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FIRST Robotics Team 195 The CyberKnightsSouthington High School

Southington High SchoolFIRST Robotics Team 195

Team HandbookAnd Application

SHS Robotics Handbook and Application 2016/2017 Season of 17


ContentsWelcomeWhat is FIRST RoboticsTeam HistoryQualifications, Rules and Requirements

1. Applicant Selection2. Attendance, Punctuality and Dependability3. Behavior4. Robotics Team Commitment and Time Requirements:

Team MeetingsTeam DuesMentors and EngineersConflict ResolutionPlan of Assistance / ProbationSuspension ProceduresCalendar of EventsHealthUniformsWork at Other LocationsSub teamsFundraising TravelCompetitionsHotel GuidelinesParent ResponsibilitiesElection of Captain(s)E-MailWebsiteFIRST Forums and Social MediaVarsity Lettering RequirementsApplication

WelcomeWelcome to the 2016 - 2017 Season. Our team is comprised of students from Southington High School. They work along side with engineers, machinists, electricians, and technicians. Together we design and build a robot for competition.

This guide is intended to give you an understanding of the program and your responsibilities as a team member and a parent. In the following pages you will find information relating to team history, selection process, team rules, team guidelines, organization at events, travel, and many other aspects of our team.

Please review all the information very carefully. If you have any other questions that this guide has not covered, or if there are questions regarding any topic, do not hesitate to ask. You are encouraged to keep this manual handy for future reference. Students and parents must sign and return the last page of this document confirming you have read and understand the content.

What is FIRST Robotics



FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international high school robotics competition. Each year, teams of high school students and mentors work during a six-week period to build game-playing robots that weigh up to 120 lbs. Robots complete tasks such as scoring balls into goals, flying discs into goals, inner tubes onto racks, hanging on bars, and balancing robots on balance beams. The game changes yearly, keeping the excitement fresh and giving each team a more level playing field. While teams are given a standard set of parts, they are also allowed a budget and encouraged to buy or make specialized parts. FRC is one of four robotics competition programs organized by FIRST, the others being Junior FIRST Lego League, FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge.

FRC has a unique culture, built around two values. Gracious Professionalism embraces the competition inherent in the program, but rejects trash talk and chest-thumping, instead embracing empathy and respect for other teams. Coopertition emphasizes that teams can cooperate and compete at the same time. The goal of the program is to inspire students to be science and technology leaders. There are approximately 3128 teams with roughly 75,000 students and 19,000 mentors from 24 countries building robots.

Team HistoryThe Southington High School FIRST Robotics Team has a rich history of success to grow and build upon. Understanding where you have been lays a firm foundation to where you are going. So where did it all begin? The program originated in 1997 when Southington High School and Johnson & Johnson Medical leadership coordinated an effort to improve student performance in math and science through engineering. Johnson & Johnson approached Southington High School about the FIRST program. The school accepted the offer and Team 195 was born.

Since then the team has grown significantly from 6 students in our first season to 52 students in our 19 th competing season. Through the years Team 195 has won many competitions and awards. Some of which are the following:

1998 Regional at Rutgers in NJ “The Play of the Day” award 2002 Bash @ the Beach in Old Lyme Technology Award. 2002 SBPLI Regional in Brentwood NY awarded the Johnson & Johnson Sportsmanship Award. 2004 Bash @ the Beach in September 2003 the team came in 1st place and we won the Team Sprit Award 2004 NJ Regional we came in 3rd place and won the Sportsmanship Award 2004 UTC New England Regional Entrepreneurship Award It is important to note that 2004 was the first year that the robot was designed, built, and programmed by students

at SHS. The students were actively involved in the whole process. 2005 Bash @ the Beach in October 2005. The team won the Most Futurist Design Award and was a semifinalist. 2005 UTC New England Regional, the Radio Shack Innovation in Controls Award. 2005 National Championship in, Atlanta, Georgia where the team won the Newton Division. The team made it to

the finals placing second out of 344 teams. 2006 UTC Regional in Hartford, CT General Motors Industrial Design Award and winners of the UTC Regional

