Hi ,

Here's some updates and news from FIRST^® Tech Challenge.

In this week's blast:

✅ Nominate your amazing students for the Dean's List Award

🤖 Safety Manual Released

⏰ Tech Tip – Master your match timing: The (not so) Hidden Practice Timer!

Nominate your amazing students for the Dean's List Award
You have a student on your team, who above all others, demonstrates leadership, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and is dedicated to increasing
awareness of FIRST^®. FIRST Tech Challenge students are changing the world – help the changemaker on your team further their potential – nominate them for the Dean’s List Award. 

The Dean’s List Award recognizes the leaders and ambassadors from each FIRST Tech Challenge team. This recognition helps these inspiring students attract recruiters and stand out on their college applications and resumes. 

Dean's List Award nominations are open and will close on Monday, December 15, 2025 for all FIRST Tech Challenge regions. Please make sure to see our blog outlining the changes to the Dean's List Award deadlines this season.

Read the nomination guide for requirements and instructions, and start your nomination today. 

Safety Manual Released
The updated Safety Manual sponsored by UL Solutions is now available on the FIRST website. 

This safety manual is an easy-to-use guide for important safety information and provides adult and youth participants with a basic set of requirements to maintain a safe environment during the build season and at competition events. It applies to anyone involved with FIRST, including all student members, mentors, volunteers, and spectators. 

Tech Tip – Master your match timing: The (not so) Hidden Practice Timer!
Did you know there's a powerful tool lurking within your FTC Driver Station App, designed to help your team dominate match timing? Forget the need for complex event software – your Driver Station has a built-in Practice Match timer that simulates the entire match flow, or any part of it! 

Imagine perfecting your autonomous routine, nailing the Auto-TeleOp transition, or optimizing your endgame strategy, all without the pressure of a real competition. This (not so) hidden gem allows teams to practice match timing for every critical phase: 

This feature is a game-changer for practice sessions, allowing your team to build muscle memory and confidence in a realistic, simulated environment. 

Ready to unlock your team's full potential? Dive into the complete details with this week's FTC Driver Station Practice Timer Tech Tip on the FIRST Tech Challenge Documentation page. Don't just compete – dominate, with confidence!