FTC Competition Safety Glasses

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 FIRST Tech Challenge season, we want to clarify the FIRST Wisconsin FTC safety glasses policy. We are adopting the policy FIRST implemented at the Championships this past April. At FTC events this season, you will see a version of a sign stating, “Activities in this area MAY require safety glasses.” Safety glasses must be worn by competitors and volunteers at practice fields, competition fields, and near power tools or active robots. They are no longer required throughout the entire pit area. Coaches and mentors are responsible for enforcing the policy within their teams, while practice-field volunteers, referees, and field staff will enforce it in their respective areas. FIRST Wisconsin will provide loaner safety glasses to volunteers at check-in as needed, but we will not operate a safety glasses table as we have in the past. Each team must ensure that its members, coaches, and mentors bring their own safety glasses. With kickoff approaching, now is the time to prepare students for this important policy. Personal safety glasses are a simple way to help keep students and volunteers safe while enjoying the FIRST experience. Several FIRST Wisconsin sponsors have provided safety glasses to teams; contact us if you would like help connecting with a sponsor that may offer free glasses. Please also remind team members that being asked to wear safety glasses is an expression of concern for their safety, not an insult, and should be met with Gracious Professionalism rather than a negative response.  Thanks for your attention to this message and we can’t wait to get the FIRST BIOBUZZ season under way!