Competition. 2007/2008 WPI Battle cry ‘Excellence in Engineering’ Award 2009 FIRST President’s Circle Award 2011 Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional Winners 2011 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Regional Winners 2011 Motorola Quality Award (CT Regional) and Cooperatition Award (2011 Championship) 2012 New York City Regional Finalist – Winner of the Industrial Design Award 2012 Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional Winners and Winners of ‘Engineering Excellence’ Award 2012 FIRST Championship – came in 7th in the Archimedes Division 2013 UTC Connecticut Regional Winners 2014 District Winners Southington District Event 2014 Finalist-New England Championship 2015 Chairman’s Award Waterbury District Event


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIRST


2015 District Winner Hartford District Event & Motorola Quality Award 2015 Regional Winner Tech Valley Regional 2015 New England Championship Winner & New England Level Chairman’s Award 2015 World Championship Newton Division Finalists & World Level Engineering Inspiration Award 2016 Winner UMASS District Event and Hartford District Events 2016 New England Championship Winner 2016 World Championship Galileo Division winners and Championship Semi Finalists

Qualifications, Rules and RequirementsQualifications of a team member are important to ensure the goals and objectives of the team are accomplished with quality and efficiency. Basic Qualifications and Requirements of membership

1. Application & Selection:

Each student is required to complete an application. The time lines and directions for the application are very specific. Care should be taken to complete the application as neat and thorough as possible. Responses may be typed and attached to the application, if preferred. The mentors will take the content of this application into consideration for acceptance on the team.

Selecting a team is a very difficult task for the board of directors. Typically there are 70 or more applications including members from the previous year’s team that also have to re-apply. Being a member on the team is a privilege and every team member is expected to make a contribution to the team’s projects and goals.

The process starts with the application. Applications are available at the beginning of the school year to all active students at Southington High School and may be made available to returning students during the summer months.

Interviews: At times, new applicants are scheduled for an interview to be held after school hours. At this five to ten minute interview the student has a chance to meet the current mentors and answer questions regarding their skills, talents, and interests. At times these interviews can be done over the phone.

Final Selection and Notification Process: The board of directors will look at all applicants and build a team that they feel will help accomplish the goals of the team. Hard decisions will be made to fill team roles, needs and to target an effective team size. Students selected for the team will be notified of their acceptance in a timely manner.

2. Attendance, Punctuality and Dependability:

Attendance and punctuality are indicators of a student’s commitment to their education and future. When asked to participate, establishing a record of dependability and punctuality is essential to team organization and efficiency.

Your continued participation with team activities is required throughout the year and your continued membership on the team depends upon it. Activities include team meetings, sub team meetings, competition events and volunteering. Should attendance drop off at any time, you will be called for discussion. Reasons for lack of participation will be discussed. Conflicts with other activities are NOT considered an excusable reason for lack of participation. It is expected that your schoolwork be managed effectively and balanced around team activities. This program is highly sought after by many students and it is expected that members make this team their primary extracurricular activity taking precedence over others.

Participation Requirements are listed below:

1. Team meetings (80% attendance requirement- you will be asked to sign in at each meeting)2. District Event Competitions: Mandatory Attendance at both FRC District Events for all team members

Excused absences from district events are permitted for family reasons and must be in writing from parents/guardians at least two weeks prior to the event.

3. Mentoring the Youth: All students are required to do 8 hours of youth mentoring for FLL or VEX IQ4. Community Outreach: All team members are required to do at least 8 hours at a TEAM outreach event5. Fund Raising Events/Activities: All team members are required to participate in fundraising effort



6. Travel Competitions: Mandatory for key positions (Drive Team, Lead Programmer, Pit Crew, Lead Scouts, Chairman’s)

For all other supporting students on these sub teams, travel competitions are optional

Mandatory activities are those activities that attendance is required. All FIRST regular season competitions are mandatory and excused only with a written note from parent or guardian. Students missing more than 25% of team activities may be placed on probation and possibly dropped from the team.

If a student is placed on probation for lack of participation any activities 1-5 listed above, they can be removed from travel rosters and not be able to travel with the team. The student and parents will be notified that he/she cannot attend that event. If a student is not attending an event he / she will not get a refund on any monies raised for that event.

3. Behavior: Consistent Demonstration of Good Judgment, Integrity and Positive Behavior

Each team member is an ambassador of our team. Team members need to be role models for other students. Solid behavior choices should be demonstrated at all times, in and out of school activities. This is a critical aspect of being a team member in good standing. You represent Southington High School, FIRST, and foremost the CyberKnights.

