In general, FIRST Robotics Competition operates during the school year. Teams form and register in the fall. However, the official season begins in early January when the season’s Challenge is announced at a Kickoff ceremony. Teams must then create their robot in order to be ready for their competition events. District and Regional competition events start in late February and continue through April. Teams that qualify are invited to FIRST Championship at the end of April. There are also many off-season events in which teams can participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet students from other teams, and have fun!