FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about FLL teams:

How do I get a FLL team started?

Starting an FLL team is quite simple. If you have 3 to 10 students ages 9 through 14, you already have the basis for a team. Additionally, each team will need a coach as well as one or more mentors to help students with the many tasks the team will need to do during the year. The coach for the team should be a highly organized person who can keep track of the many aspects of FLL that need attention: team management, scheduling of robot design and trial competitions, fundraising, and participating in FLL Coaches conference calls arranged by FIRST. Coaches do not need to have engineering or robotics experience, though an understanding of basic computer systems and flow chart operations is very helpful.

Once you have a group of students and a coach, you’re ready to begin the season – all you need to do is register!

How do I register a team for a Regional FLL Championship Tournament?

You must first register with FLL and pay your team registration fee. You may register your team from May through September OR UNTIL ALL SLOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. FLL Registration for the 2009 SMART MOVE season will open on May 4, 2009.

You will receive instructions about purchasing your Field Setup Kit from FLL after you have paid your team registration fee. Note: the shipping delay for robot kits and field setup kits is usually about 1 week during the months of May through August.  During the month of September, because of the sheer volume of last-minute registrations, this will almost guarantee an increase to 3-5 WEEKS.  It is recommended that you sign up as early as possible to ensure your Field Setup Kits arrive in time for practices prior to the championship tournament.

Registration for the North Texas Regional Championship Tournament will take place during the entire month of October 2009 and is done by contacting the Museum of Nature & Science’s Reservations desk at 214-428-5555, extension 8. In order to register for this competition, each team must already be registered with FIRST. Teams who have not done this already are not eligible to sign up for the regional competition.

The fee for participating in the North Texas Regional FLL Championship Tournament is $65 per team, so please factor this in when determining your team budget.

What costs are associated with participating in FLL each year?

If you choose to start an FLL team, please be aware that there are certain costs attributed to starting, registering and maintaining a team. Below is a chart to help you identify the items necessary for each team:

**FLL Robot Sets do not need to be purchased each year unless there is a major change in the kit parts. Also, please note that these costs are approximate and serve as a minimum for each team. Other factors may include expenses related to the Regional Championship Tournament (travel, meals and accommodations).

Challenge 2009