Team Meetings All team members will embody the “Gracious Professionalism” spirit of FIRST at all times. This constitutes good behavior, a positive attitude, and respect for everyone, students, parents, mentors, and teachers alike.

When a mentor or fellow team member is addressing the team all team members will give that person their undivided attention. If a team member is talking during this time they will be asked to please stop and listen to the presentation; If it happens a second time, that team member will be asked to leave the meeting and the meeting will not count for attendance.

School: Your behavior in school and specifically in the classroom is a message to all regarding the caliber of students on our team. You are looked upon as role models and examples of the best students our school has to offer.

Behavior with Mentors: Mentors are professionals volunteering their time to teach you. This is to mean that if a mentor requests you to do something you will comply with the best of your ability. Ignoring directions or requests of a mentor is not appropriate.

Inappropriate Behaviors: Running, pushing and shoving, name calling (negative), making messes, fighting, swearing, stealing, and all other activities that reflect negatively on the team are prohibited. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated at anytime. This includes but is not limited to sulking, complaining, or bad mouthing because the outcome was not favorable to you. FIRST does not allow booing at events, trash talking other teams, refs and/or volunteers.(Extremely important and can cause a red card be issued to the offending team)

Relationships: In the event that student relationships develop or is ongoing, there are certain guidelines that must be adhered to at all times when engaged in team activities local and away.

o Handholding, hugging, kissing and other expressions of affection are prohibited at all times. The couple must also travel in a group at all times. Couples may not wander off or sit alone. In other words, they should not appear as a couple but as part of the team.

o Couples are not allowed to be in hotel rooms unless with a group of students and mentors.o Relationships between Mentors and Students are prohibited and grounds for removal from the team for

both parties.

Rumors, Cliques and Bullying: We are a very close family and should have each other’s backs. We all recognize we are different individuals and we celebrate or differences rather than allowing them to divide us.



o Students should refrain from rumors, he-said-she-said, and negative comments about one another. If a problem arises with another student you should speak to a team captain or mentor immediately. Students are not allowed to have physical or verbal conflicts with each other. Both students will be disciplined up to and including dismissal from the team at the discretion of the mentors. Bullying will not be tolerated

Behaviors at Robotics Events: All eyes are on you every minute you are in public. Your behavior is a direct reflection on your character and on our team. A judge or member of another team may over hear what you say to one another and how you say it. Even the expressions on your face and body language may bring unwanted negative attention and bad impressions.

o You are expected to at all times be polite and respectful to all staff members and refrain from activities that are considered disruptive. Any Team member receiving a disciplinary of any type is subject to review by the mentors. If you don’t think you should do it, then probably you should not.

Cheering: Organization is the key to this being a powerful tool. Your spirit leaders will give you direction and guidance for this activity. When we are cheering all team members are expected to stand and cheer to the best of their ability. Sitting in the stands looking bored, carrying on personal conversations while others are cheering is not good for the team image and is not permitted.

Award Ceremony: During the ceremony we will applaud the teams that are winning awards. When we applaud we will stand to show our respect for what they have accomplished.

Greetings: There are certain persons in the FIRST organization that we make an effort to greet on a personal level. If you see Dean Kamen or Woody Flowers enter the area, make an effort to go to where they are and greet them. If they are engaged in a conversation with another person, please be respectful at all times.

Litter: If you see a mess (paper or trash) you should make an effort to pick it up. That goes for the area you are sitting as well as any other location in the arena.

Things We Do Not Do At An Event Uniforms may not be altered or worn in any manner not approved by the mentors.Students may not play cards or play other games at the event.Our team will not engage in negative behavior toward another team or team member. Which includes Booing.Our team will not display displeasure over any decision by a referee or judge.Do not sit with other teams or wear other team uniforms at events (it is ok to visit but you are expected to primarily be with your team.

Inappropriate Behavior During Events-DismissalIf a student exhibits inappropriate behavior during an event they will be asked to leave at their own expense. If this takes place during an invitational event then the parents will be contacted to come pick you up. This event will not count for attendance and you will be placed on the next probation level or removed from the team if the offense is serious enough.

