicle, but all student team members must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Teams should strongly consider including a third team member per the FIRST Youth Protection Program guidelines. The Youth Protection Program guidelines can be found here.
Team-Provided Mobile Machine ShopsFIRST welcomes team-provided mobile machine shop facilities/trailers at events that comply with FIRST and venue requirements.
E42. Team-provided shops must provide their own security measures for the equipment (for example: bring a lock for a trailer).
Neither FIRST nor the venue will provide these services, nor are they liable for any loss or damage to team-owned equipment that should occur at the event.
E43. Team-provided shops must be run by properly trained individuals who are 18 years or older.
E44. Student team members may not operate shop equipment.
E45. Team-provided shops must comply with local restrictions, such as fire codes and venue approval.
FIRST will do its best to convey any relevant needs and work on your behalf to gain venue approval through a professional, legal process.
E46. Team-provided shops must be equipped with their own electrical sources.
E47. Access to Team-provided shops may not be restricted to certain teams (i.e. all teams at an event must have equal access to Team-provided shop services).
E48. Job requests must go through the same counter/process as a FIRST provided shop.
We recommend using a standard Machine Shop Request Form.
E49. Team-provided shops may only operate when the Pit is open.
Machine Tools at EventsSmall, bench-top machinery, with appropriate guards, is permitted in team pits. ‘Small’ machinery is machinery that can be easily lifted by one person.
Examples: Small band saws, drill presses, desktop CNC mills, and sanders.
When using tools in the pit, be sure to use them properly, in a safe and controlled manner. Unsafe operation, especially those that endanger others and your team, will be subject to scrutiny by the event staff and safety reviewers. Their findings may result in team warnings or event expulsion.
Please adhere to the following safety rules regarding pit safety and tool use:
E50. Tools that throw sparks are prohibited.
Examples: Electric welders, bench grinders and angle grinders.
E51. Tools that produce open flames are prohibited.
Examples: Gas welders and propane/MAPP gas torches.
E52. Floor standing power tools are prohibited.
Examples: Full-size drill presses, full-size band saws and full-size table saws.
E53. Grinding or painting in the pit is prohibited.
Designated grinding and painting areas are available to teams.
E54. Brazing/welding is prohibited at the team pits.
E55. Soldering may be done using an electric iron/gun only.
Pit AdministrationPit Administration is centrally located in the Pit area. FIRST staff members and/or volunteers run this area to check teams in and help teams and visitors. Come to the Pit Administration to:
Once a team is called, the Drive Team should report to queuing with their robot.
If a team is in any of the first four matches of any day of competition, the team’s robot and drive team must queue prior to the Opening Ceremony.
Teams attending FIRST Championship should queue thirty minutes prior to a match. They should monitor play within their respective division and adjust queuing time accordingly and check with the Lead Field Queuing personnel with any questions.
ScoutingBecause teams must pick partner teams for Playoff Matches, many teams research other teams’ strategies and robot capabilities. Teams often use the Qualification Schedule to plan scouting efforts.
SecurityThere have been occasions when items such as cameras and laptops have "disappeared" from the Pit or competition area. Use common sense and do not leave valuable items unattended. Neither the site nor FIRST is responsible for any theft. Take valuable items with you, or designate a team representative to remain with them in the team Pit or competition areas.
Spare Parts StationSelect robot parts are available at each event, however availability varies from event to event. If a team needs a replacement high-value item, “Loaners” are on hand and must be returned before the end of the event.
Teams are encouraged to bring unused parts to assist and support each other. This kindness can expand your FIRST network of friends as you exchange parts.
Staff BadgesAt events, FIRST staff, event staff and volunteers wear badges with their role. Should team members or mentors have questions or a problem, staff and volunteers will help find the answer.
Team PitsA team pit is the designated space, usually 10 ft. by 10 ft. by 10 ft., where a team may work on their robot. Each team is assigned a pit space marked with their team number. This helps team members, judges, and visitors find teams easily. Each team's pit has a table and power outlet.
Teams, volunteers, FIRST staff and guests spend a lot of time in the Pit area. Get to know other teams and help each other when you can. Time is short and help is very often right "next door" in the adjacent team pits.
