Rochester High School Robotics (FRC 201)

Welcome to Team 201: The FEDS!

Welcome to Team 201: The FEDS! We hope you will find your experience very rewarding and enjoyable. This guide is intended to give you and your parent/guardian an understanding of the program and the required responsibilities. In the following pages you will find information relating to team rules, expectations, and many other aspects of our team and FIRST.

As a FIRST Robotics member, you have an incredible opportunity to gain knowledge and share your enthusiasm while growing into future Business, Technology, and Engineering Leaders. You will participate in a life changing experience, and have the opportunity to learn many skills that will help you in your future, from networking with other teams and gaining sponsorships to designing and building a robot to our own specifications to working as a fully functional team with a varied group of people.

The success of Team 201 in robotics and its numerous other activities is due to the dedication of our members (this includes our Students, Mentors, and Parents) acting as a TEAM. Your participation is essential to fulfilling our program's goals. Every member's commitment and responsibility keeps our team running smoothly. The possibilities are only limited by your engagement and enthusiasm. We encourage you to have an abundance of both!

Our Mission & Core Values

Essential Resources

Understanding FIRST

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST is volunteer-driven and built on partnerships with individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and government. Some of the world's most respected companies provide funding, mentorship time, talent, and equipment to make FIRST's mission a reality.

FIRST Program Levels

• LEGO League Explorer (K-3 grades)
• LEGO League Challenge (4-5th grades)
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) (6-8th grade)
• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) (High School)

These programs are high-tech spectator sports that combine the excitement of competition with real-world engineering challenges.

FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition)

Our team operates year-round. During summer and fall, we conduct training, outreach activities, team building activities and fundraisers. The FRC competition season typically starts at the end of February and lasts for eight weeks. Team 201 will participate in a minimum of two Michigan District competitions during the regular season.

Each year FRC unveils a new challenge at kickoff in January. High school students work with professional mentors to solve the engineering design problem and then join other teams in alliances to play the game at competition events where they are judged on design, innovation, and performance. Students learn teamwork, acquire technical skills, develop business acumen, and discover strengths they never knew they had. The program is a life-changing, career-molding experience and it's a lot of fun. Be competitive and play hard on the field, but it is much, much more than a game.

Team Structure & Sub-teams

Every member needs their role. Every role contributes to team success.

Detailed Sub-team Functions

Technical Sub-Groups

CAD/Design Group Responsible for designing the robot on the computer. Using the prototypes, they generate CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings for the fabrication group to manufacture parts which the mechanical team will use for the completed robot.

Programming Group Uses software provided by FIRST to create a program that allows the robot to perform various tasks and functions – both autonomously and by human control. Also builds the interface between the controls and the robot, with input and agreement between the users who will be interacting with the controls, and the mentors.

Build Sub-Groups

Mechanical Group Responsible for prototyping, assembly, testing, and repair of the robot.

Machining Group Responsible for manufacturing customized parts for the robot using the machine shop and its equipment.

Electrical Group Responsible for wiring all motors, compressors, talons, solenoids, etc. The wires shall be labeled and neatly arranged for ease of maintenance. Board layout and packaging must be worked out with the Mechanical group.

People & Culture Subgroups

Safety Group Responsible for reading and ensuring all safety rules are being followed at our build site and at competitions.

Business Planning Group Responsible for developing business plan, monitoring team funds, and coordinating financial activities with our High School business contacts.

Marketing/STEM Advocacy Group Responsible for design and production of team newsletters, sponsor updates, brochures, banners, and other materials in order to present a cohesive team brand. Responsible for keeping a record of team activities through reporting and photography.

Spirit Group Responsible for creation of items to identify and promote the team, such as chants, dances, t-shirts and buttons.

Social Media / Website Group Responsible for creation/maintenance of content presented through the team website and various social media platforms to develop community awareness of FIRST and Team 201.

Impact/Awards Group Determine which awards the team is working towards, communicate requirements to the team, and develop the award presentations.

Competition Work Groups

Scouting Group Comprised of pit scouts and game scouts. Students in this group will develop materials and methods to assess the competition, giving our team as much advantage as possible.

Field Build Group Design and build practice field using FIRST specifications for the current year's game.

Drive Team Consists of a field coach, a controls operator, a robot driver, and a human player. A competitive selection process will be used to identify both a main team and a back-up team.

Gracious Professionalism Taskforce This group builds relationships with other FIRST teams at competitions and identifies ways we can support each other to succeed.

Joining the Team

All Rochester High School students are eligible to apply to Team 201. Members must submit an application. New students will participate in an interview in the Fall. Returning students will be interviewed at the end of the prior season in the Spring. Decisions about student groups/roles will be based on the prior year's level of commitment, including special project hours, event attendance and dedication to the team.

Financial Requirements

Due to the high costs of materials, registration, and other fees associated with robotics:

• Team Fee: $250 per member (paid at mandatory Parent/Student Orientation in September)
• School Club Fee: $30 (paid directly to RCS enrichment website under RHS – Clubs)
• Individual Fundraising: $500 minimum by December through fundraisers and/or sponsorship solicitation

Students with financial hardship will not be prevented from participating and should contact Team 201's teacher sponsor to express any concerns.

Payment methods:

• Check made to Stem United
• Venmo (@stemunited201)

FIRST Registration (STIMS)

FIRST requires all youth team members to register via www.firstinspires.org (opens in a new tab). Students create a user account and provide parent/guardian email address. Our team number is 201 and the program is FRC. Parents receive an email to complete registration and electronically sign the FIRST Consent and Release Form.

The full application form can be found at feds201.com (opens in a new tab) in the Application tab.

