Rising the Bar at the FIRST Wisconsin FTC State Championship

Hello Teams,

As we prepare for State Championship, we want to share an important update about our field setup. The Wisconsin State Championship competition fields will follow the same configuration used at the FIRST Championship. Although this will look different from our Qualifier and League events, FIRST Wisconsin is proud to bring Championship-level play to teams in our region.

FIRST Championship-Level Field Set-Up at the Wisconsin State Championship:

FIRST has announced that future FIRST Championships will use elevated competition fields (Competition Manual Sections 9.2 & 15.2):

“...all division FIELDS will be placed on risers, which are elevated approximately 24in (60.95 cm) from the floor. All DRIVE TEAM members and FIELD STAFF will be at floor level.”

To match this configuration at the Wisconsin FTC State Championship:

• The competition field will be on risers, about 24 inches (60.95 cm) off the floor.

• Drive Teams and Field Staff will stand on the floor, not on the risers.

• This aligns with the Kickoff Field Tour video and the official Competition Manual guidance.

This setup ensures Wisconsin teams experience the same field conditions used at the FIRST Championship and helps students prepare for the highest level of competition.

Q&A For Teams:

To ensure teams can prepare with confidence, we wanted to provide the following clarifications:

Q1. Will the Wisconsin State Championship Fields be Raised?

• A1. Yes.

  • The Wisconsin FTC State Championship competition fields will be raised 24 inches, with Drive Teams and Field Staff standing at floor level.

  • This configuration:

    • Matches what FIRST has announced for Championship-level FTC events (CM Sections 9.2 & 15.2)

    • Matches the expected FIRST Championship setup

    • Is lower than the fields used at Governor’s Cup (which were approx. 39in)

  • This is an official, FIRST-approved configuration.

Q2. Why is FIRST Wisconsin using this setup?

• A2: When FIRST HQ shared their Championship field plans, FIRST Wisconsin chose to match that configuration so our teams are prepared for the next level of competition.

  • Wisconsin State Championship advances teams to events where raised fields are expected. Providing this experience at State helps students:

    • Prepare for Championship-level play

    • Adapt driver strategy and visibility

    • Compete under the same conditions as teams are competing on a global stage

  • Our goal is to give Wisconsin students the same high-quality experience found at the top levels of FIRST, right here at home.

Q3. Will stools be allowed?

• A3. Per FTC rule G302, step stools are generally allowed if they are safe, including:

  • Non-rolling

  • Non-folding

  • Stable

• At the Wisconsin State Championship:

  • FIRST Wisconsin will have a limited number of step stools available.

  • Teams may bring their own if they meet safety rules.

  • Teams are not required to use stools.

  • Teams should only use stools if they can do so safely.

• The Head Referee will have final authority on safety decisions at the field.

Q4. How do you get into the field?

• A4. FIRST Wisconsin has a set of stairs for each field, level with the riser.

Q5. What about inclusion & accessibility?

• A5. Inclusion is a core value of FIRST, and it is a priority for FIRST Wisconsin.

  • We recognize that a raised field may affect students differently. Teams needing accommodations—such as mobility, visibility, or other accessibility needs—should contact us directly so we can work together on solutions that allow every student to participate safely and confidently.

  • We will also share team feedback with FIRST HQ as they continue refining Championship field guidance.

Q6. Will teams get practice time?

• A6. Yes.

  • We plan to offer practice time on the raised field during the State Championship so teams can get comfortable with the setup before matches begin.

Q7. Will the practice fields be raised?

• A7. No.

  • All practice fields will remain at floor height.