New FRC Coach Session

Session #3

Competition Prep

Make sure your Dashboard is updated.

• 2 Coaches Required
• Email and contact information
• Inviting team members and others
• YPP
• Consent and Release

Robot Inspection

• Start inspections as early as possible
• Friday night during load in is recommended
• You can not use the practice field until you complete inspection, but you can participate in your scheduled practice matches.
• Visit the inspection station to sign up.
• Begin partial inspections (e.g., height, weight) even if the robot isn’t fully ready.
• Early inspections help avoid surprises and ensure completion before qualification matches.
• Ask inspectors questions. They’re here to help.
• Robot Inspectors are in the bright yellow hats
• Lead Robot Inspectors are in the black vests.
• CSA’s are in the orange hats and can help with programming and control system issues.
• Participate in a Week 0 Pre-Inspection if possible.

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Practice Field Vs. Practice Matches

• Inspection first - Pass initial inspection before queuing for the practice field.
• Practice Field - short blocks; focus on single-system checks (auto start points, intake tune, auto paths).
• Practice Matches - full-field flow; verify driver comms, auto → teleop handoff, match timing.
• Etiquette - share time, reset quickly, and bring your own game elements if allowed.
• Tip: Arrive with a test plan (3–5 items) and log results in the pit.

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Judging

• 1-page robot summary
• 1-page award handouts
• Everyone on the team should know key talking points
• Focus on team accomplishments + learning process

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Best Practices

• Be honest & enthusiastic
• Share successes AND failures (iteration is key)
• FIRST Best Practices Guide

What to Expect

• Interview team in pit
• Observe performance, teamwork
• Separate Impact Award/ Dean’s List judging panel

What to Prepare

Note: Impact Award interviews are scheduled. Check with Pit Admin for the schedule.

Competition Logistics

• ~9x9 pit space (Chesapeake events)
• Tools, charging, repairs, team displays
• Safety glasses and closed-toe shoes with back are required for all in pits and on the field

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Schedule

Check-In

• Happens evening before/morning of event
• Receive:
1. Drive Team Buttons
2. Match schedule- Delivered to team’s pit when available.
3. Paper roster!

Pit

• Friday: Pits & inspection open, practice matches
• Saturday: Inspections, practice matches, opening ceremonies, qualification matches
• Sunday: Qualifications finish, alliance selection, playoffs & awards

Drive Team & Matches

Drive Team Roles

• Found in Game Manual
• 4 roles: Driver, Operator, Human Player, Coach
• Max 1 adult (Coach or Technician) — the rest must be students

Driver’s Meeting

Match Types

Ranking Points

• Happens at 8:30 AM at the field-drive teams sit in the stands
• Review event procedures in Competition Manual
• Q&A with referees

• Practice Matches – test robot on field
• Qualification Matches – earn Ranking Points (RPs), all teams get 12 qualification matches
• Playoffs – alliances compete for event win

• Win = 3 RP, Tie = 1 RP, Loss = 0 RP
• Bonus RPs for special game tasks-see Game Manual Section 6.5.3 for more details.
• RPs determine seeding → critical for playoffs

Strategy and Scouting

• Observe all matches from stands
• Record data on every robot (paper or digital)
• Use info to:
1. Plan strategies with partners
2. Inform alliance selections
• New teams- focus on learning more about teams around you

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Match Strategy

Scouting

• Plan with alliance partners before matches
• Drive Coach usually leads strategy talk
• Share: your robot’s strengths, limits, past match performance, opponent alliance

Scouting Resources

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• Introduction to Scouting
• Intermediate Scouting
• Scouting Worksheet
• Ranking Tool: Ranks teams based on data in the FIRST API
• Quick Pick
• Event Data

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Alliance Selection

1. Top 8 ranked teams become Alliance Captains.
2. In rank order (1→8), each captain invites any eligible team, including another Top 8.
3. If a Top-8 team is picked and accepts, they join that alliance and are replaced in captain order by the next highest-ranked unpicked team.
4. Declines: If a team declines an invitation, they cannot be invited again and remain eligible to become or stay an alliance captain.
5. After first picks, the order reverses (8→1) for second picks
6. Alliances finalize; playoff bracket/format is announced

Best practices:

• Bring a ranked pick list + backup list aligned to your strategy (capabilities fit, auto paths, cycle times, defense).
• Decide in advance when to accept/decline and who answers the mic.
• Be prompt, clear, and display Gracious Professionalism®. (There is a time limit.)

Playoffs and Awards

Playoffs

• Check your event’s playoff format (double-elim or bracket) at the drivers’ meeting.
• Know timeout rules, backup robot procedures, and field re-entry expectations.
• Prioritize between-match checklists (battery, fasteners, code deploy, pneumatics).

Awards

• Impact Award (formerly Chairman’s), Engineering Inspiration, Dean’s List, Woodie Flowers (mentor).
• Performance/technical: Excellence in Engineering, Innovation in Control, Quality, Creativity, Industrial Design, etc.
• Rookie: Rookie All-Star, Rookie Inspiration (where offered).
• Bring your submission/portfolio copies and be ready to discuss your work in the pit.

What to Bring

Robot & Pit

• Legal bumpers- read the rules!, batteries (labeled), main breaker, RSL, charged pneumatics, tool kit, spare parts, laptop & programming cables, driver station, bumper materials to create new ones.
• Likely need more than 2 batteries (4 is ideal)
• Tether ethernet/USB, battery charger(s), power strip, zip ties, tape, fasteners, lubricants, spare wheels/belts/chain- anything you anticipate might break.

Admin & Safety

• Printed inspection checklist, firmware notes, wiring diagram, team contact list, team roster.
• Safety glasses for all, PPE as needed, pit banners/signage, cleanup supplies, battery spill kit, first aid kit

Operations

• Scouting materials, drive team badges, match schedule holder, whiteboard/clipboard, pit schedule
• Comfort kit: water!!, snacks, meds (as appropriate), charging cables, team uniforms

Packing Resources

Other Considerations

• Make sure your team members are staying hydrated throughout the events
• Make sure your team members get plenty of sleep
• Encourage the use of the quiet room if team members become overwhelmed

• Arrange hotels, food, and transportation well in advance
• Many events offer hotel suggestions and pre-order meals. Please check the events webpage for details. FRC Events

• Review daily schedules with students each morning
• Set expectations for behavior, professionalism, and teamwork
• Encourage students to ask for help—from mentors, volunteers, or inspectors
• Remind students that learning and growth matter more than match results

• Match schedules and queues can change
• Technical issues happen—this is normal
• Model calm problem-solving for your students
• Take breaks when needed

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Communication & Expectations

Remember: competitions are intense but should still be positive, safe, and fun for students

Hotels and Food

Be Flexible

Check In with Students

Key Takeaways

• Build to pass inspection-use the checklist provided by FIRST
• Prepare for judging & team storytelling
• Know competition flow: pits → matches → alliance selection → playoffs
• Focus on team pride, learning, & consistency
• Team pride items may include t-shirts, banners, buttons, flags, or other team spirit items. �

Resources:

• FRC Event Experience
• FRC Game & Season Info

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Q & A