[Cynette]

To be considered for Rookie All Star, the only real requirement is that you are a rookie and go to competition.

Rookie teams have found it beneficial to have prepared an essay that answers the questions asked by the Chairman's essay requirements since the criteria for Chairman's can translate to developing a strong rookie team.

Rookie All Star judges are looking for evidence of a developing partnership with your team - with your sponsors, your supporting organization (school, 4-H, Scout troop...), and / or with your community.

You will not be asked to make a separate presentation, or have a special presentation team at the competition. That is the Chairman's process and rookie teams do not go through that process.

You can make a presentation package for the judges that will stop by at your pit. Include your essay and an executive summary, some photos of your team in action, copies of any news articles on your team, your business plan summary if you have that, anything that your pit crew can use to tell the judges about your team and hook them so they will come back to hear more! Pick some members of your pit crew who are enthusiastic about your team and FIRST and have them available to talk to the judges. It is very, very, very important that the people who talk to the judges are STUDENTS! Mentors should keep a few feet away and let the judges interact with the student.

Each team has its own personality. Be sure to be yourselves, and enjoy the experience. Good Luck!