FIRST in Texas Safety Policy

Last Review and Update: August 25, 2025

OVERVIEW

Ensuring consistent safety and security statewide is our paramount commitment at FIRST in Texas. A safe environment allows every student to thrive, explore, and innovate with confidence. Safety and security are a team effort that involves event hosts, volunteers, coaches, parents, and students. While not all emergencies can be prevented, being proactive and prepared is key. 

Youth Protection

YOUTH PROTECTION PROGRAMS

FIRST and FIRST in Texas work together to provide impactful resources to coaches of teams to help safeguard and create boundaries with students. Everyone plays a role in safeguarding youth by maintaining clear boundaries, practicing situational awareness, and speaking up when concerns arise. 

Best Practices for Coaches and Parents:  

  • Require all adults on your team that are not licensed educators to be background checked. 
  • Require all adults working with a team to provide references. 
  • Require all adults working with the team to complete Youth Protection Training. 
  • Actively discuss safety and youth protection techniques and warning signs with your team members. 
  • Discourage direct messaging between coaches / mentors and students via social media or unofficial communications platforms. Use official systems. 
  • Report any inappropriate or suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately. 

Quick Resources:

FIRST – Youth Protection Program Guide

Texas – Report Child Abuse

Texas – Report a Concern to Law Enforcement

Texas – Safety Pledge (Poster)

Safety Rules

FIRST in Texas has a general set of safety rules for all of the teams in Texas while at events or even working locally. We ask that all of our teams enforce these basic rules on and off the field and in all programs.

  1. Create a safe space. No bullying or shaming
  2. Gracious Professionalism ALWAYS!
  3. Enforce the FIRST in Texas Code of Conduct
  4. Ensure involvement of all team members through equity
  5. Immediately address bad behavior of both students and adult

For the FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition program, there are additional safety rules and regulations for teams on and off the field. While these are standing guidelines from FIRST in Texas, teams are free to impose additional equitable safety rules as necessary with our complete support.

FTC / FRC Safety Guidelines: (including the above)

  1. Wear safety glasses in the pits and in the competition area
  2. Do not wear open toe / heel shoes in the pits or in the competition area
  3. Secure any long hair or jewelry that may come in contact with moving parts of a robot while in the pits and competition area.
  4. Keep walkways clear around your pit, discard trash properly and secure any wires running along the floor.
  5. Report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately to the Event Director / FIRST in Texas Staff member onsite.
  6. Follow instructions of staff and safety representatives.

Updated: Nov 16, 2023