Awards
Contributors:
Etienne Tardif
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Introduction
Introduction
Awards are given out at every FTC competition. Some awards are more important than others, but at the end of the day, an award is an award. In the 2024-25 FTC season, there are three awards that will qualify you for states or worlds. These awards are Winning Alliance Captain, Winning Alliance First Choice, and First Place Inspire Award. In this article, you will learn about every FTC award and the meaning behind it.
Section 1 | Inspire Award
Section 1 | Inspire Award
Teams that win this award represent the meaning of being a FIRST team. These teams do not just focus on making the best robot possible, but they connect and help out with their community. They are top contenders in many of the other awards and show gracious professionalism. Teams must submit an engineering portfolio with a summary of the robot's design and team information. This team also shares knowledge with other teams and judges. Usually, there are three Inspire awards given out at every competition in their respective order. At States. The 1st place Inspire award will qualify you for Worlds
Section 2 | Think Award
Section 2 | Think Award
To win this Award, teams must demonstrate creative thinking to navigate obstacles. Teams must submit an engineering portfolio with quality engineering content to be considered for this award. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual. This is an engineering award, so there is no requirements on outreach or community activities.
Section 3 | Connect Award
Section 3 | Connect Award
Teams who win this award connect with their local STEM community. Teams talk about FIRST in their local community, and they explore engineering job opportunities. They help their community understand FIRST and FTC. This team also has a clear team plan. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual. Talking about your mentors is important to win this award.
Section 4 | Innovate Award Sponsored By RTX
Section 4 | Innovate Award Sponsored By RTX
Teams that win this award think outside the box. They design and make their design a reality. This design is not just for completing the game but for the robot itself. For example, the drive train and placement of certain parts on the robot. The award could be just about a subassembly of the robot. The engineering portfolio must include the robot's design process. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual.
Section 5 | Control Award
Section 5 | Control Award
Teams that win the control award demonstrate the ability to improve mechanical systems through intelligent control. Teams that use sensors to improve their game, especially during auto, have a higher chance of winning this award. The demonstrated system must work consistently on the field as well. The team's engineering portfolio must contain a summary of software, sensors, and mechanical control, but does not include copies of the code itself. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual.
Section 6 | Motivate Award
Section 6 | Motivate Award
Teams that win this award make FIRST known in their school and community. They embrace the culture of FIRST and show what it means to be a team. An engineering portfolio is not required for this award. Teams that win this award represent the FIRST motto of Gracious Professionalism. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual.
Section 7 | Design Award
Section 7 | Design Award
This award is given to teams that balance their robot's aesthetic and functional parts. These parts must effectively solve the game's challenges. An engineering portfolio is not required for this award. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual.
Section 8 | Compass Award
Section 8 | Compass Award
The Compass Award is only given out during the regional championship. Teams will make a 40-60 second video about one of the mentors. The video should show how their mentor is different from other mentors. Below are the criteria for this award from the FTC Award manual.
Section 9 | Judges Choice Award
Section 9 | Judges Choice Award
This award is not given at every first event. This award is given to a unique team that does a lot of things but does not fit any of the other awards. The judges do not factor your robot's competition placement for this award. Therefore, this award is solely based on your judging room performance. There is no criteria for this award.
Section 10 | Winning/Finalist Alliance Award
Section 10 | Winning/Finalist Alliance Award
To win these awards, you must win or be a runner-up in the knockout rounds.
Section 11 | Dean's List Award
Section 11 | Dean's List Award
This award is given to 10th- and 11th-grade students for their leadership and dedication to their team and FIRST. Any student who wins this award is a great example of a leader in FIRST. Coaches/Mentors must nominate a team member to be considered for this award. Below is a URL to the nomination guide.
https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/deans-list-nomination-guide.pdf
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