TRC code of conduct, Youth Protection and online safety

Our Mission

Tennessee Robotics Center inspires the next generation of innovators to become science and technology leaders who Dare Mighty Things and make a positive difference in our community—and eventually the world.

TRC Code of Conduct

To create a fun, safe, and constructive learning environment for every student, coach, and mentor, we've established the TRC Youth Protection Program and Code of Conduct. These policies apply to all mentors, coaches, volunteers, students, staff, contractors, and guests participating in TRClasses, TRCamps, TRCompetitions, TRCommunity, FIRST team events, community outreach, and any activity where our students are present.

Gracious Professionalism

We embrace Gracious Professionalism®—a FIRST philosophy that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects both individuals and community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual success go hand in hand.

All participants are expected to:

• Ensure the safety of everyone at TRC and FIRST activities
• Treat others with respect and dignity at all times
• Refrain from bullying, harassment, profane or insulting language, and any actual or threatened violence
• Adhere to all FIRST Youth Protection Policies
• Report any unsafe behavior to TRC staff or FIRST leadership immediately

TRC Policy Guidelines

All participants must follow these policies:

• FIRST Youth Protection Program
• Tool Safety and Personal Protection Policy
• Wellness Policy
• Cellphone Policy
• Food Allergy Awareness Policy

Failure to comply with the TRC Code of Conduct, FIRST Code of Conduct, FIRST Youth Protection Policies, or any TRC policy may result in removal from Tennessee Robotics Center programs and all FIRST activities and events.

FIRST Youth Protection & Online Safety

At TRC, protecting our students is our highest priority.

Internet Safety

We maintain multiple layers of protection to safeguard students when accessing online content. Most classroom activities use app-based learning programs, and all computer screens remain visible to mentors at all times. Transparency is built into everything we do.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

TRC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any violation of our Youth Protection Policies. Any incident will result in immediate dismissal from TRC, and appropriate authorities will be contacted for further investigation. All participants must read and follow the FIRST Youth Protection Program without exception.

Video Monitoring

All learning labs are equipped with recording video cameras to provide continuous oversight and protection for students and mentors. These cameras monitor learning areas where students participate in TRC activities—not to intrude on privacy, but to ensure safety for everyone.

Two-Deep Leadership

At no time will a student be alone with any adult without two-deep leadership present (one adult coach and one youth mentor minimum). Additionally, only one student is permitted in the restroom at a time.

Tool Safety Policy

and Acknowledgment

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

1. Purpose

Tennessee Robotics Center ("TRC") is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. This Tool Safety Policy establishes rules and guidelines for the safe use of tools and equipment in our facility. All participants must read, understand, and acknowledge this policy before using any tools or equipment at TRC.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all tools and equipment at TRC, including but not limited to: hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, cutters), power tools (drills, saws, grinders, soldering irons), 3D printers and laser cutters, electronics and soldering equipment, robotics components and batteries, and any other equipment designated by TRC staff.

3. General Safety Rules

1. Always follow instructor directions. Do not use any tool or equipment until you have received proper instruction and permission from TRC staff.
2. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses are required when using any power tools, cutting tools, or soldering equipment. Additional PPE may be required for specific tasks.
3. Inspect tools before use. Check for damage, loose parts, or defects. Report any damaged equipment to TRC staff immediately. Do not use damaged tools.
4. Use tools only for their intended purpose. Do not modify tools or use them in ways they were not designed for.
5. Keep your work area clean and organized. A cluttered workspace leads to accidents. Return tools to their proper location after use.
6. Never leave power tools unattended while running. Turn off and unplug tools when not in use.
7. No horseplay or distractions. Focus on your work. Do not distract others who are using tools.
8. Secure loose clothing, hair, and jewelry. Long hair must be tied back. Remove dangling jewelry, scarves, and loose sleeves before using rotating or moving equipment.
9. Report all injuries immediately. No matter how minor, report any injury to TRC staff right away.
10. Know emergency procedures. Know the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and how to shut off equipment in an emergency.

4. Power Tool Safety

• Power tools may only be used by students who have completed tool training and received authorization from TRC staff
• Always ensure guards and safety devices are in place before operating
• Wait for rotating parts to come to a complete stop before setting down or adjusting
• Keep hands and fingers away from cutting edges and moving parts
• Secure workpieces with clamps or a vise when appropriate
• Disconnect power before changing bits, blades, or making adjustments

5. Soldering and Electronics Safety

• Always use a soldering iron stand and never leave a hot iron unattended
• Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing solder fumes
• Allow soldered joints to cool before handling
• Never touch the tip of a soldering iron—it can exceed 700°F
• Wash hands after soldering to remove any lead residue
• Disconnect batteries and power sources before working on circuits

6. Battery Safety

• Handle batteries with care—do not drop, puncture, or crush
• Do not charge batteries unattended or overnight
• Use only approved chargers for each battery type
• Inspect batteries for swelling, damage, or leakage before use
• Report any damaged or swollen batteries to TRC staff immediately—do not use
• Store batteries in designated areas away from heat sources

