Newly formed FIRST^® Robotics Competition teams fall into several categories. Please see the criteria listed below:

Newly formed teams who are assigned team numbers that have never been used:

• Rookie Team
  • 0, 1 or 2 full-time mentor(s) with prior FIRST Robotics Competition experience AND
  • Less than or equal to 5 student participants with prior FIRST Robotics Competition experience
  • Detailed definitions, including eligibility for recognition and specific incentives, can be found here.
  • Eligible for the New Team Grant

• Non-Rookie Team NOT formed from a Separation or Combination
  • More than 2 full-time mentors with prior FIRST Robotics Competition experience OR
  • More than 5 student participants with prior FIRST Robotics Competition experience
  • NOT formed from a Separation OR Combination: Separation/Combine Rules
  • Eligible for the New Team Grant

• Non-Rookie Team formed from a Separation or Combination
  • Created from a Separation or Combination: Separation/Combine Rules
  • NOT eligible for the New Team Growth Grant

Sibling Teams: FIRST Robotics Competition has defined Sibling Teams as multiple teams associated with one organization. All Sibling Teams must follow the Guidelines for Sibling Teams while competing in FIRST Robotics Competition.