If this takes place during an away district or world championship event then the parents will be contacted to come pick you up. If this is not possible then transportation will be arranged at your parents’ expense to return home. This event will not count for attendance and you will be placed on the next probation level or removed from the team if the offense is serious enough.

4. Robotics Team Commitment and Time Requirements:

This activity requires many hours of a student’s free time. This will include mostly evenings and weekends and occasionally after school. Robotics requires just as high a commitment as you would expect from Marching Band or a Football Team. This is a time consuming sport.

It is the responsibility of the student to manage and balance all their activities and informing the team mentors of their commitments. Sports teams provide different challenges and different stress upon your time. It is important to



communicate with your team mentors timing of any other secondary activities. Often times, secondary activities can be accommodated. However, other extracurricular activities are not an excuse from your commitment to robotics.

There are some instances however, where the timing cannot be resolved. In this case you may have to choose which activity you will be putting your time and effort into. Please discuss this problem with a FIRST mentor before you make a final decision. By being accepted to this team, it is expected that Robotics will be your primary focus.

DRIVE TEAM: SPECIAL TIME REQUIREMENTSDeciding to be on drive team requires careful consideration. It is not intended for someone who already has a great deal of other commitments. It equates to being “the quarterback”. Commitment and Attendance requirements exceed what is outlined in this handbook and include:

Commitment to attend ALL competitions both local and travel. (Costs are involved with travel) Practice sessions 6-7 days per week for up to 3-6 hours at a time based on a weekly published schedule Additional homework will be required (studying game rules, game strategy and researching other teams)

NOTE: Drive team selections are made on an annual basis and members are re-selected each season. Once selected, the commitment is for that one season. A drive team member can be replaced at any time due to time commitment and/or performance issues.

There are other requirements (other than time commitment) to be considered for drive team. Please refer to the drive team application for further information. This position requires an additional application, parent and student interviews and on-field demonstration of skill.

Other Important InformationTeam Meetings

Team meetings will be held at our “Fragola Fortress” donated by Fragola Performance Systems1900 West St, Southington on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00

Team Dues

Each accepted team member is required to pay $195 team dues. The dues pay for the cost of one team shirt, travel to local (Non Travel) district event(s), one pair of safety glasses and the student’s yearbook. Need based dues scholarships are available. Please contact [email protected] or Sandra Brino for details.

Mentors & Engineers:The team Board of Directors, Engineers and Mentors for the Southington High School FIRST Team are a group of dedicated professionals who are taking on the responsibility of providing you with the best educational experience. Many of their efforts are behind the scenes pre and post season. Many, many hours of planning are required to coordinate all the activities for our team.

We have some of the brightest and most dedicated engineers on our team. These dedicated team members spend many, many of their free time hours on this team as mentors to our students. Their expertise allows the dreams and ideas of the students to be transformed into reality. Students shall treat the engineers and other adults with respect at all times.

Take the time to communicate and get to know these very talented people. Do not hesitate to ask advice for they have a wealth of knowledge. They are valuable resources for tutoring while we are traveling. Please keep in mind; these Mentors volunteer their time to transfer their knowledge using the following guidelines:

Mentor does, Student watchesMentor does, Student helpsStudent does, Mentor helpsStudent does, Mentor watches


mailto:[email protected]


When traveling they are considered your “guardians” looking out for your welfare and safekeeping. They take seriously the confidence your parents have placed with them. Please be aware that decisions regarding team rules and procedures are based upon experience, school district and input from mentors.

Conflict ResolutionShould conflicts arise between students and mentors, the following process should be applied

The student should present the conflict/issue to the mentor/coach as soon as possible to attempt to resolve the situation. Depending on the situation, a student may ask his/her team captain to approach the coach.

If the conflict is not resolved, the student should follow the following guidelines in order to escalate their concern.1) Student > Robotics Mentor/Coach2) Student > Robotics Team Captain 3) Student > SHS Robotics Advisor & “Mentor Voice/Lead” Board Member4) Student & Parent > 195 Board of Directors5) Student & Parent > SHS Principal

Students are expected to resolve issues with mentors using the above guidelines first.

Parents should NOT bring concerns directly to the Robotics Mentors either in person, via phone or email.

Parents may contact the The Mentor Lead or School Robotics Advisor on the 195 board of directors at any time with questions or concerns.

