[Andrew Blair]

Haha, sounds like somebody got roped...

Well, there is a small competition near us that started recently, in a gym, so I should be able to fill you in on some of the details.

First of all, how many teams are you talking? 5 teams and 60 teams is a big difference.

Secondly, it might be obvious, but the three most important and necessary things to aquire will be the game tables (Build them or loan them- probably the teams will be able to loan you theirs temporarily) and pieces, tables as little "mini-pits" for the teams, and power strips to the tables. Those are the important things.

Each table being run will require a ref, to count scores and reset the table. You'll need an announcer/organizer to keep teams on time. 1 or 2 practice tables are a good idea as well. As far as the judges go, most regionals have about 10 in total. There are about 3 big presentations teams give:

1. Main, problem solving presentaion. Teams address a problem in a presentation (Often a Powerpoint-projector/Destination needed)), basically marketing their robot to solve the problem. As I remember however, they don't judge marketing skills as much as the overall depth of understanding and creativity. 3-5 judges needed, no real technical knowlege needed.

2. Programming . Typically, judges visit teams pit's to view their programming approach. Simplicity, effectiveness, functions used, sensors, etc. are judged. 1-2 judges needed. The better technical knowledge the better, but our's never seemed to know anything.

3. Robot construction. Again, judges typically walk around and visit pits, looking at overall robot design and construction. Creativity, robustness, effectiveness, aesthetics are judged I believe. 1-2 judges, and the same deal as the programming judges.

Hope someone else with a little more organizational know-how can step in and help you out.