Kickoff and StarterBot Resources

The FIRST^® Tech Challenge DECODE™ presented by RTX season is here, and we want to help your team be as successful as possible for all of the excitement this season. Now that you’ve seen the game and are getting geared up for competition, we wanted to send out reminders and helpful links to resources.

Key Season Dates

In case you missed it, the key dates for this season were released in the Key Season Dates FIRST Tech Challenge blog, so be sure to check it out and ensure you mark your calendars! Also be sure to contact your local partner to verify key season dates specific to your region, such as Dean’s List and local events.

Season Resource Links (Quick Links)

Here are a grouping of quick links to resources that all teams should know:

Link	Description
ftc.game	Game and Season Page
ftc.game/manual	Competition Manual PDF version
ftc.game/cm-html	Competition Manual HTML version
ftc-resources.firstinspires.org/ftc/field	Playing Field Resources, Field CAD
ftc-resources.firstinspires.org/ftc/team	Team Resources, StarterBot Links
ftc-resources.firstinspires.org/ftc/volunteer	Volunteer Resources
ftc-resources.firstinspires.org/ftc/event	Event Resources
ftc-events.firstinspires.org	FIRST Tech Challenge Event Listing and Match/Event Results
ftc-scoring.firstinspires.org	Avatars, Hybrid Judging, Premier Event Preferencing (coming later)
ftc.game/calculator	Practice Scoring Calculator for Teams

AI Rules Assistant

New this season, an AI Chatbot is now available to help teams find answers to rules questions. The chatbot is trained specifically on the current version of the Competition Manual and will be updated throughout the season. This chatbot can help you find what you’re looking for in the Competition Manual, but it’s still up to you to review and verify the answers!

StarterBots

This season, we’ve worked with AndyMark, goBILDA, REV, and Studica, to create Starterbots. We encourage all teams to utilize these build resources as they begin to explore DECODE. These robots are made from parts in each vendor’s Starter Kits. They are intended to be a starting point, not an ending point. Teams can build one of these designs and then choose to change and improve their robots throughout the season for competition. Each StarterBot design has similar capabilities to play a portion of the DECODE game.

Team Webinars and Technical Resources

Team Webinars

Team calls are held for teams to get help from FIRST Tech Challenge experts! Teams should register for and mark their calendars for the Team Webinars this season.

Technical Resources

Below are quick links to Technical Resources available to FIRST Tech Challenge teams:

Link	Description
ftcsim.org	FTCSIM Virtual Robot Programming Simulator
ftc-community.firstinspires.org	FIRST Tech Challenge Community Technical Help Forum
ftc-docs.firstinspires.org	FTC-Docs Control System Documentation

The FIRST Tech Challenge Tech Team has also provided resources specifically for the DECODE™ presented by RTX season, hosted on FTC-Docs:

Team Q&A and Team Updates

Team Q&A

The Team Q&A opens on September 22^nd. In order to post to the Team Q&A, you’ll have to use an official FIRST Tech Challenge team account. These accounts can be set up in advance of the Q&A officially opening, instructions on how to register can be found here: Team Q&A Registration Instructions.

Team Updates

The Competition Manual is updated frequently throughout the season to improve the clarity and intent of the rules, and to fix any errors found. Adults can sign up to get an email notification for all Team Updates. Team updates are listed individually and as a combined Team Update Summary document.