FTC Coach/Captain Conference Call – November 2025

By Mel Wade |

FTC CoachCaptain Call-20251113-Meeting Recording

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Meeting notes

Updated Resources and Compliance Requirements: Mel provided an overview of the updated FIRST website resources, emphasized the importance of reviewing team updates, and detailed compliance requirements such as the inspection checklist and youth protection screening for coaches and team members.

  • FIRST Website Updates: Mel explained that the FIRST website has been redesigned, but previous resources remain valid. They highlighted the ‘game in season’ section under programs, which contains essential materials and updates for teams.
  • Team Updates and Manuals: Mel stressed the importance of regularly checking for biweekly team updates, as these may include rule changes and clarifications not present in the original competition manual.
  • Inspection Checklist: Mel emphasized the necessity of using the self-inspection checklist early and throughout the season to ensure robots are compliant, as non-compliant robots cannot compete.
  • Youth Protection Screening: Mel outlined that two coaches must complete the Youth Protection 3 screening (with additional fingerprinting for California), and only after both are cleared can youth members be registered and participate.
  • Printable Roster and Consent: Mel described the process for generating a printable team roster, which confirms parental consent and is required at competitions, and clarified that this consent is separate from school field trip permissions.

Key Rule Clarifications and Referee Insights: Mel and Daniel discussed recent rule clarifications from referees, focusing on human-robot contact, protected zones, gate violations, and the importance of understanding and adapting to these rules during practice and competition.

  • Human-Robot Contact Rules: Mel relayed that humans may not directly or transitively contact robots with scoring elements during matches, referencing Rule Q19 and G431B, which define such contact as a major foul.
  • Artifact Handling Procedures: Daniel and Mel clarified that artifacts should be dropped or placed into the robot without imparting motion or rolling, and any contact while holding a game element is prohibited; teams are advised to review the latest rules for specifics.
  • Protected Zones and Robot Contact: Mel highlighted the importance of understanding rules around protected zones (G420), noting that repeated bumping is allowed, but teams must design robust robots and be aware of scenarios where being pushed into a zone can still result in a major foul.
  • Gate Violations and Fouls: Mel warned that touching the opposing alliance’s gate, directly or through a scoring element, results in immediate major fouls and ranking points for the opponent, with additional fouls for each artifact de-scored from the ramp.

Professional Development and Training Opportunities: Mel described available professional development options for coaches and interested parties, including FIRST Certified Professional Development sessions and the in-depth First Tech Challenge Academy, with details on scheduling, costs, and locations.

  • Training Session Formats: Mel outlined that professional development is available both remotely and in-person, with options ranging from two-day compressed courses to a week-long, 40-hour First Tech Challenge Academy, which covers theory and practical aspects.
  • Locations and Costs: Mel noted that the Academy is offered in Orlando, Fresno, and occasionally other locations, with the two-day course costing $600 and the week-long course being more expensive; these sessions are open to new and experienced coaches.

Game Play Questions and Q&A Resources: Phillip and Daniel raised questions about game play scenarios, such as penalties for launching balls out of the arena and requirements for legal robot signs, with Mel and Daniel providing guidance and referencing the official Q&A forum for further clarification.

  • Artifact Launching and Penalties: Phillip asked about penalties for balls launched out of the arena; Daniel responded that intentional launching is penalized, but unintentional launches are handled at the judge’s discretion, with balls typically returned to the field by staff.
  • Q&A Forum Utilization: Mel demonstrated how to use the official Game Q&A system to search for clarifications on artifact launching, rolling, and pushing, encouraging teams to consult this resource for answers to common and complex rule questions.
  • Robot Sign Requirements: Daniel inquired about legal robot signs; Mel explained that printable resources are available, and while teams can make their own, signs should be sturdy and compliant with official specifications, with commercial options also available.

Scrimmage Organization and Referee Availability: Daniel requested assistance arranging practice scrimmages with other Florida teams, and Mel committed to coordinating such events, emphasizing the need for experienced referees and mentioning upcoming scrimmages in North Carolina and Texas.

  • Scrimmage Scheduling: Mel stated they would work to organize a scrimmage in Orlando or elsewhere in Florida, considering the regular season schedule and the availability of other teams.
  • Referee Coordination: Mel highlighted the importance of securing experienced referees for scrimmages and noted that their own refereeing experience is outdated, so they prefer to rely on current officials.
  • Open Scrimmages: Mel mentioned that scrimmages in North Carolina and Texas are open to all teams, with registration details forthcoming, and encouraged teams to participate as these are not full tournaments.

Refereeing Standards and Defensive Play Strategies: Daniel and Mel discussed the consistency of refereeing, the learning curve for officials, and strategic considerations for offensive and defensive play, including the importance of understanding protected zones and the risks of certain defensive maneuvers.

  • Referee Experience and Consistency: Daniel expressed concerns about missed calls in early season matches; Mel assured that their region employs experienced referees, especially later in the season, but acknowledged variability across regions.
  • Offensive Versus Defensive Focus: Mel advised teams to prioritize offensive strategies, as effective scoring reduces the need for defense, and cautioned that some defensive actions, such as blocking, may result in major fouls depending on the rules.
  • Protected Zones and Foul Risks: Daniel and Mel discussed the complexity of protected zones, the potential for drawing fouls, and the importance of drivers thoroughly learning the rules to avoid unintentional violations.
  • Upcoming Referee Q&A Sessions: Mel announced plans to have the head referee join future meetings to address detailed rule questions and provide practical insights based on observed issues during competitions.

Event Registration and Refund Policy: Mel explained the process for registering for FIRST Tech Challenge events, highlighted the option for purchase protection, and clarified that refunds are not issued by the organizers, advising teams to review third-party protection terms.

  • Registration Process: Mel directed teams to the online event registration system, noting that it is ready for use and includes an option for purchase protection.
  • Refund and Protection Policy: Mel clarified that the organizers do not issue refunds for cancellations, but teams may opt for third-party purchase protection at an additional cost, and should review the terms before purchasing.

Follow-up tasks

Rule Clarifications from Referee: Arrange for the head referee to join an upcoming session to answer detailed questions about rules, fouls, and gameplay strategies. (Mel)

Scrimmage Organization: Coordinate with local teams and experienced referees to schedule a practice scrimmage in the Florida area, aiming for January if possible. (Mel)

Rule Clarification on Drawing Fouls: Contact the head referee to clarify the rule regarding intentionally drawing fouls by forcing an opponent to violate a rule during gameplay. (Mel)

Event Calendar Update: Add the upcoming Texas scrimmage to the Adventist Robotics event calendar and ensure registration information is available. (Mel)

Posted in FTC Coach-Captain Call