[Chris Fultz]

Lots of good dicussion here.

I would be concerned about judges using the demographic data in their criteria, because for the most part, the students cannot influence that statistic - most of them go to school where they live and their neighborhood is their neighborhood. The students can influence what they do with the resources they have access to (plenty or minimal).

I will add that it is incredibly difficult to be a judge, even with FIRST experience. There are many teams to talk to, lots of information to process, and lots of debate. The info you provide thru TIMS can help the judges get to know you a little in advance, and then they can focus on more detailed questions when they come to your pit. If things were perfect, they would have an hour with each team - but they don't - they haev 5 minutes at the most.

Also regarding judges, the judge advisor is charged with the task of making sure judges make the right decisions and use the right criteria. A good judge advisor keeps the judging team working effectively.

And fianlly, regarding "what awards you are most competitive for" - a judge once told me "If a team does not know what awards they are competitive for, how can they expect me to figure it out?" I think the point was, you should be aware of the awards and criteria and be able to speak to them, and know what ones might apply to your team. Know your strengths and talk about them.