Hi ,

Final Reminder! Kickoff Kit Opt Out Options for Veteran teams: “Event ready” Veteran teams have until Thursday, October 19, at 12:00 p.m. noon ET to choose to opt-out of the Black Tote and/or the Drive Base Kit. To make selections, select “Payment & Product” under Team Options, choose “Black Tote Opt Out” or “Drive Base Opt Out,” and check the box to receive vouchers instead of the items. You can change your mind and uncheck the box until the deadline.

• Black Tote: If opting out of the Black Tote, the team receives $250 in vouchers: $125 to AndyMark and $125 to REV Robotics.
• Drive Base: If opting out of the Drive Base Kit, the team receives a $450 AndyMark voucher. 

As a reminder, new this year, the Black Tote includes some items for use on the KitBot. However, these items are components Veteran teams likely already have on hand or can easily replicate. So, veteran teams should not consider the KitBot a significant factor in their Black Tote opt-out decision. Read this blog post for more information to help make a decision on what options are right for your team.

Beta Testing + New Motors and Motor Controllers: Check out this FIRST^® Robotics Competition Blog for information about how to get involved in Beta Testing as well as learn about new motors/controllers we plan to add for the 2024 season.

Waiting for a grant? With payment registration deadline approaching, we remind teams that are waiting for a grant to not check out.

2024 Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions: Submissions for the 2024 Safety Animation Award opens Thursday, October 19, at 12:00 noon ET. For information on the theme, criteria, and submission instructions visit the Safety page.

Opening soon! Additional Events: Registration for additional plays is opening on the following dates:

• Unrestricted Regional Events: Opening Thursday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. ET and closing Monday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Additional In-District Events: Opening Thursday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. ET and closing Monday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Additional Inter-Districts Events: Opening Tuesday, November 7, at 12:00 p.m. ET and closing Monday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET

All the dates listed above are posted on the Season Calendar, as well as other upcoming dates and deadlines, so make sure to check often!

FIRST^® Updates

FIRST Diary of an Innovator: We are so excited to introduce our FIRST Diary of an Innovator Blog Series, beginning with FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1466! Follow along as we hear from four FIRST Robotics Competition, four FIRST^® Tech Challenge, and four FIRST^® LEGO^® League teams from around the world about their season experience and the culture of innovation their teams have created. 

Community Engagement 

FIRST Scholarship Program: Looking for scholarships and other alumni resources? The FIRST Alumni page is a one-stop shop for students and alumni of resources, stories, and opportunities to make the most of their FIRST experience.