> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.iowacityrobotics.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.iowacityrobotics.org/outreach/first-lego-league/team-quickstart-guide.md).

# Team Quickstart Guide

## General FLL Resources

* [**FIRST LEGO League Official Site**](https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll)\
  Overview of the program, including Challenge, Explore, and Discover divisions
* [**FIRST Inspires Resource Library**](https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/fll)\
  Engineering notebooks, rubrics, coach guides, and more
* [**Season Materials**](https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/fll/robot-game)\
  Includes current season theme, missions, rules, scoring, and model build instructions
* [**Team Meeting Guide (PDF)**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/team-meeting-guide.pdf)\
  Weekly plans for team meetings — great for new coaches
* [**Tournament Guide**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/tournament-overview.pdf)\
  What to expect at events, including judging and schedules

## Robot Design & Programming

* [**SPIKE Prime Software**](https://education.lego.com/en-us/downloads/mindstorms-ev3/software)\
  Official app for LEGO SPIKE Prime and Essential kits
* [**EV3 Classroom Download**](https://education.lego.com/en-us/downloads/mindstorms-ev3/software)\
  Legacy LEGO Mindstorms programming platform
* [**Pybricks**](https://pybricks.com/)\
  Python-based alternative for SPIKE and EV3 kits
* [**FLLTutorials.com**](https://flltutorials.com/)\
  Comprehensive tutorials from veteran teams covering:
  * Programming: SPIKE Prime (Word Blocks & Python), EV3, Pybricks
  * Robot Design: Base designs, attachments, modularity, alignment
  * Judging & Core Values: Practice activities, Innovation Project prep
  * Team Management: Calendars, checklists, coaching tips

## Judging & Innovation Project

* [**Judging Rubrics**](https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/fll/judging)\
  For Innovation Project, Core Values, and Robot Design
* [**Innovation Project Guide (PDF)**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/innovation-project.pdf)\
  Helps teams identify problems, design solutions, and present ideas effectively

## Event Prep & Logistics

* [**Tournament Day Checklist**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/tournament-day-checklist.pdf)\
  What to bring and how to prepare
* [**Practice Tournament Format**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/practice-tournament-guide.pdf)\
  Guide for hosting or participating in mock tournaments

## Community & Mentorship

* [**FLL Reddit Community**](https://www.reddit.com/r/FLL/)\
  Team photos, build help, peer advice
* [**FLL Coaches Facebook Group**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstlegoleaguecoaches/)\
  Tips and support from veteran coaches
* [**Unofficial FLL Discord Server**](https://discord.gg/FLL)\
  Real-time discussions with teams and mentors

## YouTube Channels & Playlists

* [**FIRST LEGO League YouTube Channel**](https://www.youtube.com/user/FIRSTWorldTube)\
  Season reveal videos, challenge animations, and team stories
* [**FLL Tutorials YouTube**](https://www.youtube.com/c/FLLTutorials)\
  Videos on programming and robot design
* [**STEMcentric YouTube Channel**](https://www.youtube.com/c/STEMcentric)\
  Mission strategies and robot walkthroughs

## Cost & Funding

* First-year teams will need to purchase a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime kit
* Used EV3 or LEGO Mindstorms kits can be found on eBay to save money
* Engineering notebooks are optional — any notebook will work
* After year one, expected cost is around **$350 per season**
* Other costs may include:
  * Team t-shirts
  * Snacks
  * Minimal travel for events
* [**Grants available through FIRST**](https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/funding-opportunities)

## Time Commitment

* Minimum: **2 hours/week** from August through competition
* Many teams add extra practices the 1–2 weeks before competition
* Not all students need to attend every practice – sub-teams are helpful
* Local competitions are typically **half-day Saturday events (8 am–1 pm)**
* State competition is a **full day event in January at Iowa State University**

## Mentors & Coaches

* Each team needs **at least 2 coaches** (no STEM experience required)
* Mentors can be community members, local businesses, high schoolers, or topic experts
* These contacts can also become **sponsors** to help cover team costs

## Additional Resources

* [**How FLL Challenge Works**](https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/how-to-start)
* [**Start a Team Flyer** (PDF)](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/FLL_Challenge_Team_Flyer.pdf)
* [**Challenge Pricing & Payment**](https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/fll/pricing-and-payment)
* [**Grant Opportunities**](https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/funding-opportunities)
* [**Scholarship Search**](https://www.firstinspires.org/scholarships)
* [**Sponsorship Tips (PDF)**](https://www.theiet.org/media/5278/sponsorship-top-tips.pdf)
* [**FLL Coaches Handbook**](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/fll/fll-coaches-handbook.pdf)
* [**FIRST Coach/Mentor Checklist**](https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/coach-mentor-checklist)

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