Sphero Robotics Competition (SRC) FAQs
For competition support, please reach out to our partner, TEAM Alliance, at support@teamalliance.org
Where can I learn more?
Learn more about Sphero Robotics Competition (SRC) on the Team Alliance Program Site.
What is the recommended team size?
We recommend that a team consists of up to 8 students. During a Match, a Match Crew of up to 6 students is allowed at the Competition Field in the Match Crew Station.
Can anyone coordinate a team, or are teaching credentials required? Also, is it required that teams competing come from schools?
Any adult can coordinate a team, and previous experience is not necessary. We provide coaching guides and resources to support all Team Coordinators throughout the competition.
Furthermore, teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to compete. Any group of students within the age bracket limits is welcome to participate in the competition. We encourage all groups who are interested to join us for a fun and educational experience!
What is the startup cost for a brand new team?
To get a team started, you’ll need robotics hardware and a TEAM Alliance registration. Here’s how that is broken down:
- $2,400 for robotics kits
- $600 In-Person Season Registration (Includes a Prequalifying Event, Qualifying Event, and State Championship)
- Recommended: SRC Competition Field ($999) and Field Elements ($399)
What does an SRC Event look like?
A typical SRC Event is broken up into two categories:
- Matches
- Team vs team matches
- Two Robots per team
- Two minute matches
- Performance-based match schedule to determine ranking
- Finals bracket to determine the Event Winner
- Tech Trials
- Teams compete individually
- Coding Tech Trial: Autonomous control
- Operating Tech Trial: Driver control
- Ranking determined by combining Coding and Operating Tech Trial scores
What if there isn’t an Event in my region?
TEAM Alliance will be hosting Remote SRC events where teams can participate in Tech Trials. Teams may have an opportunity to qualify for a Championship Event using their Tech Trial scores.
TEAM Alliance will also be recruiting new Event Hosts to run SRC events, so if there is not an event in your area and you would like to host an event, contact TEAM Alliance to learn more (support@TEAMalliance.org).
Other robotics competitions use Alliances, does Sphero Robotics Competition have Alliance Selection?
In SRC, your alliance is your team — the same group of students and up to two robots, sometimes referred to as your Alliance during play. The terms team and alliance are used interchangeably, but there is no alliance selection like other other robotics competitions.