What to Bring to Competition
Written by Emily H.
It wouldn’t hurt to get lots of sleep before your Regional gets underway.
This may seem like a no brainer for many veteran FRC teams, but Rookie teams will be surprised by all the behind-the-scenes action that goes on at competitions, and what they will need to keep up. It wouldn’t hurt to get lots of sleep before your Regional gets underway and remember to pack your shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and pajamas, too!
Tools/Spare Parts
The one thing you can always count on in competition is that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
The one thing you can always count on in competition is that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Make sure that you have all the tools you could possibly need to repair your robot in any situation, as well as the spare parts you’ll need for such repairs. (If you do find yourself in need, talk to the Pit Admin. FIRST staffs a spare parts desk, and your fellow competitors are always willing to lend a hand, a screwdriver, charged-up batteries, or even help you program your robot).
Your Team’s Safety Manual
Judges and Safety Advisors love safety and the more you can show them you’ve been thinking about it, the better.
You may feel pretty decked out with your safety goggles, close-toed shoes and safe practices around machinery, but no pit is complete without a FIRST Safety Manual. Judges and Safety Advisors love safety and the more you can show them you’ve been thinking about it, the better. You will definitely want to make sure you have a codified set of safety rules and regulations for your team at every competition you attend.
Banners
Be loud and be proud!
Be loud and be proud! Getting your name out there is one of the most important things to do at competition, so deck your pit out with your team name, number and colors; a good looking pit always pays off. FIRST has some rules & regs about how its brand name is presented, read those and download high-resolution artwork.
Giveaways
Even though only a select number of teams can move on from any given competition, the truth is that anyone who gets there deserves to be a winner.
Even though only a select number of teams can move on from any given competition, the truth is that anyone who gets there deserves to be a winner… so make it happen! Many teams make awards to hand out to other teams at competitions, such as “Most Creative Robot,” “Fastest Robot,” or “Best Rookie.” Other teams prefer buttons or pencils or key chains. This is a great way to foster friendship with other teams and get yourself noticed in a good way at competition.
Especially for Rookies (and even if you’re not a rookie anymore)
One of the best resources we’ve ever tapped! Lists and lists and more lists compiled by NEMO, the Non-Engineering Mentors Organization, an ad hoc group of FIRST mentors and volunteers. We especially like their “18 Hints for Rookie Teams,” and “101 Things I Wish I’d Known before my first FIRST competition.”
