Weekly Updates
Week of March 16 - Welcome to Week Three!
FIRST Chesapeake's Weekly FRC Updates
Stay informed and connected!
| | This Week's Events - March 20-22 | |
Important: Lessons Learned
As we wrapped up our second week of competition, several key reminders and observations emerged that may help teams prepare for upcoming events. By keeping these lessons in mind, teams can help ensure events run efficiently and safely for everyone involved.
Please do not bring noisemakers to the events (per E108)
Judging Reminders
- Impact award documentation must be available in the link provided in your submission on the Monday ahead of your qualifying events.
- Please ensure that your impact video has your team number in the title and that the folder is not access restricted
Field Access & Safety
- Review Rule G102 regarding field lighting. Students may only enter or exit the field through open gates and only when the lights are green, unless directed by a Referee or FTA.
- When the field turns purple, field reset volunteers are clearing game pieces. Students must wait until the lights turn green before entering the field.
- Students should never step over the field perimeter—always walk around and use the designated gates.
Robot Wiring & Electronics
- Ensure radios are wired according to Rules R616 and R617, and verify RIO power connections (R615) are secure.
- Avoid leaving electronics or switches exposed, as game pieces or field interactions could accidentally trigger an emergency stop.
Coach & Mentor Presence
- Coaches or designated adult mentors must be present during team check-in and available throughout the competition while students are in the building.
Bring Spare Parts
- This year’s game can be rough on robots. Teams are encouraged to bring spare parts for components that may break during matches so repairs can be made quickly between matches.
Bumper Inspection Reminder
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Bumpers can not be built with hollow pool noodles (R402 Part A, section i)
- Please fill noodles with foam backer rod - available at Home Depot
- For robots near the max perimeter, expect about 2 packs of ½" × 10' backer rod per bumper.
- Estimated cost is about $24 for a full set of bumpers.
- Teams should check bumpers ahead of events to avoid inspection delays.
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Important Reminders (review of previous newsletters)
- All team members competing at an event must be registered on the team's FIRST Dashboard and have a signed Consent and Release form on file. You can read more about this process HERE.
- Teams must bring a paper roster printed from the FIRST Dashboard with student names and confirmation of a signed Consent and Release. A mentor from the team must present this to Pit Admin.
- You can now find the Inspection Checklist as part of the Season Materials Page. Be prepared and ready to pass, one step at a time! Use the checklist to complete a self-inspection as preparation for the official inspection your robot will receive at events.
If you are a new coach, or need a refresher, check out the new blog entry from FIRST - Getting Ready for Your First Event!
| | Volunteers Needed at Upcoming FRC Events-Update | | |
Thank you to all the volunteers that have helped make the first 2 weeks of FRC Competition Season a success!
It's our volunteers that make the magic of FRC happen, and we need you to join their ranks. This year we are currently short on a variety of roles.
If you have parents who will be at the event, they can make great Practice Field Attendants or Queuers. Have a free weekend?
Being a Judge at competitions your team is not attending is a great way to learn more about the judging process. There's a more detailed breakdown below.
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Top 3 Volunteer Needs Per Event
Week 3 (March 20-22)
Bethesda
Field Resetters (Sunday)
Field Assembly/Disassembly
Quiet Room
Chesapeake
Judge (especially at an event your team is not attending!)
Field Resetters
Game Announcer
Week 4 (March 27-29)
Severn
Judge Advisor Assistant
Field Resetter
1 Queuer
Blacksburg
Judge Advisor Assistant
Welcome Table
Queuer (2 on Sunday)
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FRC Week 2 Results Are In!
The FIRST Robotics Competition season is in full swing! Teams brought their robots to the field for another exciting week of matches, strategy, and teamwork.
Check out the full event results, rankings, and match details from Week 2.
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Advancement to FIRST Chesapeake FRC District Championship
Teams qualify for the FIRST Chesapeake District Championship (DCMP) based on District Ranking Points earned at events. Rankings are determined by match performance, alliance selection, playoff advancement, and awards. Current rankings can be found here: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2026/district/FCH
Full details can be found in Section 11 of the FRC Game Manual.
At DCMP:
- All teams will receive pit interviews like at District events
- District Event award winners will have scheduled interviews for Impact, Engineering Inspiration (EI), Rookie All-Star (RAS), and Leadership Award.
Advancement and award processes are outlined in Section 11.9 (Advancement to District Championship) and Section 9 (Judged Awards) of the Game Manual.
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FCH General Event Information
Check the event-specific page at the FIRST Chesapeake site for the particular details of your events. The following will be consistent across all events -
Friday Night:
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The pits will be open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday of the event. Teams are welcome to load in their robot and pit during this time frame.
- Robot inspection will be open and teams are encouraged to take advantage of this time to complete their inspection process.
- Pits will be open and teams do not have a limit on attendees but it is recommended to only bring those needed to set up the pit area and complete the inspection.
- Teams are required to have passed inspection to take advantage of the test area.
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Field calibration will be available from 8:00 - 8:30 PM on Friday night if field assembly allows for it.
Team Check-In:
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All students and mentors attending the event need to sign a FIRST Consent and Release form. This form can be found through the FIRST Dashboard.
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Teams will need a printed Team Roster indicating completed forms in order to check in for the event and receive their drive team buttons.
Notes:
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Nexus: Team queuing will use Nexus for this event. Teams will receive a QR code during check-in to access the system.
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Code of Conduct: FIRST Chesapeake has implemented a code of conduct at events for teams, volunteers, and staff. Please review and share with your team.
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Extra Space: Teams are limited to their assigned pit area and event-provided area for eating. Teams cannot set up tables, chairs, or displays outside of their designated area for any reason.
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Test Area: Teams are reminded that a complete inspection is required to make use of the test area at the event. The test area is not intended to be used for full field auto or multiple piece autonomous routine per section 14 of the manual (E601 - E606). A board and one labeled magnet per team will be provided by the test area attendant for reserving practice times.
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Safety Glasses: Teams are reminded to bring safety glasses for each team member and guest to use in the field and pit areas. Loaner safety glasses are not available at FIRST Chesapeake events. Teams will be allowed to enter the pit for the first 10 minutes each day without safety glasses per rule [E101 a].
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Safety Reminders: Event participants and visitors should be wearing close-toed and heeled shoes. Hair should be tied back when around robots. No running in the event space.
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Event Rules: Please review the event rules in section 14 of the manual and verify your teams’ compliance.
- NEW this season: Pit tables will not be provided. Teams are responsible for providing their own.
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Drivers’ Meeting Question Form: Use to submit questions to the Head Ref and FTA for the Driver’s Meeting.
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ADA Accommodations: Please contact the event manager prior to the event at the email listed below.
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YouTube Streaming: The event will be streamed live on the FIRST Chesapeake YouTube Channel.
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Event Results: Event match schedule and results will be posted on the FRC-events site.
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Practice Field Locations
Looking for a place to practice? Teams that have shared their available practice field space and elements are listed on the FRC Resource Hub under Fields.
If your team has a practice field or elements and is willing to host other teams, please send your information to frc-teams@firstchesapeake.org so we can add it to the list.
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FIRST Updates and Reminders
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Ready to Host an FRC Event? FCH Needs You!
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.
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Save the Date - FIRST Chesapeake Mentor Conference
The 2026 Geared Up: Mentor Conference is headed your way!
SAVE THE DATE: August 8, 2026! Join us at JMU Harrisonburg!
Plan for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, networking, and empowerment. For mentors in all FIRST programs. Save the date now, and watch this space and our website for more details!
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FIRST HQ Season Resources
| | Thank you to our Partners | | | | |
