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Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

End-of-Season Survey: The end-of-season survey was sent out on Thursday, May 11 to all Lead Mentors and closes this Friday, June 2, 2023. Please help us by filling out the survey sent to your email and providing your team’s feedback on everything from the new Double Elimination Tournament, resource needs, and more!  

Updated Rookie Criteria: We’ve updated the criteria that determine if new teams are considered “Rookie” or “New Veteran” teams by removing the requirement that Rookie teams have two (2) or fewer mentors with FIRST^® experience. Check out the Newly Formed FIRST^® Robotics Competition Teams full guidelines.

Re-invite your roster: Lead mentors on FIRST Robotics Competition teams can now re-invite their team roster from the previous season by following the steps on our Youth Registration System Overview page. Get a jump on getting your team registered today!

Drive Base & Black Tote Opt Out available now: By default, all Kickoff Kits include a drive base kit & Black Tote, but veteran teams who are “event ready" can opt to receive vouchers instead of the drive base kit and/or the Black Tote by selecting “Drive Base Opt Out” or “Black Tote Opt Out” from the “Team Options” under the “Parts and Products” drop down. Your team’s Drive Base and Black Tote selection closes at 12:00 p.m. noon ET, October 19, 2023. A team is “event ready” if there are two (2) Youth Protection Program screened mentors and no outstanding tasks on your dashboard.

FIRST Updates

Regrants: Team leads for U.S. teams that have a “credit balance” in their FIRST account must submit regrant requests before June 30, 2023. If not regranted, any of the remaining funds are re-designated based on sponsor intent. Due to the extreme generosity of donors & sponsors, many teams have funds still available in their FIRST accounts, and we want to ensure that they capture those funds. See the regrant policies and procedures page for more details. Please send any questions to grantsapproval@firstinspires.org. 

Youth Protection Screening Renewal Reminder: A current Youth Protection Screening is required to volunteer, access your team’s roster, opt out of the Drive Base & Black Tote (veteran teams), and other important tasks throughout the season. Screenings expire every four (4) years, and you can check your screening status in the FIRST Dashboard. If your screening is expired, order your renewal screening now! For assistance, please contact Team Support Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. ET via email, calling (603) 666-3906, or live chat.