E56. Aisles must be kept clear.
E57. Children under 12 MUST be accompanied in the Pit by an Adult at all times.
E58. Any pit structures that is deemed unsafe or outside specifications by FIRST personnel, event management, and/or local committee members must be removed.
E59. The height of a team’s pit may not exceed 10 feet (this includes the height of signs, flags, banners, etc.).
E60. Keep your equipment and team members within your assigned area, and do not “grow” into the aisle or any other spaces in the venue.
If your team is too large to fit into the allotted pit space, encourage your team to leave the area to scout other teams and/or to watch the matches.
E61. Do not add to your space by setting up in another area.
E62. Teams may not build any structure that supports people or items for storage above the work area in their pit.
E63. Team signs, flags, and displays must be securely mounted to the pit structure.
Traffic FlowAt each event, there is a predetermined traffic flow pattern to maximize safety and efficiency of the team/robot entrance to and exit from the competition area. Refer to the Pit map for the flow. Queuing volunteers maintain this pattern at each competition event. Please obey the traffic rules to ensure an efficient lineup for practice and competition.
- A team should remember e to be safe and embody Gracious Professionalism. Teams that experience smooth and easy Load Ins are encouraged to check with others to see if they can help and make their experience as positive as possible.
- Teams must bring their equipment in safely.
- Teams may only bring materials to and leave materials in their pit area.
- Teams must leave when done with drop off (or, in the case of Early Pit Setup, when setup is complete).
- No work, of any kind, may be done on the robot or robot-related materials (e.g. items in a team’s withholding allowance).
- The only exception is that teams may plug chargers in and start charging batteries.
- The robot must stay in the bag and sealed.
- No more than five members of each team (one must be an adult mentor) are permitted.
Early Pit Setup (in addition to Team Load In and General Pit Rules)
- Teams must have their pits in a safe state by the time pits close (even if some tasks are left undone).
- Only five team members (one of which must be an adult) may be in the pit area, and this must be for the purposes of pit set up only.
- Once pit set-up is complete, or the early Pit Set-up time the evening before pits open to all has ended, team members must immediately leave the pit area
- If an event has designated Early Pit Setup times both the evening before and the morning before pits open to all, a team may use both periods to set up its pits, but, must leave once pit set up is complete.
Check-InEvent (at the Pit Administration station the evening before and/or the first morning of each event)
- An adult team member must check in no later than noon on the first competition day
- Upon receipt of your team's consent and release forms, each team will receive the following:
- Drive Team & Safety Captain Badges
- Pit Map
- Practice Match Schedule, if available
- Event Team List
Get Inspected to ensure eligibility to compete
- Robots must pass inspection before competing in Qualification matches - Inspection Guidelines Checklist
- At the official Robot Inspection Station at each event staffed by certified Inspectors. Inspectors can help find problems and/or provide suggestions during an early inspection.
- Teams are strongly encouraged to use this checklist to pre-inspect the robot before bagging it. This will help official inspection go smoother and quicker.
- If an Inspector identifies something non-compliant on a robot, the team should correct the issue and return for inspection, or ask for an inspection to be completed in your pit, until the robot passes.
- Inspectors may re-inspect randomly before or after matches to ensure continued safety and compliance.
Pit Closing Etiquette
- Must adhere to the Pit closing time each day.
- Get ready for Pit closing in advance by assigning team members and mentors to the role of pit clean up and organization.
- Please make sure your pit space and surrounding areas are clean when you leave the site each day.
Report Incidents
- FIRST requires that physical injuries and medical problems, however slight, be documented and reported to the party conducting the event or his or her designee and to FIRST Headquarters within 48 hours of the occurrence.
- Should an incident or illness occur at an event, we ask that you do the following:
- Report it to the EMT or nurse.
- Have an adult mentor complete a Medical Incident report with the Pit Administration area.
- If anyone states that they feel threatened or uncomfortable because of verbal abuse, inappropriate contact, or other negative behaviors that are not in the spirit of FIRST, we ask that you complete a Non-Medical Incident Report to formally document the event.
