FTC Decode Season: New Points-Based Advancement System
- Arjun Mahajan
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Big Change for 2025–2026
The FTC Decode season introduces a new points-based advancement system for all events. This change impacts how teams move forward from Qualifying Tournaments, League Tournaments, Super Qualifying Tournaments, and Regional Championships.
Problem With the Old System
In the past, advancement mostly went to:
Inspire Award Winner
Winning Alliance Captain
This encouraged teams to specialize in either outreach/documentation or robot performance. Teams that excelled in other areas—like design or teamwork—were left behind. Alliance selection also created awkward decisions for top-ranked teams, forcing them to choose between strategy and advancement.
FTC Decode: New Points-Based System
Now, advancement is based on points earned across four categories:
1. Qualification Rounds
Teams earn 2–16 points depending on rank.
Scales to event size.
Top team = ~16 points, lowest = ~2 points.
2. Alliance Selection
Alliance Captains + drafted partners both earn points.
Formula: 21 – alliance number(Ex: Alliance #3 = 18 points)
3. Playoff Performance
Winners = 40 points
Finalists = 20 points
3rd place = 10 points
4th place = 5 points
Others = 0 points
4. Judged Awards
Inspire Award = most weight
1st = 60 pts, 2nd = 30 pts, 3rd = 15 pts
Other awards(Judges’ Choice also included):
1st = 12 pts, 2nd = 6 pts, 3rd = 3 pts
Tie-Breaker Rule
If teams tie, award points decide the winner.
This keeps judged awards highly valuable.
Why This Matters
This system pushes teams to become well-rounded.
Robot Performance → Strong qualification and playoff runs.
Alliance Selection → No more awkward advancement trade-offs.
Judged Awards → Every award matters, not just Inspire.
Final Takeaway
FTC Decode 2025–2026 is about balance, strategy, and opportunity. Teams that combine strong robots, smart alliance play, and impactful judged award performance will have the best shot at advancing.
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