FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition)

FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) is the oldest competition in FIRST and geared toward high school students. Each year in January, FIRST releases a unique new “game” which challenges participants to build a robot to overcome the tasks involved. The game often includes several aspects and teams must choose which ones they wish to focus their robot’s abilities toward.

The 2007 FRC game (Rack n' Roll) field

Participants are given only six weeks to complete their robot using a standard kit of parts from FIRST as well as guidance from volunteers and mentors. At the end of this period, teams send their robots to their first regional competition and may also chose to participate in one other regional. The regional competitions occur in several locations around the nation from early March through April. The FRC championship event is then held by FIRST in Atlanta, Georgia around mid to late April.

Awards are bestowed based upon a wide range of criteria which rewards not only technical excellence but also the team’s fulfillment of FIRST ideals such as gracious professionalism and team spirit. The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award available in FIRST and is awarded to the team who best embodies these ideals.