Welcome to the July FTC Link Newsletter: Decode

Check out this month's highlights and reminders!

July Newsletter at a Glance

• Team Health Survey - Don't forget to complete it!

• FTC 25-26 Season Schedule - One venue still needed!

• 25-26 FAQs

• 25-26 District Key Volunteer Positions Open

• Recruiting Stipended Positions

• Mentor Conference Resources

  
  

Team Health Survey

Thank you to those who have filled this out already! We want to hear from you.

Take a few minutes to share your current status, challenges, and what support you’ll need for next season. Your input helps us plan and provide the right resources to keep teams strong and thriving.

Need to meet with me? Fill out the survey and let me know how you prefer to be contacted.

FTC Season 25-26 FIRST Age: Decode

From artifacts to algorithms, it’s time to decode the season. Save the dates and join the tech-powered dig!

As we gear up for another season of innovation, teamwork, and discovery, we want to share some important updates to the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team fee structure for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

Steps to Play This Season

STEP 1: FIRST Inspires Team Registration Fee: $325

STEP 2: FIRST Chesapeake Competition Registration Fee (2 qualifiers): $500

STEP 3: Select qualifiers. Without payment to BOTH FIRST Inspires and FIRST Chesapeake, teams will not be able to select qualifiers.

Championship Event Fee (if qualified): $600

Optional 3rd Play Event Fee (if available): $250. More information to come on the process.

These updates reflect adjustments that will help us continue providing high-quality events and support services for all our participating teams across the District.

2025-2026 FTC Season Schedule

The schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated via newsletter.

Kickoff In-Person Events

These kickoff events are hosted by teams and are in-person opportunities to celebrate the start of the season.

Registration will be managed by the specific hosts beginning August 1, 2025.

| Location | Venue |

|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| Belcamp, MD | Discovery Center |

| | 4505 Pulaski Hwy Belcamp, MD 21017 |

| Christiansburg, VA | Christiansburg Recreation Center |

| | 1600 N Franklin St. Christiansburg, VA 24073|

| Laurel, MD | JHU Applied Physics Lab Building 201 |

| | 11091 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723 |

| Moorefield, WV | Moorefield Middle School |

| | 303 Caledonia Heights Rd. Moorefield, WV 26836|

| Richmond, VA | Maggie Walker Governor's School |

| | 1000 N. Lombardy St. Richmond, VA 23220 |

| Washington, DC | DC International School |

| | 1400 Main Dr. NW Washington, DC 20012 |

| Westminster, MD | Exploration Commons |

| | 50 E. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157 |

Updates & Changes for FIRST AGE

We are making some changes to our processes for next season, and we want to ensure you know what to expect.

Will 3rd Plays Be Allowed?

Yes, if there is space to support a 3rd play option, we will offer them. They will be invoiced separately from the regular qualifier fee. 3rd plays will be $250. The process for 3rd plays will be shared as we enter registration.

When Will a More Detailed FTC Competition Schedule Be Available?

Registration will open in August. Qualifier Selection will be in September. Registration fees at CHS will include 2 qualifiers. The goal is for the final schedule with venues to be available by July 1. (See the graphic above.)

Is Advancement Changing?

Yes, we will have a 96 team Championship this year. That would result in approximately 4-5 advancement slots per event. This will not change World advancement as FIRST will determine how many spots we have and release that information on December 1, 2025.

Will Teams Need to Provide Volunteers?

Yes, we will encourage/request that all teams help by providing at least one volunteer for an event. Last season, about 20% of our teams did this, and it really helped staff events.

How Soon to Request an Invoice?

If we are paying with a purchase order after July 1, please request an invoice by August 1, 2025.

How Will Pits Be Managed?

Pits will be taped off at 8 x 8 areas, provided the venue can support that. All teams are asked to provide their own tables for pit setup. Venues will NOT provide them this season.

How Will Portfolios Be Managed?

Teams will take a printed copy of their portfolio with them to judging. We will no longer collect Portfolios at Pit Admin at check-in.

How Will Drivers Buttons Work?

Upon check-in, a coach will need to provide a paper copy of their roster with check marks indicating that all team members, coaches, and mentors have signed a Consent and Release form. Upon collection and check-in, Drivers Buttons will be given to teams and NOT collected. You may keep them! REMEMBER to bring them to your next competition!

What If Our Team Leaves Early?

We encourage teams to stay for the award ceremony during playoffs. This is a great time for teams to network, be inspired, and support their community! If your team leaves the competition early and received an award, the team will need to pay for shipping to receive their trophy and medals.

Will FIRST Chesapeake Provide Safety Glasses?

No, but please REMEMBER to practice during your team time the way you plan to perform at competitions! Safety glasses are required in the pit and competition areas. There are very specific rules in the Competition Manual that govern this. Spectators who plan to visit those areas must get safety glasses from their teams.

Mentor Conference Resources Are Here!

The Mentor Conference was a huge success! We had double the presenters and attendees compared to last year. We also had FIRST Headquarters and Sponsor representation on key topics that are important to you.

It was a great time to gather, network, and be inspired as we begin plans for the 25-26 FIRST Age Season. The session slides will be available soon! Mark your calendars for next year as we will aim for our 3rd annual event in May 2026!