Join
Members apply every year. Tryouts are typically held in late April, and offers are sent in mid to late May.
Program Organization
SPB Robotics consists of four teams at two levels. The weekly hours below are minimums and may not be sufficient during peak season.
Varsity
Mecha LionsFRC 10252Applicants should have strong technical skills, leadership potential and a serious commitment to competing.
Members are expected to contribute to design, strategy and the build.
Varsity
Electra LionsFTC 31131Applicants should have some robotics experience and want to keep improving.
Members are mentored closely by the Varsity FRC team, with a focus on building the skills needed to move up to FRC.
Junior Varsity
Pyra LionsFTC 21781
Nova LionsFTC 36529No prior robotics experience is required. These teams are for students who are new to robotics and want to learn.
The two JV teams work the same way. Members are placed randomly to balance skill levels.
Subteams
Applicants choose two subteams when they apply. On the FRC team, hardware is split into design, manufacturing and electrical, and business into outreach and media.
Robot design and mechanical systems.
Robot build and mechanical systems.
Robot electrical systems.
Programming, controls, and integration with hardware.
Outreach, sponsorships, fundraising, and documentation.
Media and branding.
Application Process
Everyone applies each year, including returning members.
Application form
Applicants fill out the application form, pick two subteams and can also apply for a leadership position.
Exams and interview
Tryouts are typically held in late April at Stratford Preparatory. Applicants take a 40-minute exam for each of their two subteam choices, plus a short interview if applying for leadership. Tryouts take about 90 minutes.
Scoring and ranking
Exams are scored from 0 to 10, and interviews are scored on teamwork and leadership. Applicants are placed into positions in ranked order. Prior experience and other factors may be considered.
Offers
Accepted applicants receive an email offer in mid to late May and have seven days to accept or decline.
Returning members may reuse their technical exam scores from the previous year by emailing the program president. Leadership scores are reevaluated every year. Late applicants may be considered on a rolling basis, depending on space availability.
Member Expectations
Every member is expected to contribute, whether in hardware, software, business or outreach.
Members are expected to keep their grades up. Anyone traveling to a competition needs a C or better in every class.
Members who can't make a meeting should tell their team captain or subteam lead as early as possible, ideally by email.
Members are encouraged to play sports. Varsity members may be excused for one sport season per school year, and Junior Varsity members for three.
Parental Involvement
Parent involvement is a vital part of the program. Each family is required to volunteer at least once per school year.
Questions
Contact the program
Email the team you are interested in for application dates and details.
