October FTC Link: Decode Season
- Bonnie Crites
- Oct 1
- 5 min read
FIRST Chesapeake's FTC News
Stay informed and connected!
October newsletter at a glance:
Queuing Up (Important Reminders)
Final FTC 25-26 Season Schedule
NEW Event and Participation Policy
FTC Resource Hub
New or Refresher Coach Chat Sessions
FTC Q & A Now Active
Updates and Changes FAQ for FIRST AGE!
FTC Dean's List nominations are open!
Spread the Word (Outreach)
Animation Awards Come to FTC
Outreach & Fundraising Opportunity: FLL-E Maryland
The Maryland STEM Festival
FIRST Chesapeake FTC Season Schedule
Volunteers Needed!
Follow the links below to see a full season schedule. All FIRST Chesapeake qualifiers are now uploaded to FTC-Events. Head there to see who is competing, and the link to become an event volunteer! Once each event begins, this is where you can follow along with the rankings and awards in real time!
Remember, we ask every team to bring at least one volunteer to each event!
FIRST Chesapeake Event Attendance and Participation Policy
We want to ensure every team at every qualifier has a positive experience, free from disruptions and interruptions. As such, FIRST Chesapeake is instituting a new attendance and participation policy.
Qualifier Event No Shows
Consequences of no-shows include, but are not limited to the following:
loss of eligibility to attend the FIRST Chesapeake FTC Championship
reduced registration priority for future Qualifiers
forfeiture of qualifier registration fees
Teams unable to compete for reasons beyond their control are not counted as no-shows if they notify FIRST Chesapeake before the event begins, but registration fees are still forfeited.
Event Withdrawals
A Withdrawal is a team initiated request resulting in that team being removed from the Registered List of an event. These team initiated requests are communicated directly to ftc-teams@firstchesapeake.org.
The full policy and details may be read at the link below:
FTC Resource Hub
Need to Decode the FIRST Technical Challenge? Click the button below! FIRST Chesapeake has compiled resources on every facet of program, from team management and fundraising to building and competitions. Check out the hub for new guides and grants too!
New and Refresher Coach Chat Sessions
For new coaches and as a refresher for returning coaches and mentors!
Join us for a conversation with FIRST Chesapeake to answer your questions on getting your team moving!
Crack the code on and come with questions to dig into FIRST AGE FTC : DECODE
All Chat Sessions will begin at 7pm. Click the buttons below for links to the Zoom room.
FTC Q&A Decoded
The FIRST Tech Challenge Team Q&A is now online. To register your account please follow the Team Q&A Registration Instructions. And be sure to read the Competition Manual, as well as Team Updates, prior to asking a question on the Q&A! Many of those resources are also gathered on the FTC Resource Hub.
2025-26 Season Updates & FAQs
Pit Areas
8 x 8 pit areas will be provided if the venue can support it
Teams are REQUIRED to prove their own tables for the pit area. Venues will NOT provide tables.
Portfolios
Teams will take a printed copy of their portfolio with them to judging.
Portfolios will NOT be collected by Pit Admin at check in.
Volunteers From Teams
FTC qualifier events rely on volunteers to run smoothly.
Each team is expected to provide at least one volunteer during the season.
Volunteers can serve in a variety of roles—technical or non-technical.
Supporting events helps ensure fair, well-run competitions for all teams
Drive Team Buttons
At check-in, coaches MUST provide a paper roster with check marks confirming all team members, coaches, and mentors have signed the Consent and Release form.
***No paper Consent and Release forms will be available on site per new FIRST requirements.
Once the roster is submitted, the teams will given their drive team buttons.
Drive team buttons will be kept by the team
Make sure your team brings your drive team buttons to the next competition!
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses will NOT be provided by FIRST Chesapeake.
Safety glasses are required in the pit and competition areas as specified by the Competition Manual. This applies to spectators as well!
REMEMBER to practice during your team time the way you plan to perform at competitions!
Trophies and Medals
Trophies and medals given at the Awards Ceremony.
We encourage teams to stay for the award ceremony during playoffs as this is a great time for teams to network, be inspired, and support their community!
You must have a team member present to receive your team's award. (Competition manual rule E702).
Advancement to Championship
We will have a 96 team Championship this year with 4-5 advancement slots per qualifier.
This will not change World advancement as FIRST will determine how many spots we have and release that information on December 1, 2025.
Please REMEMBER that advancement is ALWAYS based on what the Competition Manual dictates and number of competing teams.
Dean's List Nominations are OPEN!
If you have a team member on your team that you would like nominate for Dean's List who is a 10th or 11th grader, please your FIRST Inspires Dashboard to nominate them.
The window will close on December 15th, 2025.
Interviews will occur January 13-19, 2026 and announced at FTC Championship.
FIRST Animation Awards Come to FTC
FIRST has opened up the Digital Animation and Safety Animation awards to both FTC and FRC this season!
The Digital Animation Award - sponsored by Worcester Polytechnic Institute- is offered to help encourage students to cultivate skills in design and creation of animation while telling a story about the impact of technology on society. This years theme is The Artifact That Changed Everything!
The Safety Animation sponsored by UL Solutions invites teams to dig deep to uncover impactful ways to implement safe and sustainable practices. Use bold storytelling and imaginative artistry to create a memorable message that inspires responsible exploration and careful stewardship of our resources.
Both of these awards are optional and are not worth points towards advancement, but can win your team grants and sponsorships!
FTC Hardship Grant Update
Funds for the FTC Hardship Grant have been fully depleted. As a result, FIRST Chesapeake is no longer accepting applications for this season. If you have questions, please reach out to ftc-teams@firstchesapeake.org.
Thank you for your understanding and for all you do to support your teams.
Outreach & Fundraising Opportunity with FIRST LEGO League Explore- Maryland
Is your team looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? FIRST LEGO League Explore introduces children ages 6–10 to the exciting world of STEM and FIRST—and your team can be part of that journey!
Opportunities include starting a team, mentoring existing teams, or hosting an FLL Explore Festival. Supporting FLL Explore is a great way to inspire future innovators and strengthen your team’s outreach and fundraising efforts.
See this slide deck to learn more about the benefits of supporting FLL Explore Festivals and Teams
Intrigued? Connect with Maryland’s FLL Explore Program Delivery Partner, Amber Driesman at adriesman@firstchesapeake.org.
Amplify Your FIRST Outreach Through the Maryland STEM Festival!
Planning a FIRST outreach event this fall? Take it to the next level by aligning it with the Maryland STEM Festival, happening October 18 – November 16. Participating in the Festival is a great way to increase visibility, engage new audiences, and showcase the positive impact FIRST can have on students in your community.
Find out more at Maryland STEM Festival
Stay connected—join our Slack community!
Get real-time updates from FIRST and FIRST Chesapeake, connect with other coaches and teams, and never miss an important announcement.
Join now and be part of the conversation!
Thank you to our generous partners!
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