Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and Common Misconceptions

how long is the robotics season?
Fall is our Pre-Season: We only meet a few times a month so that we can participate in an off season competition, recruit new students, participate in a few community outreach opportunities, and prep for our regular season. Although this is a low stress time for us, it's a great time to get pre-season work done (such as prepping for awards) so that we do not get burned out during the regular season.
January - Late February is Build Season: Build season kicks off in early January and that's when we get busy. From the date that the new game is announced, we have approximately six to eight weeks to design, build and program a robot. 
March - April is Competition Season: ​This is when the fun really kicks in and your hard work gets rewarded. We travel to two local district competitions in March/April and if we do well enough there, we can qualify to attend the State Championship in April. Teams who do well enough at State can qualify to attend the FIRST Championship (aka "Worlds"). Ramageddon attended the FIRST Championship in 2018 and we hope to get back there again soon.
​Late Spring/Summer: During the late spring and summer, we meet a few times for outreach opportunities and our annual summer skills camp.
I don't think i have enough time to be on robotics.
In order for our team members to skip classes on Fridays for competitions, they are required to put in at least 50 hours of work during our 9-week build season. That's only five and a half hours a week! Most of our students blow that number out of the water! And even if they come up a little short, we still invite them to join us at competitions on Saturdays or Sundays (they just can't skip school for competitions).
Only brainiacs are on the team. I don't have what it takes to be on the team.
Whoa there! Every single student who wants to be on this team can bring something unique and fun to the mix! We don't expect our students to walk into the build room on their first day knowing how to program a robot or how to write a business plan...that's why we have business and STEM professionals from our community who run this program and mentor our students! Even if you're the slightest bit interested in joining our team but you're still nervous, come check us out.
What are the requirements to be on the team?
In order to miss school on Fridays for competitions, all team members must meet the following minimum working requirements:
  • Put in at least 40 hours of (meaningful) work during the build season (Jan - mid February)
  • Students must be in good academic standings
  • Attend and participate in the annual Ramageddon Robot Reveal (open house)
  • Participate in at least one speaking presentation (Kiwanis, Rotary, radio show, etc)
  • Participate in at least one volunteer opportunity (We Care Island Sit, Not So Silent Night)
  • Participate in at least one team fundraising activity
  • Assist or mentor one of South Haven's FLL or FTC teams, or assist or mentor another FRC team.
  • Along with a parent/guardian, attend the team orientation session (or schedule time to meet with the coaches to go through the team handbook)
  • Along with a parent/guardian, sign the team's code of conduct, complete the medical authorization form, and sign the electronic consent forms.
How much does it cost to be on the team?
Nothing, it is free! Even though it is very expensive for teams to compete in FIRST Robotics, we never charge our students a participation fee and the reason why we don't charge a fee is because we want all students to participate, regardless of their financial situation. The only thing we require is that students must help with team fundraisers. Some of our fundraisers include:
  • Taking sponsorship packets to local businesses
  • Participating in our annual fudge fundraiser
  • Collecting/returning pop cans
  • Selling Ramageddon yard signs
  • Doing work for other groups who pay us for our help (Steelheaders, Boo on Your Bike, Blueberry Festival, etc.)
Is there a charge for team uniforms?
Each student is provided one free team t-shirt for the current year. If we have extra shirts left over from previous years, we may distribute those to new team members as well so that they can have an extra shirt. Each year we sell team merchandise (hats, sweatshirts, jackets, etc.) Those are at the expense of the students and their families, but financial assistance may be available upon request.
What time are meetings held?
For the 2023/2024 season, we plan on meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tuesday - Thursday meetings will be 5:30pm - 9pm and Saturday meetings will be 10am - 4pm. This is subject to change and as we get closer to our competitions, we may need to meet more in order to finish the robot. Late nights are not unheard of, but it's always up to the student and their family on how much time they student is able to commit. If the student needs to leave early, that is okay!
this sounds really cool but i don't think i could build a robot. Is there anything else i can do on the team?
This team is so much more than just the robot! Here are some other jobs available on the team:
  • Finance (fundraising, tracking revenue/expenses)
  • Website and social media updates (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok)
  • Scouting (strategic thinking, watching teams at competitions, entering data into our scouting program)
  • Awards (writing essays, giving presentations)
  • Video creations
  • Team safety
What are the stem tasks on the team?
Our STEM mentors teach our team members the following tasks:
  • Brainstorming robot designs
  • Using CAD to build prototypes and design our robot
  • Using a variety of tools and equipment
  • Wiring and electronics
  • Programming
  • Driving and operating the robot
  • Much more
is there any scholarship money available for participating in FIRST Robotics? 
We are pleased to announce the creation of the South Haven High School FIRST Robotics Scholarship, which will be awarded to one to two Ramageddon seniors each year.

​Many of our alumni have won local STEM scholarships and FIRST Robotics has partnered with hundreds of colleges and businesses to offer scholarships. To learn more about scholarships through FIRST, go to ​https://www.firstinspires.org/scholarship-results.
This is cool for high school students, but what about younger students?
We have a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) middle school team called GOATageddon at Baseline Middle School and that team is in need of a coach. If any parents/teachers are interested in coaching the team, contact Ramageddon coach Kim Wise at [email protected] or read more about FTC teams at https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/start-a-team.

We also have FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams called Lambageddon and Kidageddon. Again, we are limited to how many kids can be on this team so if you are interested in coaching a team, please reach out to Ramageddon coach Kim Wise at [email protected] or read more about forming a team at https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/start-a-team.,
How can parents help?
Parents can help the team by:
  • Coming to competitions! This is the most important thing that you as a parent can do for our team. These students work so hard during the build season and they will appreciate having you there to cheer them on during competitions. As a team, we want to see our "Fanageddons" in a "Sea of Purple" in the stands, cheering us on!
  • Providing snacks, water, and/or meals for the team during meetings. Some of our kids are at school from 6:30am until 9pm so they need food and water to stay healthy. Coaches spend a lot of their own money on pizzas each year, so it is very helpful when parents jump in and help with food.
  • Providing snacks, water, and/or meals for the team at competitions. The more that parents can provide, the less that comes out of team funds or out of the coach's own pockets. Don't worry though if you do not have the funds to help because we will never let your child go hungry at a competition.
  • Keeping your kid healthy. If they are sick, please keep them home.
  • Building field pieces. Each year we get a new game that requires new field pieces. If the parents build this for our team, then the students and mentors can focus on the robot.
  • Carpooling. If we are unable to get a bus for competitions, we may need parents to help drive.
  • Help us find new sponsors. If you work for a business that is interested in supporting the team, please let us know.