The #1 rule is to have fun and learn. Being competitive and going for fast laps or awards well come later. Whether a person is autocrossing or road racing the truth is the same with both. Plus car guys well come and help you out. The worst thing to do is get mad, stay away from people, and don't learn from your mistakes.
Going slow around the track and getting faster is better then going fast around the track and then not going anywhere because you're stuck in the sand trap. :p