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When is the 2023 Off-Season Period?
The 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition Off-Season Period is between April 24, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Note that while the Off-Season Period for FIRST Robotics Competition extends through December, any equipment borrowed from FIRST Headquarters in Manchester must be received back no later than the second Friday in November. This means any Off-Season Events taking place after that will not have access to official equipment.
What is an Off-Season Event?
An Off-Season Event is defined as a gathering that utilizes FIRST program content for which there is a participation fee or sponsorship funding. This could include competitions and summer programs and includes all FIRST programs globally. Off-season team activities such as no-fee scrimmages, open houses, and other non-paid activities are not considered to be Off-Season Events.
Who can host an Off-Season Event?
Off-Season Events must be planned and supported by a Host Organization (i.e. FIRST Partner Organization, FIRST Program Delivery Organization, local school/district, youth serving organization, team 501(c)3, etc.). They cannot by hosted be an individual or unincorporated group.
What considerations should my organization make before planning an Off-Season Event?
Host Organizations should consider such topics as:
- Compliance with local COVID-19 protocols for in-person gatherings
- Appropriate level of insurance
- Youth protection measures
- Data protection measures
- Adherence to state/local tax regulations
Please see additional Off-Season Event guidance on this page.
What actions need to be taken by an Off-Season Event Host Organizations?
Off-Season Event Host Organizations must submit an Off-Season Event Notice via an online form to FIRST Headquarters. The form will be shared with the local Program Delivery Partner and will collect basic information about the Hosting Organization, Off-Season Event details, and registration details as well as confirm the following:
- Hosting Organization compliance with local COVID-19 protocols for in-person gatherings.
- Acknowledgement of Right to Cancel by FIRST in cases of emergencies and other extraordinary situations.
- Consideration for conducting the event with the appropriate level of insurance, youth protection measures, data protection and adherence to state/local tax regulations as determined locally.
Hosts borrowing equipment from FIRST Headquarters will be required to complete and sign an Off-Season Event Agreement.
Borrowing a Field
Teams wishing to schedule the use of a full or partial field from FIRST Headquarters for any event should read the 2023 Off-Season Event Criteria and Considerations document and download the appropriate documents.
Please note that in order to use a FIRST supplied field, you must have the appropriate paperwork turned in to FIRST at least two weeks prior to your event, including the 2023 Off-Season Agreement.
To request a field from FIRST Headquarters for an Off Season Event, please email frcoffseason@firstinspires.org. Please include the location and date for your event, as well as the person who will be the main contact.
*NOTE: All loaned equipment (both field and electronics) must be returned to FIRST Headquarters by the second week in November.
The Off-Season fields from FIRST Headquarters may not come with game pieces. Please inquire with frcoffseason@firstinspires.org if game pieces may be included with your field.
District Teams: Please be sure to reach out to your District leadership to make inquiries about borrowing an official field. FIRST in Texas and FIRST Ontario teams must work directly with District leadership on borrowing a field. The FIRST Indiana off-season field is managed by AndyMark.
Off-Season FMS and Listings
To find more information about listing your event online and downloading the Off-Season version of FMS (designed to work without the full set of electronics) please visit https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/OffSeasonEvent
Current List of Events
For a list of upcoming Off-Season Events we have been asked to add, please visit Off Season Event Lists