Event Registration

Teams request event registration using an online registration system located on the FIRST Robotics BC website. Advanced registration is required for all events by the stated deadlines. FIRST Robotics BC at its discretion may accept registration requests after the registration period is closed. Registration for FTC Kickoff or FTC Scrimmage events is requested, but not required.

Events have a limited capacity. Teams will be placed on a Registered List or a Wait List based on capacity availability. Only teams on the Registered List may participate in the event. Some events, such as workshops and scrimmages, allocate event space on first come first served basis. Other events, such as the Championship Tournament, use a specialized event space allocation process.

FIRST Core Values

We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through our Core Values:

  • Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
  • Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
  • Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
  • Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
  • Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
  • Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.

Event Rescheduling and Cancellation

The decision to reschedule or cancel an event is not undertaken lightly. The situations most likely to cause this include, but are not limited to:

  • Severe weather conditions.
  • Exceptional circumstances including extended power outage, loss of heating/air conditioning, loss of water, fire, natural disaster, etc.
  • Significant illness that might involve the closing of a facility prior to an event.

The BC FIRST Program Delivery Partner and the Tournament Director or Event Host will determine if there will be a delay, early dismissal, rescheduling, or cancellation of the event. If the event has to be rescheduled or canceled before the event day, teams will be notified by an email sent to the team’s primary contact as designated in the team’s event registration. The information will also be displayed on the FIRST Robotics BC website, at https://firstroboticsbc.org/. In the event of cancellation, FIRST BC reserves the right to advance teams based on consultation with FIRST, if it is not possible to reschedule an event.

Tournament Participation

Only teams in good standing with FIRST may participate in BC Tournaments. Good standing with FIRST does not guarantee participation in a BC Tournament.

Teams must comply with Tournament registration procedures that include, but are not limited to:

  • Registration request deadlines
  • Tournament registration fee deadlines

Participants are required to follow all the tournament and game rules specified in the current season’s Game Manual.

Tournament Team No-Shows

No-Shows are not in the spirit of Gracious Professionalism and are not permitted. Teams that cannot participate due to circumstances beyond the control of the team (e.g. school closings, severe weather, etc.) will not be considered no-shows if the Tournament Director is notified prior to the start of the Tournament. Consequences of no-shows include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Loss of eligibility to attend the Tournament
  • Forfeiture of Tournament registration fees.

Tournament Team Withdrawals

Withdrawals are not in the spirit of Gracious Professionalism and are generally not permitted. The BC Program Delivery Partner or delegate reserves the right to review and approve/deny withdrawal requests. Withdrawal requests must be directed to the Tournament Director (contact information was included in your confirmation email) at least three (3) weeks prior to Tournament date.