For those of you who missed the webinar on Tuesday, here is the link to the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikt7BZ0V3qQ&t=815s

I’m sure most of you saw the communication from FIRST this morning postponing the rest of the season. Much of when/how we do things will depend on decisions they make in the next several weeks. We will do our best to keep everyone updated as we receive new information from FIRST but ask that you all be patient for now. There is a lot to work out and it will take at minimum several weeks to get answers to many of the questions you all have.

I know there were some questions on the webinar regarding team fees and the OSPI grant (for Washington teams) Here is what we currently know:

OSPI iGrant Funding: For those teams who have received funding for fiscal year 2019/20 from the State of Washington through OSPI, please spend your funds by June 30, 2020. As you know this is a reimbursable grant and funds can be spent to cover registration fees, teacher stipends, equipment, travel, and professional development. We suggest that you get creative and spend these funds now, and reserve your private donor funds for other needs of your team. If you need assistance, please contact Erin McCallum at erin@firstwa.org.

FIRST and FIRST Washington Registration Fees: Team registration fees are non-refundable, https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/pricing-and-payment. Both FIRST Washington and FIRST incur program costs each year in delivering FIRST programs and competitions. For those teams who have not yet paid your registration fees, we ask that you do so immediately. FIRST Washington has acted in good faith this year in allowing teams to compete, assuming registration payments were on their way. Little did we ever imagine we would be faced with the current health situation with COVID-19. If you need another invoice, please contact accounting@firstwa.org. We appreciate your help.