Plan of Assistance / ProbationA Plan of Assistance is a method of identifying a behavior and outlining the steps to correct the behavior within a specified time length of probation. The plan is a corrective method designed to assist the student and keep him or her eligible for the team. At the end of the probation period if the situation is not corrected you may have probation extended or you may be dropped from the team. This decision will be made after considering the effort and progress made during this time.

Suspension Procedure

Suspension from the teamIf you have been suspended from SHS you will immediately be suspended from the SHS Robotics team for the same period of time. Depending upon the circumstances, you may be dropped from the team.

Discipline issues: Suspension Periods from the team (decision made by Board of Directors and School Advisor)1st offense – placed on probation for a period of 30 days and have limited team activities2nd offense – placed on probation for a period of 30 days and no team activities are allowed (If this occurs during the 1st offense then placed on probation for 60 days)3rd offense – immediate removal from the team

If during the first 30 days you exhibit inappropriate behavior then you will be placed on probation Level 2. A third offense during this time period will result in immediate removal from the team. A student may be placed on probation Level 2 immediately based on the seriousness of an offense. If the team mentor feels that the offense is serious enough then the student may be removed from the team immediately. This removal will be permanent for this and future seasons.

Calendar of EventsOur year is divided into three distinct parts or “seasons.”



Training Season (September – December)We start off each year with a training and sponsorship season that begins in September and runs through the school year. This includes our VEX Robotics program geared to teach our new members the basics of robotics. Several “VEX” teams will be formed and students will build smaller robots and attend competitions in the late fall and early winter season. During this time our team also assists the FIRST Lego League Teams here in our town September through December. This is an important time of learning for the FIRST Season where the team will build on large 120 lb. robot.

This is the time period when your dedication, and team performance is monitored very closely to make sure they are up to the standards of the team. Close attention is paid to attendance and performance.

FIRST Design – Build – Competition (January – April)Immediately following the holiday we begin our design – build – competition season. This starts with the “kickoff” of the new game the first weekend in January. Our lead mentors attend in person in Manchester, NH. The “build” begins the first Saturday in January and ends 6 weeks later. This is the most intense time of the year for all of our team members. In 6 short weeks we rush to design and build a functional robot that will meet all the demands of the new competition. We then “Bag and Tag” the robot after which it cannot be touched till the first competition. The district competitions are in March and early April. The World Championship is in mid to end of April.

Post Season & Demonstration Season (May – June)During May and June, we do many town demonstrations as well as compete in other post-season competitions hosted by other FIRST teams around New England. The robot is transported, along with willing and able team members to local parades and demonstrations. In general, the pace during this time of the year is considerably slower than during build season.

HealthEach team member needs to fill the health information on all permissions slips. This information must contain accurate and complete information – this is school policy. Your parent or legal guardian must sign all permission slips. Students taking any medication while we are traveling need to have the list of these medications on file with the SHS Robotics Advisor. In the event you become ill on a trip, transportation home will be at the parents’ expense using first available transportation.UniformsOur uniform is an important part of our image and thus must be maintained with dignity and care. Currently we have several versions of our team shirt (Competition Shirt, Polos and Sweatshirts). Each member is provided a competition shirt and may purchase additional items. The use of each and when they will be worn will be determined by the mentors and told to you as soon as possible.

Shirts will be worn at ALL competitions, fundraisers and any team events. It is important not to cover or alter the team shirt in any way. There shall be no unauthorized alteration of appearance this includes but is not limited to, cutting, badges, duct tape (or tape of any kind), markings, or any other non-approved alteration. Additional shirts will be available for purchase by students and parents as stock allows. Students are not allowed to trade any part of their uniform without permission of the mentors.

Work at Other LocationsOften the team will meet and work away from school. Local businesses open their facilities for our use on a regular basis. Transportation to this location is the responsibility of the parents in many cases. We are guests of these companies and need to treat our presence with care and respect.

Please stay in the designated areas at all times and with your group. Never enter office spaces unless directed to do so by an employee. Remember to pick up any drink or food containers that you have used and deposit them in the proper location.



Sub-TeamsThe Southington High School Team is made of several sub-teams to get the FIRST project completed. By dividing into specialized groups students are able to focus on specific aspects of the project. You will be provided a list of this year’s sub-teams and their responsibilities. ALL SUB-TEAM ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE PRE-APPROVED BY THE TEAM MENTORS.

