Learn more about the FIRST Tech Challenge experience is like, and what your experience may be as a rookie member to a team.

1. Rookies in
FTC

2. Introduction
ROokies in FTC hold great value to the team and the competition.
Not only do they get to learn many cool new skills, tips and tricks
but they also make up the future of the team and the competition.
They are tasked with watching and listening to the more
experienced members of the team to better understand what the
team is up to, where they plan to go and what they want to
accomplish.

3. What it’s like
● You learn lots from the more experienced teammates
● You get great advice from the coaches
● They ready you for the next years
● You learn lots of leadership skills
● All the skills are passed down
● Lots of information given to the rookies.

4. The Skills You Learn
● Working with more knowledgeable people
● Past tips and tricks to solve problems
● Working under someone who directs you in the right direction
● How to use all the tools at our disposal
● Perseverance
● teamwork

5. Importance of Rookies in the team
● The rookies will carry all of the skills into the future of the team
● They will eventually lead the team
● It is their job to learn as much to be able to function later
● Their chemistry with the team has more time to develop
● They have more flexibility picking what they’re good with and what
they’re going to do for the team
● It’s up to them to decide the future of the team.

6. The Support of the team
As a rookie the team values just the fact that you
show up and care for the team. The team enjoys
teaching you the way and has fun showing you
the reins. If they see that you are committed to
the team and the robot, they will respect you
even more and most importantly, they will trust
you. Trust is the foundation of teamwork, and as
you continue to learn and contribute, your role
will become even more valuable. Don't be afraid
to ask questions, take initiative, and embrace
challenges. The more effort you put in, the more
you'll grow, both as a team member and as an
individual. Keep showing up, keep learning, and
soon enough, you'll be the one guiding the next
generation of rookies.

7. The Support of the Coaches
FTC Coaches are a big part of every team, always offering support and
encouragement, especially to new members. They do more than just lead the
team—they make sure every rookie feels welcome and knows what to do.
Whether it’s teaching a new skill, explaining something tricky, or just showing
someone where to go, coaches are always there to help. They spend a lot of
time helping the team grow, both in skills and teamwork. For rookies,
coaches are mentors, problem-solvers, and the main source of guidance,
making sure everyone feels ready and excited to be part of FTC.

8. Common Jobs a rookie gets
Even though rookies are new to the team and may not know everything
yet, there are still plenty of things they can do. Their tasks are usually
simple and don’t require much training. Common rookie jobs include
scouting other teams to gather useful information, bringing tools to the
people working on the robot, and sometimes getting time to learn new
skills. These tasks help them get involved, learn more about how the
team works, and slowly build their knowledge and experience in FTC.

9. What teamwork is like to a rookie
Being a rookie on an FTC team can be challenging at times. Since
they are still learning, it can sometimes feel like they aren’t truly
part of the team’s success. Some common struggles rookies face
include:
● Feeling clumsy or confused when trying new tasks
● Not always knowing how to help in every situation
● Worrying that their efforts go unnoticed
Even though being a rookie can be tough, the right attitude and a
supportive team can make all the difference. With patience and persistence,
rookies can grow their skills, gain confidence, and become an important part of
the team.
4o

10. Best things to learn as a rookie
● How to Use Team Tools
○ Learn basic hand tools, software, and safety procedures.
○ Understand how to use communication and planning
tools.
● How to Follow Instructions from Leaders
○ Listen carefully and ask questions when needed.
○ Complete tasks responsibly and learn from feedback.
● General Skills That Help the Team
○ Teamwork – Work well with others and communicate
clearly.
○ Problem-Solving – Find solutions when things don’t go
as planned.
○ Time Management – Balance FTC with other
responsibilities.

11. Best ways to learn as a rookie
● Listen to what the more experienced people say
● Watch what they do when a certain problem
comes up
● Get used to not being part of the conversation
● Ask questions
● Talk to other people that are free
● Do a bit of exploration
● Attend all meetings
● Be smart with your actions.

12. Future Advice for rookies
● Be prepared to be ignored
● Don’t be afraid
● Stay committed
● Show the coaches and team you care
● Ease yourself into the general workflow
● Do lots of work
● Hang out with the team
● Help out when you’re needed

13. Conclusion
All in all, being a rookie on an FTC team can be
really hard but rewarding and fun. Sure you
might get ignored, or you might feel like you
aren’t valued as a true member of the team. But
it is the rookies that make up the future of the
team and at the end of the journey, you will have
grown so much and will have had so much fun!
Being a rookie on an FTC team can be tough, but
it is also a rewarding and exciting experience. At
first, you might feel lost, unsure of your role, or
even overlooked. It can be frustrating to not
always know how to help or to feel like you
aren’t yet a key part of the team. However, every
experienced team member started as a rookie,
and it’s through these challenges that you grow
the most. Rookies are the future of the team,
and the skills, friendships, and experiences you
gain along the way will shape your journey. Over
time, you’ll become more confident, learn