What do rookie teams need at their inaugural competition?

[SenorZ]

I second the game-specific whiteboards. Though those might be costly.
Otherwise a mini first-aid kit, 7/16" wrenches, 5/32" hex wrench, zip-ties... anything your remember NEEDING really bad during competitions are likely things a rookie team didn't bring enough of!

[Matt C]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

game-specific whiteboards.

Thirded..ed

First thing that really popped into my mind would be scouting related stuff.

[Bill_B]

The best thing you can put into a rookie's possession is your assurance that you are willing to help with whatever they need from A-Z: Advice to Zipties. If there are physical objects that convey this "strange-to-a-rookie" concept, so much the better. Also make them sure that you are not expecting to be repaid directly. GP by example is more effective in person than on paper.

[Steven Donow]

One of the occasionally 'hard to find, easy to lose' items that I've always found to come in handy (and make sure to always carry with me at an event) is a small flathead screwdriver, ie. a tool for Wago connectors.

[D.Allred]

I suggest swapping the white board for a clip board. They need to keep up with their match schedule and potential to-do list. Field layout could be a print out or laminated sheet. Bring some blank bill-of-material sheets in case they missed the requirement.

If you dare ... bumper supplies.

David

[RoboMom]

A good overview on the NEMO resources page: http://www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm

Competition Tips/What to Expect (PDF: 28pp., 2.68M) Updated November 2012