FRC Updates 11-12-2024

53 Days Until Kickoff!

11-12-2024

• Teams can order items through Priority Lists or Open Ordering.

Priority List System

• What It Is: FIRST and AndyMark use a Priority List system to avoid a rush to high-value items. It’s not first-come, first-served; items are distributed fairly based on a randomized system.
• Steps to Create a Priority List:
  1. Create a Priority List: Teams log in to FIRST Choice and build a list of desired items, ordered by preference.
  2. Shipping Details: Teams provide billing, shipping, and payment information. Charges will apply when items are shipped.
  3. Log-in Information: Available on Kickoff Day in each team’s registration account (accessible to lead mentors 1 and 2).
  4. Eligibility: Only teams registered for 2025 events with payment secured can submit a Priority List.
  5. Save and Edit: Teams can add, subtract, and reorder items until the deadline. Sample lists (e.g., “pneumatics” or “vision”) are available as guides.
  6. Submit Before Deadline: Priority Lists are locked at the deadline. Late lists will not be accepted, so finalize early to avoid issues.
• Processing the Priority Lists:
  1. Random Ranking: After lists are locked, AndyMark assigns each team’s list a random rank.
  2. Item Assignment: AndyMark’s system goes down each list, assigning items in order of each team’s preferences, based on credits and inventory availability.
  3. Serpentine Draft: The system uses a “serpentine” order (back and forth), so each team has a fair chance at items throughout the draft process.
  4. Completion: Drafting continues until items or team lists are exhausted.
• Shipping: AndyMark ships items to each team once their list has been processed.

Open Ordering

• What It Is: The Open Ordering phase is a regular first-come, first-served process.
• How It Works: Teams add items to their cart and check out using remaining credits.

Need Help?

For a full walkthrough, check out “How to FIRST Choice” for detailed instructions.

FIRST has a new “Express Enrollment” system that has reduced signing up youth from 12 minutes to under 2 minutes.

• View Express Enrollment Coach/Mentor Instructions
• View Express Enrollment Parent/Guardian Instructions
• View Express Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions 

The primary approach of MentorBridge pairs experienced FRC mentors, alumni and volunteers with first- and second­ year teams, as well as any other teams that choose to participate. These mentors will visit their assigned teams regularly during the build season. Their role is to guide the teams, ensuring they understand what to expect, have access to necessary information, and stay on track for a successful season. Additionally, mentors will act as liaisons to other FIN MentorBridge volunteers, who will be available to assist with specific inquiries as needed throughout the season.

Davide Ebersol – debersol@firstinspires.org

Mady Stricker – mady.stricker@roboboosters.org