FTCNJ Tuesday Newsday - August 2 2022 ... (Sent via Google Group)
Vince Frascella
Greetings Newsletter Subscribers and FTCNJ Coaches
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Remember that the updates are shown in blue bold text.
If you are a weekly reader, you can just quickly scan the BLUE to see what is NEW.
The black text is included for completeness sake and for our new readers.
If you have any questions about you are reading, below, just drop us a line. Glad to explain.
Headlines:
Control Hub – Supply Chain Challenge
We are aware of the FIRST notification regarding the difficulty in obtaining Control Hubs for the coming season.
This will particularly affect our rookies. Veteran teams should already have Control Hubs, and/or Expansion Hubs, and perhaps spares.
FIRST has issued a call for veteran teams to graciously “share a spare” and advise their PDP (i.e., FTCNJ) if they are able to loan their spare.
Beyond that FTCNJ is creating a pool of spare Expansion Hubs that can be loaned to a rookie, or a Donor/Loaner veteran team overnight, in a pinch.
In addition to the Gracious Professional aspect of “sharing a spare”, FTCNJ is offering a discount on the season fee for our accepted Donor/Loaner veteran teams.
We will be watching the supply chain situation closely and constructing a Donor/Loaner List of interested teams.
Details: 5-Point Plan
1. FTCNJ is compiling a list of teams that are willing to be Donor/Loaners. (That means lending your spare Expansion Module into our pool for rookie teams.)
2. FTCNJ will match the need of the rookies with the maintenance of the pool. Responding veteran teams (based on date stamp) will be asked so send in their Hub, as the need is determined.
3. Any team which is officially requested to loan their Hub, and does so, will receive 50% off of next year’s FTCNJ Season Fee.
4. If a team that has loaned its spare Expansion Hub suddenly finds themselves in urgent need of one, FTCNJ will ship an emergency replacement.
5. At season’s end, or when the Controller Hub situation is resolved, Expansion Hubs will be sent back to all teams who graciously loaned one.
If your team has a spare Expansion Hub and is interested in getting onto the Donor/Loaner List, please write back to vfras...@aol.com
Update: To date, one veteran FTCNJ team has stepped forward with an offer to loan their Spare Expansion Hub if called upon … and one Rookie Team has been loaned an FTCNJ Expansion Hub.
Note: We have heard from two potential rookie team coaches of a reticence to register a team due to uncertainty about Hub availability. We’ve informed both of the above FTCNJ Loaner/Donor Plan.
A second veteran team has expressed willingness to loan an Expansion Hub … and a another Rookie team has now fully registered this week. Hoping that more veteran teams will step up.
Quick Links:
Competition News – Event Site Updates, etc
FTCNJ News – Game Manual Release…
OFF-SEASON ACTIVITIES
In-Person Workshops
Kean University is hosting the free Workshops on Saturday, August 20th (Union, NJ)
Moorestown Friends School is hosting the free Workshops on Saturday, September 24th (Moorestown, NJ)
Both Workshop events run from 9am in the morning until approximately 3pm in the afternoon.
Both will have 45 minute lunch periods to allow participants to visit the eateries across the street from the facility.
Last week’s newsletter included a Pre-Registration link with a brief Track Description.
A fuller set of Track Descriptions is now attached (PDF).
Track Request forms have been sent to the 16 teams who’ve registered, to date. Slots are filling quickly.
The Registration Link is now easily found on the FTCNJ website: Upcoming Events - FIRST Tech Challenge - New Jersey (newjerseyftc.com)
Coaches only, please. Students work through your coaches. Other interested parties can contact this newsletter directly.
Remote Workshops
It has been decided to conduct these remote offerings in Sept/Oct when more teams have organized and more members are available.
This approach will help us to focus on the Sept 10th Kick-Off Events and August/Sept In-Person Workshops now.
Outreach Scrimmages (July 2022)
One final THANK YOU to the hosts, volunteers, teams and new folks who supported the three Outreach Scrimmages in July.
It was great to see the “Freight Frenzy” robots in action one last time … and to see all of the new people getting their first exposure to FTC.
Thanks again to all who made the Northern NJ, Southern NJ, and Central NJ Outreach Scrimmages such a success! Great job everyone!
Practice Days (October 2022)
Our Northern NJ, Southern NJ, and Central NJ “Practice Days” will be taking place on the weekends of Oct 15th/16th and Oct 22nd/23rd.
Exact dates and locations are being worked out with the hosts now.
Similar to Outreach Scrimmages, these are unofficial events at which students can compete and tinker on bots in a stress-free environment.
The big difference is that we’ll be playing on an official PowerPlay field and teams will shaking out the new year’s “PowerPlay” robots. Super helpful and fun!
