Team Registration: New and Improved

Happy Summer, FIRST® Tech Challenge Teams! That's right! We are more than half-way through the summer, and we here at Headquarters have not been idle (even while partaking in the occasion ice cream cone). The Team Information Matching System (TIMS) has been replaced by our new Team Registration housed within www.firstinspires.org. This system now plays host to ALL FOUR PROGRAM, has easier access between multiple Teams, and is located within our home website.

FIRST® as an organization has moved to a single sign on within the FIRST Website (my.firstinspires.org/Dashboard/). All Team Registration for each program is handled through this FIRSTPortal.

New Teams

Once a FIRSTaccount is created and an individual is logged in, Teams will be navigated to the Dashboard where they will be able to select “Create a Team”. Teams will select a program and be walked through the wizard to create a Team Profile. For more detailed instructions check out our Creating a Team Video. For further instructions on inviting a second coach, check out our Inviting a Second Coach Video. 

In order to successfully create a Team and be eligible to compete at Official FIRSTTech Challenge Events, Teams must:

·         Create a Team Profile.

·         Have two Youth Protection screened Mentors/Coaches (*US and Canada only).

·         Sign the Consent & Release Form.

·         Apply for grants (if applicable).

·         Pay for Season Registration through the Storefront. Registration is automatically added to your Cart and cannot be removed. REMEMBER: Storefront access is only granted once both Mentors/Coaches have successfully passed Youth Protection screening. Once granted, Teams are able to enter the Storefront and Pay for Registration and return later for product (or purchase everything at once).

·         Purchase Product. This is done through the Storefront. Veteran Teams are able to use the previous season’s Kit of Parts or purchase new product for the new season. Teams are limited to only one item for each category (Control Set, Electronics Set, and Competition Set). Teams are able to enter the Storefront multiple times and pay for each item separately until all categories have been exhausted. NOTE: International Teams are able to enter the Storefront once a Team Profile is created. No Season Registration is added (Season Registration fee is handled by the International Affiliate Partner in your region), and these Teams are able to purchase produce directly. You can learn more about payment and ordering product in this video!

Are you a Veteran Team?

Log in using your FIRST account information (the email/password that you created in TIMS or our Volunteer Information Matching System (VIMS)). Unable to see your team? Contact FIRST®at ftcteams@firstinspires.orgor call (603-666-3906), Monday through Friday between 8:30am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Once logged in:

·         Edit Team information. Both Mentors/Coaches MUSTenter the system and agree to this season's Terms & Conditions. Even if you have already passed Youth Protection screening last season.

·         Apply for grants (if applicable).

·         Access the Storefront to pay season registration fees and order materials your Team needs.

After Successfully Registering for the Season

·         Connect with your local Affiliate Partner for events.

·         Ensure that each Team member is registered and has obtained parent consent in the online Student Registration System. Read Information on registering Teams. The Student Registration System also lives within the FIRST Portal and is located within the Dashboard.

·         Print a Team Roster, which is required at check-in for Events. View a sample Team Roster on the Team Management Resources page.

A note on Grants

Teams applying for Grants will see them within the Dashboard under “Grants Awarded” as well as applied to their Storefront account. Teams MUST NOTcheck out with items until they see the Grants in the Storefront. Re-grants will not be issued. Find more information on grants at http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/grants.

The Team Admin Role

Individuals who manage Teams from an administrative point of view should select “Team Admin” when registering the Team. These are members who will not be interacting with the students and thus will not need to go through screening. Instead, these individuals usually deal with purchasing product, managing paperwork, and organizing the Team behind the scenes. Team Admins must invite two Mentor/Coaches that will be screened.

When Teams return to the FIRST Website, they will see their Dashboard and will have notifications of any incomplete Tasks. Team Admins/Mentors/Coaches with multiple Teams will be able to toggle between teams from the Dashboard. All Tasks listed currently on that screen are for the Team being shown.

We are excited to see both our New Teams joining the FIRST Tech Challenge community as well as having our Veterans return for another season. We look forward to all the amazing things you will accomplish. Good luck this season! For any additional help or questions, please reach out to ftcteams@firstinspires.org.