pic: LEGO Legal?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by jmanela

I am a new FLL coach. I am confident with all that I am doing. I know what to do and how to do it. I just have a question, what advice would you give for a first-time coach?

Congratualtions! First, don't be surprised when the students take the robot apart and start all over from scratch. They are learning that their original design didn't cut it. However, when you are getting close to your regional dates, don't let them take that path without agreement with the rest of the team and a full explanation to you. This will guarantee you have a robot to field come competition day.
Remember that the age of this group changes the way you need to deal with them. (vs high school students) If it is wide age group, 6th graders won't easily work with 8th graders and girls will be intimated by boys, but it will work out in the end with your GP guidance. One or more of them is going to cry each week, it jusst happens. Losing a regional can be heartbreaking. Prepare them for it now. A win means they get to play another day and get another piece of hardware, that's about it. If they lose they should pick another team to cheer for. There will be some robots that do not look or function as if they were built by middle school kids. It happens.
Check the rules used in your state. Be aware of the rubricks used for judging the different sections of the event. Mark important dates on a calendar so you won't miss the.
Lastly, don't forget there is a lot of help out there for the asking. There are a lot of people who have experience and know how who want your students to have a great time.