How to Get Involved
So you are interested in the FIRST Robotics Competition and want to get involved, but aren't sure where to start or what to do? We have compiled a list of information to help you make the right decision. Please read below to learn how you can be a part of FRC.
Three days that can change your life
It takes scores of volunteers to make the regional competition happen. From pit administrators to competition judges, we're looking for a few good men AND women. If you'd like to be part of the FIRST Robotics Competition Palmetto Regional, and experience a life-changing event, get in touch with Carla Rickenbaker, at 843-722-5190, or Carla.Rickenbaker@att.com. If you'd like to make an even deeper commitment, there are several other ways to get involved.
Start and Register a Team
First educate yourself on the FRC competition by attending a local FIRST event in your area. Take the time to meet with team leaders and students, and see their robots first-hand.
Once you are ready to start an FRC team, your job is to form the partnerships you will need with team mentors and sponsors. Local manufacturing and technology companies are ideal candidates for mentors and sponsorship, as are local colleges, universities and technical schools. Many local chapters of professional organizations support FIRST through volunteer help from their engineers, scientists and technologists.
For more information on how to start a team, please visit the FIRST website.
To register a team please visit the Team Information Management System (TIMS) on the FIRST website. This system is used by the main and alternate contacts of FRC teams to register new (rookie) teams, re-register existing teams for the new season, and update critical team information such as team name, contact information, and event.
Mentor a Team
We recommend introducing yourself to current mentors in the area and getting in touch with the
FIRST Regional Director closest to you. These people are likely to know about new teams forming in the area, and rookie teams especially benefit from strong professional mentoring. To find mentors in your area, visit the FIRST website and visit their Interactive Map located in the upper right hand corner of the page. You can click on your state and then search under "Which teams from this state are willing to be mentors?" and also review "Which teams in this state would like mentoring?". Also, review the FIRST Mentoring Guide to educate yourself on their mentoring philosophy, goals, process and tools needed to be a successful mentor.
Become a Team or Event Sponsor, or a Supplier
Companies that support FIRST reap many benefits, including stocking the talent pool, building community relations and corporate awareness, and providing team building and training opportunities for employees. If you are interested in becoming a Team Sponsor and would like to know the teams in your area, please visit the FIRST website, select your state, and search under "Who are the teams from this state?" If there isn't a team nearby, we recommend contacting your local high school principal and math and science teachers to raise their interest in forming a team.
