Team Rules/Contract


This document describes the team’s rules. By having and following these, we believe that the team will be able to be more successful at reaching and positively impacting the lives of more students. All team members (students, mentors and coaches) must agree to and sign the Team Member Contract. At least one parent or legal guardian must also sign with the student. For the benefit of the team, violations can result in loss of privileges up to removal from the team.


As part of my commitment to FIRST Team 8014, I agree to the following:


I understand that the Leadership Team has final authority over all matters related to the team. I understand that leadership meetings are open, and that if I have an opinion I should bring it to the attention of the leadership for consideration. The Head Coach, listed as “Lead Coach/Mentor 1” on the team dashboard from the FIRST website, has the authority to veto any decision.


Rules and Expectations

Team Members

  • The term "team members" means students, mentors and coaches. Parents who desire to be mentors will need to notify the lead coach and register on with the FIRST Robotics website

Leadership

  • The Leadership Team is made up of all official Coaches and Mentors. Every effort is made to make decisions by consensus. The lead Coaches, listed as “Lead Coach/Mentor 1” and “Lead Coach/Mentor 2” on the team dashboard from the FIRST website, have veto power over any decision.
  • The Engineering Coach has final say over all design and manufacturing. (e.g. hardware, software, electrical, etc.)
  • The Head Coach has final authority over all safety issues.
  • Members of the leadership team must be fully registered on the FIRST website
  • Leadership meetings are open to all adult members and parents, though only official leadership team members are expected to attend.

Gracious Professionalism

  • Gracious Professionalism is a hallmark of FIRST Robotics.
  • All students, parents, mentors and coaches are expected to exemplify this trait.
  • Familiarize yourself with the FIRST Vision, Mission and Philosophies

General

  • Bullying and discrimination will not be tolerate
  • If you dig through a cabinet or drawer for something, leave it organized and put away before walking away from it.
  • If you used it, put it away when you are done
  • Leave all team meeting locations cleaner than how we found it
  • Commitment
    • It is understood that students are busy in many other school activities. These activities are encouraged and supported by Fortitude Robotics. It is the responsibility of the student to manage and balance all their activities, informing their school and teachers of their commitments. It is important to communicate with your coaches to work out the timing of your activities. Often these activities can be accommodated to the satisfaction of both activities. There are some instances however, where the timing cannot be resolved. In this case you may have to choose which activity you will be putting your time and effort into.Please discuss this problem with one of the Fortitude coaches before you make a final decision.
    • Work hard
    • Be willing to learn new things, and teach others
    • Good attendance and punctuality is a must
    • Absences and tardiness may result in loss of team privileges.
    • Notify the team leadership in advance when circumstances prevent this commitment.
    • All members are expected to support at least two outreach events per season.
    • Computer and phone use is expected to be related to teamwork
    • Have FUN
  • Make-it-Here is our host, sponsor and partner. Their rules must be followed
    • Wear safety glasses at all times when in the shop
    • An adult at least 21 years of age must supervise students
    • You must pay for food or beverages (except water) taken from the break room
    • Students 16 years old and younger using tools must have an adult certified on the tool in the immediate location supervising
  • To use tools, team members must...
    • Have agreed to and signed the Team Contract.
    • Have signed the consent and liability release form.
    • Have emergency contact information listed with the team.
    • Pass the safety training and have their name on the “Passed the Safety Training” list for the tools. Separate training is provided for hand tools, simple power tools, and the larger tools.
  • All safety rules need to be followed.
    • Unsafe situations must be reported to adult leaders.
    • Repeated unsafe behavior can result in dismissal from the team.
  • Kick-off day: All team members will watch the kick-off video and hear what Woodie and Dean have to say. This helps set a common set of expectations on our team and throughout FIRST.
  • Be respectful in conversations and group discussions.
    • Listen to other people when they are talking.
    • Only one person talks at a time.
    • Encourage the input of others
  • Conflict resolution
    • Conflicts will happen occasionally. That is OK, it's part of life.
    • Listen, hear, try to understand what the other person is saying and don’t presume they are working with bad intentions
    • Remember we are all here for the same thing in the end, build robots, compete and have fun
    • Try to talk face to face with the team member. Emails and text messages are OK for simple issues but if someone asks to speak with you, make the time.
    • Use the leadership team for help if you are still unable to resolve the problem
    • Always conduct yourself with gracious professionalism
  • Communicate your desires
    • Students should have their own expectations for what they hope to get out of their participation
    • Make your desires known to your mentors and coaches so you can
      • Learn the skills you need
      • Develop the proficiency to be safe and successful
      • Have more fun
    • Agree to work with the team leadership and the mentors to find a position that you find fulfilling and fun.