Team Handbook

Essential information for team members, including policies, procedures, and expectations.

Welcome to the team! This handbook contains important information about how our team operates.

Table of Contents

  1. Team Mission
  2. Membership Requirements
  3. Team Structure
  4. Meeting Schedule
  5. Safety Guidelines
  6. Communication
  7. Code of Conduct

Team Mission

Our mission is to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on robotics experience while developing leadership, teamwork, and professional skills.

Membership Requirements

Eligibility

  • Students in grades 7-12
  • Must be enrolled in school
  • Parental/guardian consent required

Expectations

  • Attend meetings regularly (minimum 70% attendance during build season)
  • Complete safety training before using tools
  • Maintain academic standing
  • Participate in team events and competitions
  • Contribute to outreach activities

Dues and Fees

  • Annual team fee: [Amount]
  • Fee covers: registration, materials, team shirt
  • Financial assistance available upon request

Team Structure

Leadership

  • Team Captain: Overall team coordination
  • Build Lead: Mechanical construction oversight
  • Programming Lead: Software development coordination
  • Electrical Lead: Wiring and electronics management
  • Outreach Lead: Community engagement and marketing

Subteams

  • Mechanical: Robot construction and design
  • Programming: Software and autonomous development
  • Electrical: Wiring, sensors, and electronics
  • Business: Sponsorships, marketing, and awards
  • Media: Photography, video, and social media

Meeting Schedule

Regular Season

  • [Day] [Time] - [Time]
  • [Day] [Time] - [Time]

Build Season

  • Extended hours as needed
  • Weekend sessions before competitions

Location

  • School robotics lab/workshop

Safety Guidelines

Safety is our top priority. All members must:

  1. Complete safety training before using any tools or equipment
  2. Wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, closed-toe shoes)
  3. Follow tool-specific safety procedures
  4. Report all injuries to a mentor immediately
  5. Keep workspace clean and organized
  6. Never work alone in the shop

Emergency Procedures

  • First aid kit location: [Location]
  • Emergency exits: [Locations]
  • Emergency contact: [Contact info]

Communication

Primary Channels

  • Slack/Discord: Day-to-day communication
  • Email: Official announcements
  • Team Calendar: Meeting and event schedule

Response Expectations

  • Check team communication channels daily during season
  • Respond to direct messages within 24 hours
  • Notify leadership of planned absences in advance

Code of Conduct

All team members are expected to:

Respect

  • Treat all team members, mentors, and competitors with respect
  • Value diverse perspectives and backgrounds
  • Listen actively and communicate constructively

Responsibility

  • Complete assigned tasks on time
  • Take ownership of mistakes and learn from them
  • Help keep the workspace clean and organized

Integrity

  • Be honest in all communications
  • Give credit where credit is due
  • Follow competition rules and regulations

Gracious Professionalism

  • Help other teams when possible
  • Compete hard but fairly
  • Represent the team positively at all times

Consequences

Violations of the code of conduct may result in:

  1. Verbal warning
  2. Written warning
  3. Meeting with parents/guardians
  4. Suspension from team activities
  5. Removal from the team

Questions?

If you have questions about anything in this handbook, please ask a mentor or team leader. We’re here to help!

Contact Us