Membership Requirements

Please read this page very carefully.

Code of Conduct

“Gracious professionalism,” one of the founding philosophies of FIRST, is essential to team participation. “It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community” (www.firstinspires.org). Disciplinary actions, to be determined by team coaches and mentors, may include suspension from team activities, ineligibility to travel with the team, or removal from the team.

• Students will display “Gracious Professionalism” – the motto of FIRST – at all times and promote the ideals of FIRST.

• Students will sign an agreement and follow the same rules as dictated by West Carrollton High School, including those in regard to alcohol and chemical substances.

• Students will not violate the racial / religious / harassment / violence / and hazing bylaws of the West Carrollton City Schools.

• Students are expected to behave in a courteous and cooperative manner.

• Students are expected to be respectful of others and behave in a way that protects the health and safety of themselves and others.

• Students shall be respectful of the facilities, tools, equipment and all things being used by the team.

• Students shall not use profane, obscene or vulgar language in written, gestured, or verbal form. Pirate Robotics abides by West Carrollton City School’s Acceptable Use Policy for all communications, including all social media and Internet usage. Students' Internet/social media/online communications are team communications and will be regarded as such.

• Students visiting or working at corporate sites are guests of the corporations and must be courteous and respectful. While at a corporate site, students are expected to follow the general rules and safety rules posted at the site.

• Students are expected to keep current with team activities and requirements by checking the website, email, and any other forms of communication established.

• In the event that a relationship develops or is ongoing, there are certain guidelines that must be adhered to at all times when engaged in team activities local and away. Disciplinary actions will be taken against students who refuse to cooperate. Hugging, kissing, sitting on laps, and other expressions of affection are prohibited at all times. Handholding is strongly discouraged. The couple must also travel in a group. Couples may not wander off alone or sit alone. The couple should not appear as a couple but, rather, as a part of the team.

Reporting Process

Student Eligibility

• Students must be a high school student in West Carrollton High School.

• Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 (C- average) AND may not have any F’s.

• If a student is suspended from school during robotics season, he or she may not participate in the following competition. The Code of Conduct will be referenced to determine if further disciplinary action is required. If a student is suspended twice, he or she will be removed from the team.

• Students are expected to make a significant time commitment to the team, actively participating in meetings, workshops, and events. Commitment to the team increases significantly during the months of January – March. Students must attend at least 3 meetings per week during the season, although attendance for all meetings is encouraged. See the team schedule for official meeting dates and times.

• How will attendance be monitored and recorded? Students will "check in" during each meeting by filling out a Google Form. A link and/or QR Code will be posted in the meeting location so team members can access the form.

• A doctor’s note is required for excused absences.

• Students are expected to be reliable (on-time, prepared to work, clean up, positive attitude, assist newer members, responsive to mentors and other adult volunteers) and assist with fundraising and other team administrative tasks.

• Students and parents must complete the necessary forms noted in the checklist at the end of this handbook.

Parental Obligations

All parents are expected to provide additional support to the team, including chaperoning, making travel arrangements, providing meals, assisting with fundraisers, assisting with outreach events, donation of general supplies (snacks/water), and assisting team mentors as requested.

Lettering and School Recognition

The faculty advisers, with input from the team mentors, will determine which students receive a West Carrollton High School letter and/or school and team recognition awards.

Students must meet all three requirements to receive a letter:

• Students must be an active participant of the team and member in good standing for each of two years (please note the 80% attendance requirement).

• Student must attend all competitions in their entirety for each of the two years.

• Student must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 (C- average) AND may not have any F’s.

Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the faculty advisors.