FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Welcome to the FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Your source of season information for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Subscribe
 

Kickoff: Around the Corner!

Jan 03, 2023 Written by Kate Pilotte, Senior Kit of Parts Manager, but the work of SO MANY!

In just a few days, we will kick off the 2023 season. Things happen quickly so we want to make sure you are prepared.

Here are some January dates you don’t want to miss:

Career Resources Coming Soon!

Dec 28, 2022 Written by Michelle Long, Director of Alumni Relations

Michelle Long (she/her) from FIRST® shares some tips and resources for making the most of your FIRST experience as you think about life after high school!

Kickoff Hype!

Dec 19, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

Saturday. January 7, 2023. Noon ET! It’s the FIRST® Robotics Competition Kickoff presented by Novelis, and we are so excited to get this season officially underway! 

Accessibility Updates for FIRST® Robotics Competition

Dec 15, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST® Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

As we get closer and closer to the 2023 FIRST® Robotics Competition Season, we wanted to share some updates with respect to accessibility that we have been working on.

2023 FIRST Championship Advancement

Dec 13, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

This blog contains additional information about how teams will qualify for the FIRST Championship during the 2023 season. 

Double Elimination Playoffs Update

Dec 08, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

We are excited to announce that we will be implementing the Double Elimination Playoff Model at all official FIRST Robotics Competition Events for the 2023 season.

FIRST Choice: Deadline Update

Nov 30, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Senior Kit of Parts Manager

We’re announcing a shift in the payment deadline for inclusion in FIRST Choice Round 1 out a day to Friday, December 2 at 4pm (Eastern)! FIRST® Choice now closes Friday, December 2 at 4pm Eastern (but orders are only processed for teams that have secured registration payment by this deadline). 

FIRST Mentor Network: Matching Mentors with Teams for Success

Nov 29, 2022 Written by Natalie Turcotte, Sr. Manager, Systems and Training

As teams get into the swing of the season, they might need additional help and expertise. The FIRST® Mentor Network sponsored by NI is here to help.  The community platform provides new and returning FIRST teams access to passionate, engaged mentors, while giving mentors the opportunity to use their unique skill sets and have meaningful involvement with one or more teams. The platform is available to participants in the US and Canada*.

2023 Season Updates

Nov 17, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

FIRST Choice opening reminder, and updates to the 2023 China Regional and Bumper Rules. 

FIRST Youth Protection

Nov 14, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

Safety is at the forefront of FIRST® participation. The FIRST Youth Protection Program provides all participants in FIRST programs information, guidelines, and procedures to create a safe environment for our student participants. The information below contains key components of the FIRST Youth Protection Program that all adults and youth – especially mentors and event volunteers – should be aware of while participating in FIRST programs.