Hello, teams!
Again, fantastic "Ring it Up" Season!2. Rockwell Collins grants are now open!
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1. Congrats to Beta #3550 & Combustible Lemons #5466
A HUGE congratulations out to Team #3550, Beta winner of the 2013 Inspire Award at the FTC World Championship!
A team that wins the Inspire award is recognized as representing the core values of FIRST and Gracious Professionalism to the fullest, has a competitive robot, communicates effectively with teams, businesses, and one another, exemplifies the spirit of discovery and science, and exceeds the expectations for all other awards!
To put this in familiar terms for Iowa, this is the equivalent of Shawn Johnson winning the Gold medal in the Olympics!
A HUGE congratulations out to Team #3550, Beta winner of the 2013 Inspire Award at the FTC World Championship!
A team that wins the Inspire award is recognized as representing the core values of FIRST and Gracious Professionalism to the fullest, has a competitive robot, communicates effectively with teams, businesses, and one another, exemplifies the spirit of discovery and science, and exceeds the expectations for all other awards!
To put this in familiar terms for Iowa, this is the equivalent of Shawn Johnson winning the Gold medal in the Olympics!
The Combustible
Lemons, Team #5466, did an excellent job representing Iowa as well. They
were picked during the Alliance Selection in the Edison Division.
Check out the wrap-up video!
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2. Rockwell Collins FTC grants are now open!
During
the FIRST World Championship, we were very excited to hear that
Rockwell Collins has committed to another 3-year support of FTC! They
are starting right now, with team grant support for 2013-2014!
- Teams eligible for these grants must have an affiliation with a school or 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (for example, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club) and be located in the state of Iowa.
- Only two Rockwell Collins grants per organization.
- If "Ring It Up" was your rookie year, you are eligible to apply for a $275 Rockwell Collins grant!
- If you had one team last year and had a large amount of student interest and are considering starting a second FTC team, this "new" team would be eligible for the Rockwell Collins Rookie Award.
- Teams will consist of 5-10 members between the ages of 14 and 18.
- The team will meet at least weekly throughout the season.
- Coaches will participate in a training session for coaches.
- The teams will participate in a tournament, which may be a regional or championship event.
- The coach will be responsible for managing the team and participating in a post-season evaluation.
**If you know of an organization who would be interested
in starting a rookie team for 2013-2014, they are also eligible! Please
forward this information!
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3. Interested in Hosting an Event for 2013-2014?
We are seeking teams who are interested in hosting a scrimmage, workshop or qualifier tournaments for 2013-2014!
If you are interested in hosting either a workshop, scrimmage or qualifier, complete the Host Event Form.
If you are interested in hosting either a workshop, scrimmage or qualifier, complete the Host Event Form.
Requirements for hosting a scrimmage or workshop include the following:
1) About 4 hours for the event - not including set-up or tear down.
2) Hosts provide own field & necessary field electronics.
3) Hosts recruit teams, and accept registrations. Teams are not to be charged registration fees.
4) Hosts can arrange lunch/concessions and sell items to teams attending.
5) Hosts recruit local volunteers to help with event.
1) About 4 hours for the event - not including set-up or tear down.
2) Hosts provide own field & necessary field electronics.
3) Hosts recruit teams, and accept registrations. Teams are not to be charged registration fees.
4) Hosts can arrange lunch/concessions and sell items to teams attending.
5) Hosts recruit local volunteers to help with event.
Hosting a qualifying tournament requires the following:
1) Facility would be available for 12 hours on the day of the event. (This does not include set-up for night before.)
2) Qualifying tournaments require 2 competition fields and 1 practice field, for a total of 3 fields.
Note: Many FTC teams have field perimeter and tiles, some also have electronics and tape for a field. It is up to the event host to coordinate the fields and items associated with fields. FTC-Iowa will not be providing field items.
3) Teams will be assigned to the tournament during the one-week registration time. Hosts agree to accept these teams. Hosts will receive a portion of the registration fees.
4) Hosts recruit local volunteers to help with event. The key volunteers will attend a multi-day workshop in August in Coralville, Iowa.
5) Hosts will be required to provide food for volunteers at event.
6) Host teams receive an automatic bid to the next level of competition.
If you are interested in hosting either a workshop, scrimmage or qualifier, complete the Host Event Form.
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4. Save the Date: Coach & Volunteer workshop August 5-9, 2013
In August, 2013, we are planning a multi-day workshop for coaches and volunteers.
- Location: Marriott Hotel, Coralville, Iowa
- Date: August 5-9, 2013 We may be staggering sessions, but please hold this week on your calendar.
- Who should attend: The coaches/mentors who were new to FTC for 2012-2013 and rookie coaches for 2013-2014. Also key volunteers of the organizations who will be hosting qualifiers. These folks include: Field Tech Advisor - FTA;Head Referee;Judge Advisor;Lead Inspector;Scorekeeper;Volunteer Coordinator; and Event Coordinator
- Cost: We are trying to get some corporations to fund the conference and/or pay stipends to teachers who attend. However, please plan on finding your own lodging accommodations.
- Registration will be open on May 15, 2013. You will be able to find it on the FTC-Iowa website.
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5. Changes for Method of Payment beginning 2013-2014.
5. Changes for Method of Payment beginning 2013-2014.
To help you plan ahead - For the 2013-2014 FTC Season, we will only be accepting credit cards. We will no longer be able to invoice schools/organizations for the tournament registration fees.
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Thank you all!---
Rebecca
