Planning for the Day - Coaches Checklist and Tips

As the tournament approaches, it is critical that coaches prepare their team for the day. All team members should know in what room their pit is located, how the day is laid out, along with many more details.  Here is a checklist list of action items to help you prepare:

Coaches’ Event Checklist

Bring to the tournament:

Robot, batteries, accessories and extra parts.
Printouts of the robot code.
Collect anything required at check-in.  More information is available in Team Check-in of this manual.
If desired, printed copies of the event schedule, agenda, and team list (available through MyCVR). 
A safe container to carry the robot in – protecting your robot from being jostled around.
Project Presentation with props/supplies. This includes any video equipment you need.  We do not supply equipment for team presentations.
If you wish to program at the event, bring a laptop computer.
In the event you need more than one electrical outlet, bring an electrical/power strip.
Money for concessions and merchandise.
Students may want to bring a book or homework for downtime.
Label everything with your team number (masking tape or with a Sharpie).  Do not label the LEGO pieces that form your robot. 
All the loose field setup pieces to work with on the practice table.  You need to bring all other pieces that are NOT dual locked to the mat.  Mark all your pieces with your Team Number!
(Optional) Your Team Flag.  See Appendix 4 - Team Flag Rules and Guidelines for more information. 

Before the tournament:             

Know the location of the event and directions on how to get to the venue.
Know the general layout of the event. Teams should become familiar with the event map posted at on the Central Valley Robotics website.
Review the FIRST Core Values, Gracious Professionalism, and Coopertition, available at Getting Started - Participation Rules and Core Values.
Review all rules for the challenge missions and Project presentation.  
Check the Challenge Updates at Challenge Materials and Resources.
Make sure all kids have rides to and from the venue.
Inform parents and guests – give them a copy of the agenda and schedule.
Invite your friends, teachers and others.  All tournaments are open to the public.

Top Ten Tournament Tips 

  1. FIRST® LEGO® League is about what happens all season, not just on event day. Focus on what you’ve learned and how much you have improved since your season started.

  2. Make sure you read and understand the Participation Rules: Getting Started - Participation Rules and Core Values.

  3. Judges may observe your team at any time during the day.

  4. Don’t be nervous. Teams and judges are there to learn from each other and celebrate with you.

  5. Make sure your team and supporters demonstrate Core Values – even when things don’t go exactly as you planned. Remember, everyone you encounter is volunteering their time.

  6. Make time for fun breaks throughout the day, especially before judging sessions. Have a cheer, a song, or a game ready to stay energized.

  7. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the tournament. Be prepared for loud noise and a long day.

  8. Go over what you want to say before going into your judging sessions, either out loud to team members or silently to yourself. Practice with the rubrics to see where you might improve.

  9. Take the time to go around the pits and meet the other teams. Show your enthusiasm for their projects and robots. Your encouragement can mean a lot to another team.

  10. Have fun! You’ve worked hard all season. Be proud of all you have accomplished!