VOLUNTEERS – Tech Crew Initiative
We thank Joe L (Princeton STEM Academy) and Rich M (Blue Steel) for their Tech Crew assistance at the Central NJ Outreach event (July 17th)
We also thank Sunil M (Dynabytes) and Joshua H (Cruise Control) for their Tech Crew assistance at the Northern NJ Outreach (July 23rd)
Hoping to see more folks step up to assist in the Tech Crew.
The October Practice Days coming up are another opportunity to serve, and learn.
Coaches interested in learning more about FTA and FTAA volunteering, please let us know. Our growing Program can surely use the help!
TEAM REGISTRATION / CONFERENCE NEWS
Season Plan – Updated Conferences ß Structure Diagram attached
Once again there will be 4 Leagues in FTCNJ with each comprised of 2 Conferences of 20-25 teams, organized by county.
The updated Conference/League structure takes into account travel time and should really improve that situation for many.
Remember, all teams in a League may compete at any Meet within that League, regardless of Conference.
Only in February’s League Tournaments must teams play only at their Conferences season-ending tournament.
FTC NJ League / Conference Structure ß The FTCNJ Team “Pin Map” has been updated and can be found at: Team Map - FIRST Tech Challenge - New Jersey (newjerseyftc.com)
It shows the locations of the currently registered teams in the four Leagues, superimposed on the map of New Jersey.
North East Edge League
· North East Conference: Hudson, Union, North Essex (Caldwell, Livingston, Montclair, Nutley)
· South Essex Conference: Bloomfield, Maplewood, Newark, South Orange, West Orange)
Northern League
· Far North Conference: Warren, Sussex, Passaic, West Bergen (Glen Rock, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Saddle River, Township of Washington)
· East Bergen Conference: (Cliffside Park, Cresskill, Demarest, East Rutherford, Emerson, Englewood, Hackensack, Lodi, Oradell, Paramus, Park Ridge, Rutherford, Tenafly)
Upper Central League
· Central Conference: Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex
· Morris County Conference: Morris (All)
Southern League
· Upper South Conference: Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean
· Deep South Conference: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem
POWERPLAY Season Team Registration OPEN
35 of the 44 are fully registered; while nine registrations are pending.
33 of the 35 are returning teams … and 2 fully registered rookies.
As of this moment, 154 FTCNJ Teams have registered or confirmed their intent to do so for the upcoming season.
We are climbing toward our 200 team goal.
COMPETITION NEWS
Kick-Off / Game Reveal Event (September 10th)
Livingston High School is host of the Northern Kick Off Event and Hightstown High School is host of the Southern NJ Kick Off Event.
The Game Reveal will be at noon, followed by Q&A, and a chance to view the physical field (and receive game element construction tips.)
The Registration Link for Kick Off is now posted on the FTCNJ website and is available here, as well. Coaches only please.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhCVag93LPub7WpJntRjspHyD7F2QTU2ETw1f1M_qKu92iXw/viewform
Coaches may register their team(s) now for one of the two sites, and provide information regarding headcount, etc.
By August 9th, registered Coaches will receive their “Breakout Session Request” form… to request tickets.
Per usual, the morning will include an informative FTCNJ Auditorium Program to explain the season, as well as a number of the special “Breakout Sessions”.
State Championship – March 12, 2023
The FTC New Jersey State Championship will be held on Sunday, March 12th
In-Person Judging is anticipated at the State Championship, as well as at League Tournaments.
It is also our goal to have “Practice Judging” at four of the Period #3 Meets; one for each League.
League Tournaments
All eight of the Conference/League Tournaments will take place in February 2023.
· Saturday, Feb 4th has now confirmed as the Morris County Conference League Tournament at Delbarton School in Morristown.
· Sunday, Feb 5th is the Northeast Conference League Tournament is at Bayonne HS
· Saturday, Feb 11th has now officially confirmed for the Far North Conference League Tournament at Glen Rock HS.
· Sunday, February 12th has now confirmed as the Upper South Conference League Tournament at Hightstown HS in Hightstown.
· Saturday, Feb 18th is nearing approval for the South Essex Conference League Tournament at Payne Tech, Newark. Awaiting final confirmation.
· Sunday, February 19th is nearing approval for the Central Conference League Tournament at Kean University. Awaiting final confirmation.
· Saturday, Feb 25th is confirmed for the Deep South Conference League Tournament at North Burlington Middle School.
· Sunday, Feb 26th is now confirmed for the East Bergen Conference League Tournament at Emerson Jr. Sr. High School.
Meet Sites
Don Bosco Prep HS is site of a Northern League Meet on Saturday, November 5th.
Westfield High School has confirmed as site of Northeast Edge League Meet on Saturday, November 13th.
Transisters have confirmed their GSJS Program Activity Center as site of Southern Meet on Sunday, November 27th.
Williamstown Middle School confirmed as site of a Southern League Meet on Sunday, December 4th
Cliffside Park confirmed as site of a Northern League Meet on Sunday, December 11th.
Clearview Regional Middle School has confirmed as site of Southern League Meet on Saturday, December 17th.
