The Central Illinois Regional (CIR) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an intense three-day event showcasing robots developed and operated by teams of high school students. The competing robots are the result of 6-1/2 weeks of high school students and professional engineering/science mentors teaming up to solve the engineering challenges presented in the Season Challenge/Robot Game. The robots represent the product of focused brainstorming, real-world teamwork, dedicated mentoring, and managing project deadlines. The mentor/student interaction is integral to the FRC program. It takes a lot of hard work to develop a competitive robot, and it shows when you see them in action at the Central Illinois Regional.
FRC robots are big and weigh up to 125 pounds. In the competition, two alliances (red and blue) each composed of three robot teams play each other on fields that are the size of a basketball half-court. All day Friday through Saturday morning a series of Qualifying Rounds matches are played between randomly generated alliance teams to determine the top eight seeded individual teams. These top eight individual teams will now select two other teams that they would like to join them in forming an alliance for the Play-Off Matches. Saturday afternoon starts off with the eight alliances competing in a double elimination bracket until just two alliances remain. These two alliances then face off in a best of three series to determine the Central Illinois Regional Champions!
The Central Illinois Regional encourages students, teams, mentors and volunteers alike to think and act "beyond the bot" by hosting community outreach projects and events throughout the year.
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As with any FIRST Event, Volunteers are the backbone of success! Both experienced and inexperienced Volunteers in all areas are always welcome! Join the excitement and the fun of being part of the FIRST Family. For a listing and description of the various volunteer roles, click here or contact Central Illinois Regional Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].