Hi Teams! 

We’re only a few days away from the Robot Competition portion of the NM FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Championship. Here’s some important additional information and reminders:

1)  Covid-19 precautions:  Due to concerns expressed by both team parents and volunteers, we will be requiring the use of masks indoors by all participants, volunteers and observers.

2)  Safety Glasses: As with all FTC and FRC events,  everyone is required to wear safety glasses in the Pit area, Practice Fields and Competition areas at the event.  Teams and visitors are responsible for bringing their own safety glasses.  Safety Glasses will be supplied for volunteers.

3)  Food:  A food truck will be on site from 8 AM to 1 PM with food for sale to teams and observers. Hot dogs, Frito pie, and maybe pizza will be available as well as drinks and snacks. Proceeds from this truck benefit the Socorro Warriors Robotics and Athletic programs.

4) Team Rosters:  Please bring your printed team roster to turn in at check-in.  You must have this to compete. FIRST is urging all students be registered and have a signed Consent & Release in the team’s FIRST Dashboard.  If you absolutely can’t do this, the paper form, which I believe is accessible in the Dashboard, can still be used for now.  Every student must have one or the other to compete!

5)  Morning Schedule:
8 AM: Doors open for teams
9 AM: Robot Inspection begins.  Please have your robots
inspected and tested on the field by 10AM
10 AM:  Opening Ceremony leading directly into competition
A detailed schedule for the rest of the day will be published once teams are checked into the scoring system.

6)  Pits:  Each team will have the typical 10 ft x 10 ft pit space.  One standard plastic table will be provided for each pit.  Power will be available but teams should bring extension cords to connect to that power. This is a gym with high ceilings so canopies are allowed.

7)   Venue:  Raymond Sarracino Middle School is located at 1425 El Camino Real Street in Socorro, NM.  Pit load in will be through the gym doors on the north side of the building.  Drive to the right side of the building as you enter through the main entrance.  After Load-in, we request that you park in the main parking area in front of the building. After competition, please be prepared to load-out of your pits and clean up as soon as you are finished with competition for the day.  Closing ceremony will begin when the pit area is clean!

I’ll probably send one more update before competition.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.  If you are running late or are delayed the morning of competition, please call me at the number I included in the email to teams.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our first in-person event in two years!  Good Luck!
Jim Jackson, NM FTC Program Delivery Partner