Volunteer at FRC Events

It's never to early to reach out for volunteers. All FIRST Events can only happen because of dedicated veterans and new-comers excited to help. Start talking to people in your community about pitching-in at a nearby event. Teams and coaches are encouraged to sign up if they are not competing, to better experience every part of the process.

Go to the FIRST Chesapeake Volunteer page to learn more, or click on individual events from the schedule below!

Carpet Requests

FRC field carpet is used for two events before replacement. When possible, FIRST Chesapeake offers the retired carpet to teams. Use this form to submit your interest. More information in the link below.

Virtual Robotics Studio's KitBot Videos

A step-by-step guide on how to build, program and test your KitBot is now online at the Virtual Robotics Studio, produced by FIRST in Michigan. If you haven't already, dig in at the link below!

Do You Have What it Takes to Host a FIRST Event?

Most of our events are hosted by FRC and FTC teams and schools just like yours! Hosting a FIRST Chesapeake event is an exciting way for teams, schools, and organizations to support STEM education, gain behind-the-scenes experience in event management, and connect with other teams and volunteers. By hosting an event, you play a key role in making robotics accessible to more students while strengthening your own FIRST robotics community.

Fill out the survey below, and you may be one of next years events! Read more at our website.

Introducing - the FTA Pathway Pilot Program

We are excited to announce the pilot launch of the FTA Pathway, a comprehensive initiative designed to build a sustainable pipeline of qualified FIRST Technical Advisors (FTAs) while bringing transparency and structure to the FTA selection and development process.

What is the FTA Pathway Program?

The FTA Pathway Program establishes a clear, structured progression for volunteers interested in becoming FTAs. This program formalizes the path from candidate identification through full FTA certification, ensuring that our community has qualified technical leaders to support events for years to come.

Who Can Participate?

A database of potential candidates will be maintained to include those with experience in the following positions:

• FTA Assistants (FTAAs)
• Control System Advisors (CSAs)
• Field Supervisors
• Lead Robot Inspectors (LRIs)
• Experienced mentors with volunteer leadership backgrounds

If you're interested in the FTA role, we encourage you to complete our Lead Volunteer Interest Form.

What to Expect at FRC Events This Season

See below for the full schedule which will be used for all FRC events this season.

• Friday - Load-In 5 - 9 PM
• 5-person Pit Limit does not apply during Load-in
• Inspection will be open
• Field Open for Calibration - 8-8:30
• Saturday
• Pit and Inspection Open - 8 AM
• Drivers Meeting - 8:30 AM
• Opening Ceremony - 10:30 AM
• Matches begin - 11 AM
• Pits Close - 8 PM
• Sunday
• Pits open - 8 AM
• Opening Ceremonies - 9 AM
• Matches Begin - 9:30 AM
• Playoff's and Award Ceremony - 2 PM - 6 PM
• Pit's close 30 minutes following Closing Ceremony

Catch up on FRC Coach Chats

Last week FIRST Chesapeake hosted it's third FRC Coach chat for new and returning coaches. Topics covered:

• Preparing for competition day
• Robot readiness and compliance
• Team logistics and organization
• Setting goals for early events

You can watch the recording for this, and all of our Coach Chats, on the FIRST Chesapeake Drive. Stay tuned for the next one on March 31 at 7 p.m., where we'll cover Building a Sustainable Team.

FIRST HQ Season Resources

• FRC REBUILT Game Manual
• A Tour of the Field
• The Official FRC Q&A
• Combined Team Updates
• The KitBot A to Z
• All your Season Specific Material
• FRC First Aid Kit new resource made by Team Sycamore 5614 to help support, guide, and inspire FRC teams on topics such as team management, sustainability, outreach, awards, and more.
• FIRST Team Blast Archive
• FIRST Chesapeake Blog