Awards given at off-season events

[Kims Robot]

Rah Cha Cha Ruckus Awards are Halloween Themed:

Rulers of All They Survey Rah Cha Cha Ruckus champions.
Henchmen Rah Cha Cha Ruckus finalists.
Restless Spirits The team that best exemplifies the spirit of FIRST.
Zombie The robot that has taken the most abuse and keeps coming back for more.
Mad Scientist The most creative robot design.
It's Alive! The rookie team that stands out the most.
Slasher Best offensive robot.
Ghostbusters Best defensive robot.
Spellbinder Best play of the day.
Crypt Keeper The robot and team with the best imagery.
Deadheads The team that exemplifies all that FIRST is about. From Gracious Professionalism to the manner the team conducts itself.
Voodoo Doll Best Autonomous mode.
Alien Invaders The farthest travelling team attending the Ruckus.
Igor Ruckus Volunteer award.

At Ruckus each team gets a sheet to vote on the categories above (except the first & last two) and can choose from all of the attending teams. Sheets are collected and the Ruckus committee acts as tie breakers/spreads the field a bit.

I have to say I disagree with Collin from what I have seen. By no means are the awards as sought after as the Official FRC awards, but I have seen teams jump and scream and get incredibly excited to just win an offseason award. For some of these teams, its the only awards they ever win. For some its a great way for their rookie members to feel valued and accomplished. At Ruckus, somewhere around 16/24ish teams get awards, a much better margin than any FRC event. Same with a lot of other off seasons. I know 1511 has all of the offseason event awards just as proudly displayed in their school display case as the official FRC awards. Teams go to offseasons to have fun and get new students excited, or to rehash old games with old friends... so sure the trophies dont mean as much, and teams are "trying so hard" to win the awards that they leave members to talk to judges or anything, but I think the awards are nearly as valued by most teams.