How to Start a FIRST Robotics Competition Team

The W.A.F.F.L.E.S. are happy to help!

Firstly, if you are in the Kingston or surrounding area, we strongly encourage you to come out to one of our meetings and see if our team is a good fit for you! If you are not in the area and have any questions about FIRST Robotics Competition or are looking for help to start a team, we are more than happy to be a resource. We have mentored several successful rookie teams (locally and remotely) and are always looking to help others. Send us an email at info@wafflesrobotics.com if you have any questions or are interested in having us mentor you!

If you are interested in starting a community-based team, check the resources page for our white paper on the topic.

From the FIRST Website: 7 essential steps to starting a FIRST Robotics Competition team

1. Find support resources

First, familiarize yourself with the FIRST Robotics Competition. Then locate your region’s Regional Director or FIRST Senior Mentor. These people know the FIRST teams, participating schools, and FIRST-friendly businesses in your area. He or she can help you form a plan for getting your team funded, organized, and in touch with other teams in the area.

2. Enlist Coaches & Mentors

Each team needs at least one adult Mentor with technical expertise willing and motivated to “coach” the team through the build and competition season (and beyond). Also highly recommended are two or more other adults to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, and other tasks.

3. Register and Pay

Registering your team’s information makes you a part of the huge FIRST Robotics Competition community. You’ll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with atemporary team number in preparation for event registration in the fall. Create a team roster link to submit with your registration. (Please note that completing this stage of the process does not commit you to becoming a team.)

Registering includes event registration and ordering the Kit of Parts. We’ve made it easy to pay your team’s fees with favorable terms, online payments, discounts for rookie teams, and more.

4. Build your team

Find and invite at least 10 students who want to be part of a robotics team (the easiest part!). Be sure to emphasize that no technical skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Recruit all kinds of talents, not just engineering and electronics.

5. Raise funds

Your team will need a steady supply of funds. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you. Many of them may already have a relationship with FIRST. We also have many fundraising opportunities you can explore. Grants are available for both rookie and underserved teams.

FIRST Fundraising Toolkit

6. Learn about safety

At FIRST, student safety is always paramount. Every adult must become familiar with our Youth Protection Program (YPP). Take the time to watch our videos and read our youth protection materials.

7. Time to Build Robots!

Part of the fun is designing and building your robot and FIRST provides a wealth of information in our Resource Library to help you. Find everything from technical guides, to fundraising ideas, or fun activities for your team.