- This form may also be used to report witnessed violations of any rules in this section, such as seat saving or throwing objects from seating areas. FIRST takes all disclosures and indications of risk seriously, while honoring every individual’s right to privacy. Non-Medical Incident Forms are kept at the Pit Administration area and may be completed anonymously.
Event Features
AgendaEach event publishes an agenda detailing location and timing (including when to drop-off your robot, when you can set up your pit area, ceremony timing, etc.), which is linked from the event’s “Event Information” page on the FIRST website (“Event Information” pages can be found here). Most events will have agendas published by February 15, 2017.
Teams are encouraged to review agendas for each event they will attend and have them available (either hard copy, soft copy, or bookmarked on a device) while on site.
CeremoniesAt every event, there are Opening and Closing Ceremonies to show honor and respect for represented countries, sponsors, teams, mentors, volunteers and award winners. Ceremonies provide everyone with the opportunity to applaud the successes of team members and mentors. They also give teams a chance to "meet" the judges, referees, MCs and other important persons and sponsors involved with the event.
At the Awards Ceremony, FIRST presents trophies and medallions to outstanding teams. We encourage all team members to attend the ceremonies, on time, to show appreciation for the event and those people involved who are volunteering their time and efforts. An exception is if a few team members need to remain in their pit to continue work on their robot during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, they may.
Event rules specific to ceremonies are as follows:
E34. Team members may not use power tools, hammers, or other noisy tools.
E35. No more than 5 team members are allowed in the team’s pit during ceremonies.
E36. Team members (including any remaining in the team pit) must observe the code of behavior for the presentation of all national anthems.
E37. Team members must stand facing the flag, maintain a respectful silence, and remove hats during national anthems.
E38. Do not form "tunnels" during the Awards Ceremony.
First Aid StationEach event hosts a First Aid Station to assist with any injury or illness. First Aid Stations are in the Pits (refer to the Pit map for the exact location), and teams should make sure all team members know where to get First Aid.
E39. Pit Administration Station must be notified of any injuries or illness.
Lost and FoundIf you find or lose an article, report to the Pit Administration station to fill out a "Lost Item Report" or turn in an article you find. We will make every reasonable attempt to return articles to owners.
Machine ShopSome events host a machine shop, open during specific hours (see the event’s agenda), to help teams with repair and fabrication of their robots. Machine shops are typically sponsored by NASA or local organizations. While the machine shops vary, FIRST strives to have welding and a variety of high-powered tools available at all events.
In most cases, the machine shop is on site and readily accessible to all teams. If a team attends an event where the Machine Shop is off-site, volunteers are in place to transport the robot or parts to and from the machine shop. In this case, a team fills out a Machine Shop Request Form that travels with the robot or parts, so the machine shop staff and volunteers can follow their directions. The event should set up a method of communication between the venue and off-site Machine Shop in case there are any questions.
E40. Team members may not travel with the robot to off-site machine shops.
E41. Teams may travel to the off-site Machine Shop on their own, either by walking or using their own vehicle, but all student team members must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Teams should strongly consider including a third team member per the FIRST Youth Protection Program guidelines. The Youth Protection Program guidelines can be found here.
Team-Provided Mobile Machine ShopsFIRST welcomes team-provided mobile machine shop facilities/trailers at events that comply with FIRST and venue requirements.
E42. Team-provided shops must provide their own security measures for the equipment (for example: bring a lock for a trailer).
Neither FIRST nor the venue will provide these services, nor are they liable for any loss or damage to team-owned equipment that should occur at the event.
E43. Team-provided shops must be run by properly trained individuals who are 18 years or older.
E44. Student team members may not operate shop equipment.
E45. Team-provided shops must comply with local restrictions, such as fire codes and venue approval.
FIRST will do its best to convey any relevant needs and work on your behalf to gain venue approval through a professional, legal process.
E46. Team-provided shops must be equipped with their own electrical sources.
E47. Access to Team-provided shops may not be restricted to certain teams (i.e. all teams at an event must have equal access to Team-provided shop services).
E48. Job requests must go through the same counter/process as a FIRST provided shop.
We recommend using a standard Machine Shop Request Form.
E49. Team-provided shops may only operate when the Pit is open.
Machine Tools at EventsSmall, bench-top machinery, with appropriate guards, is permitted in team pits. ‘Small’ machinery is machinery that can be easily lifted by one person.
