FIRST Glossary

FIRST: A nonprofit organization focused on inspiring students in science and technology.

FRC: FIRST Robotics Competition, the flagship high school robotics program in FIRST.

Gracious Professionalism: A core FIRST value that combines strong competition with respect, kindness, and integrity.

Coopertition: A FIRST mindset where teams compete while still helping and learning from each other.

Rookie: A team or member participating in FRC for the first time.

Veteran: A team or member with at least one completed FRC season.

Alliance: A group of teams playing together in a match, usually red vs blue alliances.

Autonomous Period: The first 15 seconds of a match where robots run pre-programmed actions.

Tele-Op Period: The driver-controlled part of the match after autonomous mode.

Endgame: The final part of a match with bonus scoring tasks such as climbing.

Game Piece: Objects robots collect, move, place, or score during the season game.

Driver Station: The control area where drivers and operators command the robot.

Ranking Points (RP): Points used for qualification ranking and playoff seeding.

Chassis / Drivetrain: The base system including wheels, motors, and structure used for movement.

Bumper: Protective padding around the robot used for safety and alliance identification.

Manipulator / Actuator: Mechanisms used to intake, move, or score game pieces.

roboRIO: The main robot controller that manages motors, sensors, and other electronics.

Motor Controller: Electronics that convert roboRIO commands into motor output.

Pneumatics: Compressed-air systems used to power pistons and mechanisms.

Sensor: Devices such as cameras or gyros that help the robot understand its environment.

Drive Team: The match crew that typically includes Driver, Operator, Coach, and Human Player.

Pit: The team workspace where robots are repaired, improved, and prepared.

Scouting: Collecting and analyzing match data to support strategy and alliance decisions.

Mentor: An experienced volunteer who guides students in technical and personal development.

Kickoff: The annual event where the new FRC game and rules are officially released.

Regional / District: Official event formats where teams compete during the season.

Championship: The world-level final event featuring top teams from around the globe.

FIRST Impact Award: The most prestigious FRC award recognizing long-term community impact.

Engineering Inspiration Award: Recognizes teams that strongly promote engineering culture and inspiration.

Rookie All-Star Award: Given to an outstanding rookie team with strong potential and FIRST values.

Excellence in Engineering Award: Honors robust and effective engineering in robot design and execution.

Industrial Design Award: Recognizes excellence in function-focused and elegant robot design.

Autonomous Award: Rewards consistent and effective autonomous performance.

Innovation in Control Award: Honors creative and effective control systems in software and electronics.

Creativity Award: Recognizes unique and clever mechanical or strategic problem solving.

Quality Award: Given for high-quality workmanship and reliability in robot construction.

Gracious Professionalism Award: Recognizes teams that best model respect and sportsmanship in competition.

Team Spirit Award: Celebrates teams that energize events with enthusiasm and identity.

Judges’ Award: A special award for notable achievements that may not fit other categories.

Winner: Teams on the alliance that wins the final playoff matches.

Finalist: Teams on the alliance that finishes second in the final playoff matches.

FIRST Dean’s List Award: An individual award for students with outstanding leadership and impact.

Woodie Flowers Finalist Award: An individual award honoring exceptional mentors.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Recognizes volunteers with major contributions to event success.

Digital Animation Award: Awarded for outstanding digital animation around STEM/FRC themes.

Safety Animation Award: Recognizes top animation work promoting safety in robotics events.

Imagery Award: Honors teams with outstanding visual identity and branding.

Team Sustainability Award: Recognizes strong long-term team structure and sustainability planning.

Rising All-Star Award: Given to progressing young teams showing strong development potential.

Founder’s Award: Recognizes individuals or organizations that significantly support FIRST values.

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