Tuesday Newsday - July 13 2021
Vince Frascella
bcc: FTCNJ Planning Committee
Greetings Newsletter Subscribers and FTCNJ Coaches
We hope that all are well and are enjoying their time off this summer.
It is our pleasure to begin sending you information on the upcoming “Freight Frenzy” season of FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics.
This first issuance is being sent to our past Opt-In Subscribers and Coach #1 & Coach #2 of teams already registered this year, or for the 2020/2021 season just completed.
Going forward we will be broadcasting Tuesday Newsday using a Google Group. You will receive a notification in the next day or two noting that you have been added.
The newsletter’s Google Group is for FTCNJ information issuance only with the member list set to ‘private’ to protect your privacy. You can opt-out at any time.
A quick “Thank You” again to the teams and volunteers who participated in the unique “Ultimate Goal” season.
There were 149 teams that registered for the 2020/2021 season and folks worked hard to deliver the best possible experience to our young people. Kudos to all who helped.
Here is some general information on the New “Freight Frenzy” Season that we can share with everyone now:
Registration Status
Currently, 109 teams have either registered their team with FIRST or have advised FTCNJ that they are definitely planning to re-register.
We are hoping to reach ~200 teams and to avoid restructuring the League and Conference assignments. This is being watched carefully.
Coach Survey
Thanks very much to all of the Coaches who have responded to the June 20th survey. It has helped us to compile the information above.
To date, we have heard back from 100 teams. Receiving a response is critical to season planning and league formation plans. Hoping to hear from others soon.
Coach Caucus
In May, Coaches asked that the monthly caucus be continued prior to Game Reveal and Kick Off.
It was not possible to hold the Caucus in June due to the State Championship, however, there is one scheduled for July 16th (8pm)
Here is the link for any Coach who wishes to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-GspjMrHdQ3pn32hZpWfSDX7NX4zuTU COACHES ONLY, PLEASE.
Note – We will include a nice discussion of season plans AND the Coach Survey results at the July 16th Coach Caucus.
Workshops
Our Planning Committee is working on formulation of the workshops and we should be announcing details within 1-2 weeks.
We’ve learned that some sessions can be held very effectively in Remote … allowing more attendees, convenience, and cleared communication.
And so, this year’s workshops will be a blend of In-Person and Remote. Those topics benefiting from hands-on activity will be in-person.
The timing will likely be consistent with past years (i.e., two Saturdays in August … one in the North, one in the South)
Kick-Off / Game Reveal
FIRST has announced that Game Reveal will take place on Saturday, September 18th.
In New Jersey, the Kick-Off event will be Remote and Livestreamed, similar to last year.
We have reasoned that holding the two 250-300 person events in September could make schools, parents, teams anxious at this time.
The In-Person Kick-Off events should return in September of 2022.
Practice Days & Post-Reveal Workshops
The FTCNJ tradition of October Practice Days will continue. Two – three are planned. Teams can bring non-functional robots for tinkering and help.
Training sessions will be planned at the Practice Days ..but expanded over past years.
The goal is to provide our August-quality workshops to those teams that did not form until Sept/October.
Season Schedule
Venue soliciting is underway. FTCNJ typically reveals the season schedule at the August Workshops, once venues are confirmed.
It is a little early to share much information now, but we can say ….
· The League Tournaments will be on four successive weekends Feb 12/13, Feb 19/20, Feb 26/27, Mar 5/6
· As announced last year, Qualifiers have been discontinued. League Tournaments are the advancement route to States.
· Leagues will have a minimum of 3 official competition opportunities, as in past years. (Teams can also apply for bonus opportunities.)
· Each League will have a Large Meet with “Practice Judging” opportunity.
· The first official Meets of the season will likely occur on Halloween weekend (as in past years).
State Championship – March 20th
The Championship will be returning to mid-March and will be a singular event, as opposed to the northern/southern events of last year.
It is anticipated that FIRST will be holding their World Championship events in April, though they have not officially announced that yet.
Hopefully, this Communique has provided a lot of good information regarding the coming season.
Look for the next Newsletter on July 20th … and the advent of our Google Group use (an opportunity to Opt-Out if no longer wishing to receive the newsletter.)
We’ll also resume our practice of showing new information in Bold Blue Text so that you can quickly skip right to it.
Coaches may receive one or two more “Coach Communiques” but (similar to last year), Tuesday Newsday will be the chief information source for FTCNJ.
Thanks again for the interest in FIRST Tech Challenge New Jersey.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
More to come.
Thanks much, Vince Frascella
FIRST Tech Challenge New Jersey