This season, FIRST decided to remove the Safety Award. Their goal was to make sure every team was following safety practices rather than recognizing a single team, but we from teams 5567 and 3618 believe that it has had the opposite effect. We have seen a noticeable drop in teams that value and make an effort to create a culture of safety, simply because there is no longer a reward for their efforts. We believe that reinstating the Safety Award will encourage all teams to create a safer environment for everyone.

After signing our petition, please consider emailing FIRST at firstroboticscompetition@firstinspires.org. Every email and signature will help show FIRST that the community values safety and believes the return of the Safety Award will help strengthen the culture we have worked so hard the create.