Great information regarding how to prepare...here are a couple of other things that should occur.
- Emphasis should be on having fun...you are rookies and enjoy...one of the best years that you will experience with FIRST.
- Students should be the ones prepared to respond to the judges...most judges do not want to talk to us old guys...they will seek us out if they need us.
- You don't have to wait for a judge to come to you...all regionals have different judges with different assignments...seek all of the judges out...give them information on your team (worst case is that they will pass on to the judges that make the recommendations for the Rookie awards). Ask each judge you see to visit your pit area...judges love rookie teams.
- Don't be afraid to ask a veteran team(s) for advise and help...don't stress yourself out with a problem when help is all around you.
- Look at last years rookie winners by regional and find one of the those teams at the regional that you are participating in...visit...ask for advice.
- and...smile
Good luck....