Examples: Small band saws, drill presses, desktop CNC mills, and sanders.
When using tools in the pit, be sure to use them properly, in a safe and controlled manner. Unsafe operation, especially those that endanger others and your team, will be subject to scrutiny by the event staff and safety reviewers. Their findings may result in team warnings or event expulsion.
Please adhere to the following safety rules regarding pit safety and tool use:
E50. Tools that throw sparks are prohibited.
Examples: Electric welders, bench grinders and angle grinders.
E51. Tools that produce open flames are prohibited.
Examples: Gas welders and propane/MAPP gas torches.
E52. Floor standing power tools are prohibited.
Examples: Full-size drill presses, full-size band saws and full-size table saws.
E53. Grinding or painting in the pit is prohibited.
Designated grinding and painting areas are available to teams.
E54. Brazing/welding is prohibited at the team pits.
E55. Soldering may be done using an electric iron/gun only.
Pit AdministrationPit Administration is centrally located in the Pit area. FIRST staff members and/or volunteers run this area to check teams in and help teams and visitors. Come to the Pit Administration to:
- turn in your team’s roster and any hard copy Consent and Release forms,
- check-in and receive your check in envelope and badges,
- get answers to most questions, including machine shop access,
- ask about lost and found articles, and
- report an illness, injury, or other incident.
Once a team is called, the Drive Team should report to queuing with their robot.
If a team is in any of the first four matches of any day of competition, the team’s robot and drive team must queue prior to the Opening Ceremony.
Teams attending FIRST Championship should queue thirty minutes prior to a match. They should monitor play within their respective division and adjust queuing time accordingly and check with the Lead Field Queuing personnel with any questions.
ScoutingBecause teams must pick partner teams for Playoff Matches, many teams research other teams’ strategies and robot capabilities. Teams often use the Qualification Schedule to plan scouting efforts.
SecurityThere have been occasions when items such as cameras and laptops have "disappeared" from the Pit or competition area. Use common sense and do not leave valuable items unattended. Neither the site nor FIRST is responsible for any theft. Take valuable items with you, or designate a team representative to remain with them in the team Pit or competition areas.
Spare Parts StationSelect robot parts are available at each event, however availability varies from event to event. If a team needs a replacement high-value item, “Loaners” are on hand and must be returned before the end of the event.
Teams are encouraged to bring unused parts to assist and support each other. This kindness can expand your FIRST network of friends as you exchange parts.
Staff BadgesAt events, FIRST staff, event staff and volunteers wear badges with their role. Should team members or mentors have questions or a problem, staff and volunteers will help find the answer.
Team PitsA team pit is the designated space, usually 10 ft. by 10 ft. by 10 ft., where a team may work on their robot. Each team is assigned a pit space marked with their team number. This helps team members, judges, and visitors find teams easily. Each team's pit has a table and power outlet.
Teams, volunteers, FIRST staff and guests spend a lot of time in the Pit area. Get to know other teams and help each other when you can. Time is short and help is very often right "next door" in the adjacent team pits.
E56. Aisles must be kept clear.
E57. Children under 12 MUST be accompanied in the Pit by an Adult at all times.
E58. Any pit structures that is deemed unsafe or outside specifications by FIRST personnel, event management, and/or local committee members must be removed.
E59. The height of a team’s pit may not exceed 10 feet (this includes the height of signs, flags, banners, etc.).
E60. Keep your equipment and team members within your assigned area, and do not “grow” into the aisle or any other spaces in the venue.
If your team is too large to fit into the allotted pit space, encourage your team to leave the area to scout other teams and/or to watch the matches.
E61. Do not add to your space by setting up in another area.
E62. Teams may not build any structure that supports people or items for storage above the work area in their pit.
E63. Team signs, flags, and displays must be securely mounted to the pit structure.
Traffic FlowAt each event, there is a predetermined traffic flow pattern to maximize safety and efficiency of the team/robot entrance to and exit from the competition area. Refer to the Pit map for the flow. Queuing volunteers maintain this pattern at each competition event. Please obey the traffic rules to ensure an efficient lineup for practice and competition.