Member Expectations & Responsibilities

Academic & Behavioral Standards

• Maintain academic eligibility per school policy
• Wear team approved apparel at events
• Earn minimum of 25 special project points each season
• Abide by RCS Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use for Technology Agreement
• Demonstrate Gracious Professionalism at all times

Communication Requirements

• Sign up for team Remind 101 by texting @feds201 to 81010
• Maintain active student and parent email accounts
• Join Discord app and FEDS 201 group
• Social media accounts using FEDS 201 name must be overseen by Operations Committee

Attendance & Participation

• General Members: 80% minimum attendance at all team meetings
• Team Leads: 90% minimum attendance
• Build Season: 5+ days per week (M-Th 6:00-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-5:00pm)
• Notify leadership of absences via Discord
• Complete minimum training requirements by December of first year

Character & Conduct Standards

• Demonstrate good judgment and respectful behavior
• Show ability to commit and follow through on projects
• Work independently and as team member
• Maintain honesty and integrity
• Prioritize teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect
• Keep personal relationships from impacting team success

Good Standing Policy & Warning System

Good Standing Privileges

• Eligible for lead roles (if selected)
• Eligible for drive team or pit crew participation (if selected)
• Eligible to attend competitions with school excusal
• Earn recognition items including varsity letter (2 years good standing required)

Three-Warning Policy

Warnings are issued for:

• Failure to meet attendance expectations
• Failure to pay team fee without arrangements (each month past due = strike)
• Failure to meet fundraising expectations (each month past due = strike)
• Unsafe behavior (negligence or major offense)
• Behavior inconsistent with RCS Code of Conduct

Warning One: Written notice issued, student remains in good standing Warning Two: Student loses good standing privileges, written notice sent Warning Three: Student removed from team, written notice sent

Return to Good Standing

• First warning eliminated by 2 consecutive months of good performance
• Second warning requires essay submission to Coach/Teacher Sponsor
• Third warning results in removal (may reapply following year, no guarantee)

Student Leadership

The Operating Committee votes to select student leads based on exit surveys, interviews, and demonstration of leadership criteria:

Leadership Requirements

• Attend mandatory summer leadership training
• Maintain 90% meeting attendance
• Coordinate sub-group representation when absent
• Create and execute pre-season training plans
• Document sub-team activities and maintain organization
• Be expert in leadership area and mentor newer members
• Complete work on time and communicate obstacles
• Follow safety rules and maintain clean workspace
• Lead by example and report progress

Safety - Our Foundation

Safety enables everything we do. The following rules ensure safety for students, mentors, and visitors:

Core Safety Rules

• Safety glasses required at all times in shop, while working on robot, and in competition pits
• No horseplay allowed
• Training and certification required before independent equipment use
• Handle all equipment with extreme care
• Maintain neat, orderly work areas
• Fully enclosed shoes required (no sandals/flip flops)
• Tie back hair near operating equipment
• No loose clothing near equipment
• No food or drink near machinery
• Clean and put away equipment/tools nightly

Competition Protocol & Travel

Competition Participation

Attending competition is a privilege, not a right. Students must:

• Fulfill assigned team roles and duties
• Remain engaged in team activities throughout entire event
• Follow buddy system and safety protocols
• Wear team uniforms at all times
• Stay with team throughout competition
• Keep mentors informed of activities and whereabouts
• Not use personal vehicles or ride with other students

Hotel & Travel Behavior

• Respect all property and facilities
• Follow curfew regulations and room checks
• Students of opposite gender NOT ALLOWED in each other's rooms
• Communicate respectfully with roommates
• Only official travel roster members allowed in team rooms
• Violations result in parent notification and potential removal at parent expense

Competition Expectations

• Stay for entire awards ceremony
• Applaud and stand for all winning teams
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
• Support team from stands when not in pit/field duties
• Wear approved eye protection in pit areas

Parent & Guardian Involvement

Parents/guardians are encouraged to become team mentors. The program runs entirely with volunteer mentors - No mentors = no robotics team.

Volunteer Requirements

Minimum 4 volunteer slots per family throughout season

Mentoring Opportunities

Technical Mentoring Needs:

• Programming, Electrical, Mechanical, Machining
• CAD Design, Videography/Editing, Photography
• Website Design, Safety

Non-Technical Mentoring:

• Business Planning, Branding/Marketing, Social Media
• Organizational/management skills
• Writing and presentation development
• Art and crafts for team spirit

Additional Parent Responsibilities

• Attend parent meetings
• Ensure timely student arrival/pickup
• Sign and return required documents
• Provide emergency contact information
• Monitor team correspondence email
• Support team events and activities
• Keep informed of student progress
• Notify team of student absences

Support Functions

Parents can contribute through:

• Feeding team during build season
• Sponsor solicitation and fundraising
• Travel coordination and chaperoning
• Spirit preparation and team building
• Publicity and public relations
• Event planning and coordination
• Specialized training in expertise areas

Competition & Event Volunteering

Each FRC team must provide minimum of two volunteers to each competition event. Volunteer opportunities are coordinated through FIRST in Michigan and require no prior robotics knowledge.

Career & College Opportunities

The FEDS FIRST program provides excellent exploration of careers in:

• Engineering and technology
• Communication and creative design
• Marketing and business
• Project management and leadership

We expose all students to technological careers while recognizing not all will pursue engineering paths.

Scholarship Opportunities

FIRST offers over $80 million annually in scholarship opportunities to team members. While many target engineering, math, and science degrees, numerous scholarships are available for any field of study. Complete information available at www.firstinspires.org (opens in a new tab).

Your Journey Starts Here

You're not just joining a robotics team - you're becoming part of a tradition of innovation, learning, and community impact that spans over two decades. You'll build robots, but more importantly, you'll build character, skills, and relationships that last a lifetime.

The FEDS tradition continues with your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence. Welcome to the team!