7. 3D Printer and Laser Cutter Safety

• Only TRC-authorized users may operate 3D printers and laser cutters
• Never leave equipment running unattended
• Do not touch heated components—print beds and extruders can cause burns
• Allow printed parts to cool before removing from the print bed
• Use only approved materials—some materials release toxic fumes
• Ensure proper ventilation when operating

8. Age-Appropriate Tool Use

Tool access is determined by age, training, and demonstrated competency:

 Grade Level Permitted Tools (with training)

   K-2 Basic hand tools (plastic tools, screwdrivers with supervision), LEGO components, snap circuits

   3-5 Hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches), wire strippers, basic electronics

   6-8 All hand tools, soldering irons (with training), hand drills, 3D printers (supervised)

   9-12 All tools with appropriate training, including power tools, laser cutters (supervised), advanced electronics

   Note: All tool use requires prior training and staff authorization regardless of age.

TRC staff may restrict tool access based on individual assessment of student readiness and safety awareness.

9. Consequences for Safety Violations

Safety is our top priority. Violations of this policy may result in verbal warning, temporary loss of tool privileges, removal from the current session without refund, or suspension from future TRC programs. Serious or repeated violations will be addressed according to the TRC Code of Conduct.

10. Emergency Procedures

• Injury: Alert TRC staff immediately. First aid kits are located at the front desk and in the lab area.
• Fire: Alert others, evacuate using the nearest exit, and call 911. Do not attempt to fight the fire unless trained and it is safe to do so.
• Equipment malfunction: Stop using the equipment immediately, turn it off if safe to do so, and report to TRC staff.
• Chemical exposure or spill: Alert TRC staff immediately. Evacuate the area if necessary.

11. Contact Information

TRC Education, LLC d/b/a Tennessee Robotics Center

Email: michael@trceducation.com

Phone: 615-796-4632

Website: TennesseeRoboticsCenter.com

Acknowledgement (Download and Sign the Form to Acknowledge Policy)

Tool Safety Policy

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

1. I have read and understand the Tennessee Robotics Center Tool Safety Policy.
2. I agree to follow all safety rules and guidelines outlined in this policy.
3. I understand that failure to follow safety rules may result in loss of tool privileges or removal from TRC programs.
4. I will ask questions if I do not understand how to safely use any tool or equipment.
5. I will report any unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, or injuries to TRC staff immediately.
6. I understand that working with tools involves inherent risks, and I accept responsibility for following all safety procedures.

Cellphone and device Use

The coaches and mentors expect all team members to be fully committed to robotics activities during all team meetings and events. This means that the use of cellphones for anything other than robotics (research, taking photos of the robot, and engineering journaling) are not allowed during robotics meetings. 

Our investment in the Tennessee Robotics Center is significant in both time, money and resources. Being a technology education program, we do not discourage the team from using their personal mobile devices during meetings. In fact, we encourage the use of devices for communication, photography and research.

However, when students use their devices to waste team time on social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram), play video games, and other non-education related activities during team meetings and events, this behavior will be addressed on an individual basis and hopefully, will not continue to be an issue. 

Continual abuse of the mobile device policy will result in the team member not being able to bring their device to team meetings and events.

Food Allergy Awareness

Out of concern and respect for every team member's health and safety, please read and follow our food allergy awareness guidelines in regard to dairy, peanuts and items that may contain tree nuts. TRC is an Allergy-Friendly Facility and as such, we aim to accommodate every child's need to feel safe and welcome in our facility.

There are many events throughout the season that have food options. During our Saturday meetings, we ask the team to bring a sack lunch since we meet from 10-2 pm. Due to a few of our team members having a severe peanut allergy we ask that no peanut products or products that may contain tree nuts be brought to any team meeting and event. We are a peanut free and nut free facility and we try to keep it that way.

We also have a team member with a severe dairy allergy. Consuming dairy products is okay but we just ask students to wash their hands after eating and before touching the robot parts and tools. Also to avoid contamination of our work area, we ask that students not bring in crunchy, cheesy snacks like Cheetos, Doritos, etc. because the crumbs go everywhere, and they are difficult to clean up afterward. 

Thank you for your understanding and attentiveness in this area. We want all of our students to feel safe and welcome at our team meetings and tournaments. Food allergies are difficult to manage for many families but if you are unsure of what to bring or not bring, please let Coach Mike know.

Following our wellness plan will be of extreme importance to the team's success during the cold and flu season. As a club, we adopted our local MTHEA tutorial sick policy as follows:

If you are sick with anything that's contagious, please DO NOT come to TRC until you have been completely symptom-free for 24 hours.

In addition, specifically with the flu, strep throat, and stomach viruses (all of which seem to spread around extra quickly in a group and can take us out of the game longer than a cold), we ask that you not come if you or anyone in your family is sick with one of these illnesses until you all have been symptom-free for 48 hours (due to incubation periods). 

We have some team members who either themselves or siblings have serious chronic health issues too and these sicknesses could be much more dangerous than to the average person.

If in doubt, play it on the safe side and stay home. We will always work with you to make up a lesson.

We reserve the right to dismiss a student early from any team meeting or event to protect the team from being exposed to a contagious illness.