[RoboMom]

Notes from presentation given Nov. 2012: http://www.mdfirst.org/images/storie...udging-101.pdf Slides 18-20.

This information came from a call hosted by the National Judge Advisors in Oct. 2011.
Interview and written submission are just 2 of the tools. The award is based on what the team is about.
Interview, written submission, team website, notes from previous year, fact checking all go into process. May have other judges ask questions. Will look at notes from previous years. RCA judges will arrive early on Friday and check out the pits and the robot.

NOTE: Doesn’t matter where you submit. No hometown advantage.


The Written submission gives you multiple opportunities to tell the story of your team. Use all areas of written submission for separate information. Don’t repeat. This part of the jigsaw puzzle includes the Executive Summary, the Essay, and Photos or illustrations.

Have at least one other person read and edit your submission. Grammar? Spelling? Punctuation? Did you answer the questions honestly?

Do not say anything misleading and take credit for something that you did not do. Avoid embellishment. Answer the questions.

Executive Summary. Very important. Give your best first impression. Include team name and number. Did you do a good job answering the questions? Be concise.
Emphasis on 2011-2012 and the prior two years.
• Share the impact FIRST has had on your community with the judges• Demonstrate what you have done differently or improved on from last year to this year.

Key criteria. Be specific. Avoid general statements.
Q1. Impact on team members. Must address this. Interest in STEM? College? GPA? Life skills?
Q2. Point out things you have done as role models. BE SPECIFIC. Mentoring, GP, volunteering,
Q3. Impact with results. Avoid general statements. Specifics on community outreach. FLL? FTC? FRC mentors? Curriculum? Other programs? Other impact?
Q4. Innovate. Opportunity to shine. Looking for something new and way to distinguish your team. Numbers are good. Volunteering. Fundraising, Presentations, Workshops, Off-seasons.
Q5. Partnership. Look at all constituencies. YOU define who your partners are. Mentors? Sponsors? Internships? Parents? Alumni? Other support?
Q6. Communications. Include all. Websites. Sponsor and mentor recognition. Newsletters, presentations.
Q7. General. Be creative. Think about ways to tell your story. Be factual. Set the stage for your interview.