How To Prep for an Event

It is well into the FIRST Tech Challenge Season and events are in full swing. If your team has not done so, make sure to connect with your local Affiliate Partner and register! If your event is just around the corner, this blog post is for you.

Events can be stressful, not only for Rookie teams, but also Veterans. You may ask yourself, "Do you have all the tools you will need? Do you have your Engineering Notebook? Did you remember to pack the Robot?"

What to Pack

When asked what to pack, the same response is often given by Veteran teams, "Pack everything…and just in case, pack it twice." The point they are getting at is that at an Event, you never know exactly what you will need. Your Robot could break down during a Match and you will need spare parts; the code you have been working weeks on may not initiate properly and you will need your laptop to proofread; your team may want to show off their team spirit and pride with team swag, banners, and an exciting pit display. To ease things, here are some areas you want to keep in mind while packing:

• Team Paperwork
• Roster
• Consent & Release 
• Note: If you are using the electronic version, please have the Parents/Legal Guardians register in the Youth Team Registration as early as possible. A paper version is available here for people who prefer this method.
• Event Specific Paperwork
• Tools
• Spare parts
• Extra surge protector
• Phone chargers
• Battery chargers
• Gamepads
• Phones
• Laptop
• Engineering Notebook
• Team swag and pit display
• Your ROBOT

How to Prepare

·         Practice, Practice, Practice - Test, Test, Test - Practice your presentation, practice for your judge interviews, practice driving your Robot; test your programming, test your autonomous mode, test every part of your Robot. Practice and Testing are how top teams prepare for their events.

·         Understand the Rules - Make sure your team has read Game Manual Part I and II. Not only do they include the game and tournament rules, but they go over the criteria for each Judge Award. The more you understand before Event Day the easier your Event will go.

·         Understand Judge Interview Process - Judge Interviews occur first thing for Events (with the exception of League Meets). Download and review the Team Judging Self-Reflection. Practice in front of friends, family, and strangers to help prepare for your Judge Interview. Remember to keep current on your Engineering Notebook (review the Engineering Notebook Guidelines) and continue even after the Event concludes.

·         Pack - How are you traveling to your Event? That changes how much and what type of packing you will be able to do. Travelling by Car?  Truck and trailer? Airplane? How far away your event may also play a factor into your packing plans. Make sure to plan ahead and pack the essentials. Create a packing list for both checking everything is packed away (and where they are located), as well as to make sure they return home with you.

·         Get Excited! - Everything you have worked hard for is here. Get excited and make sure to have fun!