FundraisingAll students are asked to participate in team-building activities and fundraisers. Funds raised from these activities are typically used for robot expenses or equipment.

General FundraisersGeneral fundraisers are considered anything that is NOT sponsorship.

Ticket Sales: The past several years we have held fundraisers such as breakfast or a dinner. The tickets may be sold to friends, relatives or the general public. It is suggested that the students do not go door – to – door in a neighborhood other than their own. It is further suggested that selling the tickets in front of a business without permission form the business may be against the law, and thus should be avoided.

Sponsorship Obligations:The program is fully funded by local business sponsors. Only 10% of our overall budget is covered by the school budget. Sponsorships raised by a student can completely pay for or defray the cost of their personal travel. Team members are obligated to go out into the community and get sponsors for the team. You will be given instructions on how to approach potential sponsors and given materials to present.

All potential sponsors must be pre-approved in advance by the mentors. This will prevent several students approaching the same sponsor. This is considered a mandatory team activity and all monies raised will go towards the team’s travel and entry fee expenses.If a student wishes to travel to multiple events and has not obtained enough sponsors to cover their travel expenses, parents have the option to pay the balance in order for the student to go on the trip.

The following are estimates of cost per student for typical competitions and are subject to change based on travel costs at the time of booking. Students will be notified as soon as final confirmations of cost are determined (room, airfare, bus, etc.)

District Events (Local) $ IncludedDistrict Events (If it includes travel) $150 - $300New England District Championship – Usually Travel Trip $200 - $350World Championship – St Louis Travel Trip $700 - $850

Deposits for travel trips are required to hold a spot and begin making travel arrangements. Deposits are not refundable. Final payments for attending the world championship will be due on a specific date and prior to the trip. We will not know if we qualify for the world championship until after the District Championship.

NOTE: Sponsorship credits toward student travel only apply to the current season. Rollovers to future seasons are not permitted. Balances of sponsorships pay for other team expenses such as robot parts and entry fees.

TravelTraveling, as a team, is very exciting and rewarding and often the highlight of a student’s memories. A great deal of planning and organization is required to coordinate all the associated activities. A strong effort is made to make the travel to be an educational / cultural experience as well as the basic competition.

All team members are eligible to travel to all events if they wish. Some team members are required to travel to all events (Drive Team and Key Build/Pit positions)



There are special procedures we must follow to ensure safe and efficient travel and are in accordance with school rules. All school rules are followed to the letter.

We will wear FULL uniform for travel at all times. Items that are not designated as a team uniform will not be worn. There will be an appropriate number of chaperones on each trip and Chaperoning assignments are made connecting a student with a specific chaperone. Students are to report to their assigned chaperone if they need to leave the group for any reason or have any

special needs. Each student needs a texting phone or access to a texting phone in order to stay in contact with their assigned chaperone

All students MUST TRAVEL WITH THE TEAM. Students cannot independently travel to events without prior exemptions to this school rule as cleared by the board of directors and SHS robotics advisor.

You will be provided detailed travel instructions at the beginning of each trip. This instruction packet will outline procedures for air travel, baggage and any airport security requirements.

CompetitionsThis year, our team will attempt to raise enough funds to attend two district events, the District Championship, as well as the World Championship. We also attend several invitational events each year.

District EventsA District Competition may be close or a distance away. Which District events we attend are dependent upon location and timing of the events. Usually we do one local event and two at locations where we can best showcase our team and are exposed to a variety of quality robots. Often we travel by plane or bus to the events out of state.

District ChampionshipA District Championship may be close or a distance away. We must qualify based on points at two district events in order to compete at the District Championship. Travel may include plane or bus to the events out of state.

World Championship EventThe World Championship event is very similar to a district championship event in many ways but on a larger scale. There will be teams from all over the world. This year the event is being held in St. Louis, Missouri.

Hotel GuidelinesWhen we travel we often stay at a hotel for several nights. Students will be organized into room groups of students, depending on quantity of students and room availability. There are no co-ed rooms; rooms are either male or female (male students cannot have female students in their room and female students can not have male students in their room). Each room will have a mentor assigned to monitor and coordinate activities (this includes room inspections). If there is a pool or weight room a mentor must be present to swim, use the hot tub or exercise room. Appropriate attire is required. Please check with a mentor if there is any question. You will be provided detailed travel and check in instructions prior to each trip.

