2008 Rules are now available (Rules / Team Updates)

About FIRST:

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an multinational non-profit organization, that aspires to transform culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today. FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Human Transporter, FIRST operates the FIRST Robotics Competition in which teams of high school students sponsored and assisted by local companies and volunteers, design, assemble, and test a robot capable of performing a specified task in competition with other teams. FIRST also runs the FIRST LEGO League, for children 9-14 years old, and FIRST Place, an innovated science and technology center, including a hands-on children’s science museum. FIRST was founded on partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and government. Many Fortune 500 companies provide funding, donations and volunteers to support the program. The key to FIRST’s success is the work of over 14,000 volunteer mentors, professional engineers, teachers, and other adults working with youth across the country. In addition to the thousands of volunteer team mentors, FIRST competitions and other events were organized and staffed by over 5000 event and committee volunteers. Through these volunteers, FIRST programs engaged over 50,000 youth during the lease year. FIRST programs are growing rapidly in the United States and Canada, and demand is accelerating in other countries.

About FIRST Robotics:

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. Teams build robotics from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers. The Competition has grown to over 900 teams competing in 26 Regional Evens, and The Championship held at the Georgia dome in Atlanta where more than 7,000 students participate. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.