Crash course in running a team at competition

[JesseK]

Hey guys,
I've been in FRC for 6 nice long build seasons now, and know the drill about competition. I understand all of this stuff (thanks NEMO for putting it in once place!) just because most people do understand it after a few years of going through FRC competitions. Yet this year I have been suddenly challenged with the extra role of coordinating everything for our team at competition. From what I understand the process has changed a bit, so I'd like to make sure I have everything in order before we go Thursday.

The team roster -- all students have been approved already, so all I need to do is print the team roster from TIMS, correct? This roster states that students have completed all necessary forms?

Shipping -- if we make it to Atlanta for some crazy reason, are we supposed to decide on the spot that we're going in order to ship the robot there?

Shipping -- also, aren't we supposed to bring ALL FEDEX labels with us?

I understand the process of judging, competition, etc. Mentor roles were assigned a while ago for those things. Yet I want to make sure everything on the administrative side of things also runs smoothly, at least for D.C. this weekend. I'll compile the facts of what happens and submit to NEMO afterwards. Thanks in advance!

[Seth Mallory]

I would like to add that the people unpacking the robotic need to bring their safety glasses. Each year we have teams that have the safety glasses packed in the crate. You must have them on to get to the crate. Also when judges and safety advisors come to talk to the team the mentors and adults should move away. They come to talk to the team and not adults.

Seth Mallory
Mentor - 192
Safety - San Diego and Silicon Valley

[Ricky Q.]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Shipping -- if we make it to Atlanta for some crazy reason, are we supposed to decide on the spot that we're going in order to ship the robot there?

Shipping -- also, aren't we supposed to bring ALL FEDEX labels with us?

I understand the process of judging, competition, etc. Mentor roles were assigned a while ago for those things. Yet I want to make sure everything on the administrative side of things also runs smoothly, at least for D.C. this weekend. I'll compile the facts of what happens and submit to NEMO afterwards. Thanks in advance!

I haven't done the team roster thing - so others can answer that one, but I know a little bit about the other stuff.

If you qualify for Atlanta at the event you can either decide on the spot that you are going and ship your robot right there or you can work with Shepard to see if they can hold your robot at the drayage warehouse. They usually can do this for a few days while you figure out if you are going to Atlanta or not.

Check out section 4.9 of the Robot Transportation manual for more details on that. Also, if you decide to go make sure to register for the event in TIMS and work with FIRST on payment for the Championship so you don't get caught in a bad situation.

And yes - bring all of your FedEx Labels with you to the event. There are NO replacements and you will end up paying for shipping if you don't have them.

Good luck!

[Cynette]

If you have everyone in the FIRST student database then you will be ahead of most of us. We are still going the hard copy route here.

The only other major paperwork that usually catches teams is the completed Bill of Material.

Other miscellaneous admin things I can think of... how are meals coordinated? Do you have a master schedule for the students to tell them who is covering the pit and who is scouting and who is just wandering around being a goodwill ambassador?

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by JesseK

The team roster -- all students have been approved already, so all I need to do is print the team roster from TIMS, correct? This roster states that students have completed all necessary forms?

Remember that all mentors will need a paper copy of the Consent and Release form for the event.