Parent ResponsibilitiesParents are an integral part of our team and are very important to our continued success. Parents are also a key factor in the motivation and dedication of their student. Supporting their son/daughter in all aspects of their team involvement is key to them getting the most out of the program.

Parents have several responsibilities, they are:-- To provide timely transportation for the student, making sure that they are at the required events on time and ready to

participate. Often we will leave for a competition very early in the morning. Parents are expected to have the student at the designated location at the prescribed time. We will not delay team transportation waiting for students to arrive late.

-- Upon return from an event parents are expected to provide transportation at the designated time. Late transportation causes an inconvenience to all involved.

-- Parents are expected to attend mandatory meetings (when required).



-- Parents are expected to provide transportation to local events, including Saturday work sessions, after school sessions.

-- Parents are expected to provide accurate medical information and to keep mentors informed of all changes.-- Parents are also expected to provide spending money as is appropriate when we are at events or competitions.-- Parents are encouraged to participate in team activities whenever possible.

Election of CaptainsThe captain is the student leader of the team. Their behavior both on the field and in school is an excellent example of “Gracious Professionalism” in action. They represent the student voice and are the student connection to the board of directors. Qualifications include (but are not limited to):

_ Membership on the team_ Minimum 2 years of team experience_ High ethical standards and demonstration of leadership and maturity

Selection(s) is/are made by the team’s Board of Directors in the fall of the school year. The mentors may request to interview the candidates. Once final selections are made the new captains will be notified at a team meeting.

E-MailAll students are encouraged to have an active e-mail address. This form of communication is by far the fastest and most efficient mode of communication. Please provide your e-mail address to the mentors for the data base records. It is required that you monitor your e-mail twice a day.

WebsiteOur web site is currently located at www.team195.com.

All forms such as permission slips and other important material, information and news for the team are all placed on the website. All students are expected to go to the website and seek the information themselves prior to asking for assistance from the parent lead.

FIRST Forums and Social MediaChief Delphi.com is a FIRST Forum where students and mentors discuss FIRST robotics topics. Your team number is noted when you comment and all 195 student activity is monitored on this site. Please be careful about your comments and responses you place on other web sites or teams as they reflect upon our team. Remember Gracious Professionalism at all times. Any inappropriate remarks will be considered for disciplinary action.

The following will not be allowed on any FIRST Forum or Social Media and subject to disciplinary action:Swearing & Inappropriate languageVerbal or written attacking or bullying of any FIRST team members, engineers, referees or leadersPutting down other teams, other team’s members or their robot design

Varsity Letter Requirements

All members of Team 195 may qualify for a Varsity Letter in Robotics. This outlines the requirements to achieve this honor. These requirements must be completed by May 31st of a given year. Letters will be awarded in June of each year.

1. 100 Hours of Team-Based Participation, which can include: Attendance at competitions Fundraising efforts and attendance at fundraising events Sponsorship efforts


http://www.team195.com/


FIRST Kick-off Apple Harvest Parade Work during Build Season Other work that is approved by a mentor Please note that attendance at weekly meetings will NOT count toward a student’s 100 hours. However,

work done at the facility after the meeting has concluded will count.

2. 3 Special Recognitions by Mentors Mentors will recognize those students who demonstrate strong character and respect in the areas of

Safety, Gracious Professionalism, and Teamwork. Students will be recognized at weekly meetings.

3. 10 hours of Community Service (5 of which must be mentoring youth) FIRST based service (FIRST Lego League or other FIRST Events) Faith based service Team community service opportunities- Community service hours will be logged from June 1st to May 31st

each year.

A notebook will be kept at team meetings. Each student will have a section and it is the student’s responsibility to log his/her Team-based participation, Community Service hours, and which mentor observed his/her work. The student must notify the mentor that there is an entry for him/her to view. A mentor will sign off on each student’s entry.

If a student does not complete the necessary requirements in a given year, all accumulated criteria will be carried over to the following year. Once a student is awarded a Varsity Letter, he/she must complete all requirements the following year to achieve Varsity status for a second or third year.

Awards will be given as follows:Year 1: Varsity Letter awardedYear 2: Robotics Pin awardedYear 3: Robotics Patch awarded



FIRST Robotics Team 195New Member Application

2016 - 2017

Thank you for applying for the Southington High School FIRST Robotics Team!