Liberty Science Center is site of a Northern League Meet on Saturday, January 7th. Jdroids are once again the Team Host.
Pingry School has confirmed as site of an Upper Central League Meet on Sunday, January 8th.
EHT PAL has confirmed as site of a Southern League Meet on Sunday, January 15th.
Chatham High School has confirmed as site of Upper Central League Meet on Saturday, January 21st
Blair Academy has confirmed as site of a Northern League Meet on Sunday, January 22nd.
FTCNJ is again planning six Meet choices per League (3 Saturdays, 3 Sunday). Teams can pick three plus apply for bonus Meets.
Event registration opens on the Monday after Kick Off (e.g., Sept 12th at Noon)
Meanwhile, in addition to being in this newsletter, all confirmed events can now be found on the FTCNJ website: Upcoming Events - FIRST Tech Challenge - New Jersey (newjerseyftc.com)
In-Person Event Policy
Last year, among other things, FTCNJ had a “mask mandate” in place; this season we are considering “Masks Optional” unless required by the venue.
We will defer to the venue and pass along any other requirements, as they are known. FTCNJ events will comply with any tighter requirements set forth by the venue.
While spectators will be allowed this year, headcount limits may be in place for smaller venues based on team count and space.
Hoping for a continuation of a return to normal during the coming season.
FTCNJ News
Canadian Off-Season Event
FTCNJ has been contacted by Lisa Ramraj, the FTC Program Mgr at FIRST Robotics Canada.
She wanted to let us know about an off-season event that is happening in downtown Toronto at the Canadian National Exhibition in August. It's a 2 day IN PERSON competition.
Lisa has asked us to share this info with our teams. It would be a great opportunity to not only compete but to enjoy the city as well!
Robots@CNE - FTC
For the first time ever, FTC teams can compete at The Ex!
FIRST Tech Challenge teams past, present, and future, are invited to play in 2021-2022 Freight Frenzy off-season event.
Whether you officially registered in the 2021/22 FTC season or not, this event is open to teams of up to 15 students aged 12-18.
Alliances will have a chance to win part of a $3000 cash pool!
· Winning Alliance splits $2250 in cash
· Finalist Alliance splits $750 in cash
· People's Choice - $500 to a single team
Where: CNE Gaming Garage powered by AMD.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2022 – Sunday, August 21, 2022. All matches occur between 10AM – 10PM
What: 2021/22 Season Competition Legal FTC Robot
Registration Cap: 26 Teams
Registration Fee: Initial fee is $18.08. After CNE confirms registration, primary team contact will receive a unique code to purchase up to 29 additional single-day passes at a corporate rate
(enough for 15 team members per day of competition). Additional team members may purchase standard rate CNE admission passes in advance of the fair, or at the gate.
This event, along with the 2022 CNE is following all Toronto Public Health Guidelines.
If you are interested in registering you can do so at this link: https://www.theex.com/tech-challenge/
FTC New Jersey Season Calendar
In addition to the “Event Information” tab, you can also find information on unofficial and official FTCNJ events in calendar format on the FTCNJ website.
The FTCNJ “Season Calendar” has now been updated and can be found at: Season Calendar - FIRST Tech Challenge - New Jersey (newjerseyftc.com)
Game Manual Release
FIRST has released both versions of their Game Manual Part 1, as planned.
We expect to be using the “Traditional” version, or course. Here are the links, for your convenience.
Team Seeking Members (Burlington County)
Returning All-Girl Team “Outer Galaxy” is recruiting new members for the 2022-2023 season.
They are inviting all interested potential students in South Jersey area who may be interested in joining our team to reach out via email at te...@outergalaxy.org
FTC 18241 is an all-girls team and ideally looking for new team members who will be rising HS Freshman thru HS Juniors in Fall 2022.
Note: There is no team membership fee for the season. Team usually raises funds through sponsorships.
Student Seeking Team (Morris County)
FTCNJ has been contacted the parent of a 13 year old daughter who is interested in exploring and participating in robotics.
The family resides in Florham Park (Upper Central League) and is wondering if any of our teams there are accepting outside members.
If your team is interested, please write back to vfras...@aol.com Thanks.
STEM GIRLS: Tech Talks
No additional Tech Talks are planned for during the off-season, however topic ideas are very much welcome.
We look forward to Tech Talks resuming in the Fall, as well as other remote training sessions.
For any girls interested, it’s never too late to join the STEM Girls community!
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfca5j11yjtAW6OJmRzbbwKyrSOrt8a5tty9SojZkwYLJLvCw/viewform
Our next newsletter will be on August 9, 2022.
If you have any questions, comments, or needs as you read this newsletter, simply write back and we’ll be happy to assist.
Making that comment here, rather than embedding it throughout the long newsletter above.
Thanks again for the interest in FIRST Tech Challenge New Jersey and being part of our community
Thanks much, Vince Frascella
FIRST Tech Challenge New Jersey