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JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

The Junior Varsity Team Member level requires less amount of commitment to the team from the member but an equal passion for robotics. The JV level is most suited for students who balance robotics with other activities such as sports or music groups. JV team members are less eligible for trips to competition and special items, however, they are not excluded from them depending on availability.

Benefits

  • Evaluated for travel to Regional Competitions

  • Evaluated for travel to off-season events

  • Eligible for Human Player and Assistant booth positions

  • Eligible to apply for most FIRST Scholarships, Awards, and Contests

  • Eligible to receive Sponsor or FIRST supplied items dependent upon availability

Expectations

COMMITMENT & ENGAGEMENT

(Category 1)

  1. Participate in approximately 60% of scheduled sub-team sessions during the build season (about 9 hours per week) for Electrical, Mechanical, Programming subteams and an equivalent number of hours in the fall/build season for Business subteam. (Mentors will take attendance for their sub-team). Students may receive hours for hours outside the scheduled meeting times but must be approved by a mentor.

LEADERSHIP & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

(Category 2)

  1. A key skill in the engineering and business world is being a life-long learner. Distinguish yourself as a learner where you apprentice under a Varsity Member. Check with mentors prior to starting. Examples include the following:

    • Product Owners

    • Group Project - CAD, Awards, Safety, Design log, fundraising, website etc 

COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH
(Categories 3-4)

  1. The strength of the team is judged on how well teammates can explain what we do as a team, with our Robot, and of the FIRST organization. Members are expected to practice this at meetings, by explaining current challenges and successes to each other. Having an ability to explain many of the competition-robots features by the time of the competition is a key example of this. Take time to learn and share this information at competitions and outreach events.

  2. Participate in ONE (1) of the following:

    • Participate in ‘spreading the word’ event (i.e. State Fair, DMACC STEM Day, Mentoring, FLL Regional or  State Competition, )

    • Participate in a fundraising event

    • Complete special mentor directed project

    • Mentor an FLL Team (TWO meetings).

    • Volunteer at FTC League Event (TWO Events

STEM & BUSINESS SKILLS

(Category 5)

  1. Demonstrate a proactive effort to improve your technical abilities, business skills, and general knowledge. Acquire and improve skills in mechanical, electrical/CAD, programming or business (includes individual projects, camps).

    • Acquisition of $300 in sponsorships or its equivalent for the Robotics Team

    • Timely response to all email and action requests

Lettering Application*

At the end of the build season, mentors will decide on which students letter based on attendance, performance and an application. Expectations for repeat letter-winners will increase to demonstrate growth. A letter will be based on the following:

  • Categories 1 and 4 - based on attendance

  • Category 3 - based on mentor and captain observations at meetings and competitions.

  • Category 2 - based on evidence or documentation submitted by the student that provides evidence of leadership, project management, and skills.

 

NOTE: Time and effort should not be heavily focused on the “look” but should reflect the learning process.

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*Letters awarded to JV may be recognized differently or a different form of recognition may be given.

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