The advisors of Team 195 will review your application and notify you as to your acceptance status as outlined below. Please answer all of the following questions. Make sure you answer the questions seriously - a sense of humor is a real plus on the team, but the team needs serious, focused, dedicated people who can also have fun! If you take time to answer the application questions thoroughly and sincerely you will have a good chance of being accepted onto the team.

If you are accepted to the team, be prepared for a great experience! No one knows how much of a benefit you will get by participating, but the potential of personal rewards are great. You will only get out of your experience what you are willing to put into the team. That means working hard, playing hard, and respecting and supporting your teammates, mentors, and advisors.

Your Robotics Team 2016-2017 Handbook will include a complete explanation of the rules and your financial obligations. Dues for the season will be $195 but not payable till you are accepted to the team. Dues are used to pay for one team shirt per member, bussing transportation to Connecticut events, a yearbook and other team expenses.All pages of this form and signatures are due back on or before September 16, 2016. Scan and return to [email protected].

Late submissions will not be accepted!


mailto:[email protected]


CyberKnights 2016/2017 Season - New Member ApplicationSTUDENT INFORMATION

Last Name: _______________________ First: _____________________ Grade in 2016/2017: _____________

Address

Home

Phone Number

Student

Cell Phone

Student

Email Address

Parent/Guardian 1 Name Cell Phone #: Email

Parent/ Guardian 2 Name Cell Phone #: Email

1. How did you learn about SHS FIRST Robotics Team?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. When you heard about the Robotics Team, what aspect interested you the most?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Why do you feel you should be selected to the FIRST Robotics Team 195? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Will you be able to attend the meetings on Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, (September through June) as well as additional evenings for robot build? YES NO

5. Parental Involvement is a large part of the Robotics team. Just as with Band, Football or other high commitment activities, Robotics needs parental assistance in order to ensure a successful season.Would your parent(s) be willing to volunteer to help the team? YES NOEx: Chaperone, Travel, Fund Raiser Volunteering, Mechanical Expertise, etc.)

6. Are you involved in other organizations, extra-curricular activities, or sports? YES NOIf involved in other activities, please describe activity and time commitment involved. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Do you have a job? YES NOIf yes where? __________________________________________________ How many hours per week? ____ Per day? _____________ What days? __________________

8. What classes are you currently taking that you feel help prepare you for being a member of the Robotics Team? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Are you currently a part of Project Lead The Way Program? YES NO

10. Were you ever on the FIRST Lego League? YES NO

11. On average what are your grades? 90 – 100 70 - 7980 - 89 Below 70

12. What is your favorite subject? _____________________________________________________

13. What is your least favorite subject? ________________________________________________

14. Please list any previous or current team members you wish to use as a reference. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. What made you want to become a FIRST team member?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Which of your skills or abilities do you feel would be of particular benefit to the team? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Of the functions below, what interests you the most: (check all that apply)



Other: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Team unity and spirit is critical and important to the success of the team. You will be expected to become active in promoting team spirit and sportsmanship. Please document any experiences you have had previously with the activities listed in question 17 (as well as good sportsmanship)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. Please list 3 adults, (21 or over) other than family members you wish to use as a reference:

Name: _______________________ Name: _____________________Phone #: ______________________ Phone #: __________________Occupation: ___________________ Occupation: _______________

Name: ________________________Phone #:_______________________Occupation: ____________________

Student and Parent SignaturesI hereby pledge to meet all requirements of scholastic standing, fundraising, attendance, and participation in order to remain a member in good standing. I have also read and understand the Robotics Team Handbook.

_______________________________ ____________________Student signature Date

As parent, legal guardian, or I verify that I have read and understand all of the information contained in this application and the Robotics Team Handbook.

_______________________________ _____________________Parent or legal guardian signature Date


Organizing/Project Management Photography/VideographerDesigning/building the robot (machining) Scouting (Data analysis)Computer Aided Design (Inventor) Website DesignElectrical Wiring Animation Production (3D Studio Max)Programming Robot Artwork – Graphic Design (logos, uniform)Pit Crew (Fixing the Robot) Marketing/Spirit/Promotions/PRChairman’s Team (Writing, Presentations) Fundraising

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