Step by Step: Tournament Day
A step-by-step guide for teams coming to the 2006 Official FLL Iowa Tournament.
1) Relax
The tournament is designed to be fun, regardless of your level of experience or how well your robot performs. Everyone there wants you to do well, so relax, come in stress-free and we will all have a great time.
2) Gather Your Gear
Before you head out, it is a good idea to make sure you have everything you need (but we recommend that you do not bring expensive personal items – we are not responsible for lost or stolen property).
Here is a list to get you started.
- Robot! (it is pretty important)
- Extra batteries
- Laptop/computer and IR Tower (for RCX) or USB cable (for NXT) (we especially recommend bringing your laptop if you have done your presentation on a Mac).
- Power cords and/or strips – we can’t guarantee there will be a wall outlet right by your pit table
- Backup of presentation on CD or USB drive
- Lunch money
- Consent forms
- Team t-shirts
- Flare to trade
- Camera
- “Robot garage” or box for robot and spare parts
- Photography order form (also included in the packet you receive tournament day)
Here’s a tip: we track everything by your team number, so make sure everyone on the team knows the team number (write it on everyone’s nametag).
3) Get to the Tournament
First, check the road conditions by visiting the DOT website, not by calling Camille. The tournament will absolutely not be canceled or postponed due to bad weather. The tournament is held on the Iowa State University campus, in Ames, IA at Howe and Hoover Halls. These buildings are on the west side of campus, just north of the intersection of Bissell Rd & Union Dr, Ames, IA 50014. These buildings are easily distinguishable – their fronts are made entirely of glass, and there is a skywalk connecting them. You will be checking in at Howe Hall (the west-most of the two). There are plenty of ways to get there, but you can use this link to get directions from wherever you are.
If your team is not coming, or if you have an emergency, call Camille’s work cell immediately – 515-291-0003 !
4) Park Your Vehicle
Parking is available in almost any lot, even if the sign for the lot says “permit required”. You can not park in any spot with a “24 hour reserved, all hours, all days” sign. If you do get a ticket, read the information on the back of the ticket to learn about visitor exemption.
5) Check-in → 8:00 to 8:30 AM, Howe Hall Lobby
The team’s coach is the only person that can check them in. As soon as you arrive, go to the ”coach check-in table” in the Howe Hall main lobby (to the right as you enter the main doors) that corresponds to your team number. There are 3 stations, one for teams 1 → 1000, one for teams 1001 → 3100, and one for teams 3100 → 6000. These tables will be clearly marked. Coaches must provide both their team number and their consent forms to check-in, so make sure you have them handy.
Once you have checked in, you will be provided with a team bag. This bag contains a shiny red packet with a bunch of useful information, do not lose it. It also has some fun items for your teams.
You will have a team helper waiting for you at your pit. This ISU student will stay with your team throughout the day, helping you in any way they can.
6) Find your Pit Table
Each team is assigned a pit table in Howe or Hoover Hall. The pit tables are grouped into “pit zones” that are clearly labeled on the large floor plans displayed at check-in – check the map and find your zone. Once you find your pit zone, look for a table (or room) with your team number taped to it – this is your team’s pit. On the table, you will find two lanyards – these are for the coaches – they have your team’s specific schedule on it – do not lose them. Now might be a good time to pull out the nametags (in the shiny red packet you got at check-in) and fill them out for every team member, coach, and mentor (please write down your first name and team number only.
7) Review Your Schedule, Plan Your Day
It is very important that you are familiar with your judging schedule and table schedule. We may not be able to accommodate teams that are missing or late for their matches, presentations or interviews. Once you are sure you have left enough time to get to all of your required activities, review the general agenda for all of the amazing outreach activities and demonstrations we have going on throughout the day.
8) Attend Coaches’ Meeting → 8:30 AM, 1242 Howe Hall
Only coaches are to attend this meeting. The head ref (Brandon) will go over some last minute issues with the coaches, to make sure everybody is on the same page. This meeting is mandatory, at least one coach per team must attend.
9) Attend Opening Ceremonies → 9:00 to 9:30 AM, Howe and Hoover Halls
Finally it’s time to kick off this year’s tournament. There will be LOTS of people at opening ceremonies, so we ask that only teams and their coaches go to the Howe Hall atrium. To deal with over crowding, parents and guests should go to the Howe Hall & Hoover Hall auditorium. Thank you for your cooperation.
10) Head Back to Pits – Competition & Judging Starts → 9:30 AM
If you are scheduled to start at 9:30, you are going to have to hustle after opening ceremonies to make it to your match (or interview/presentation) on time. Refer to your lanyard (the coach should have it) and/or the schedule inserted in the program.
Tech Note: All project presentation rooms have computers with projectors, Internet access, and PowerPoint 2003. You should bring your presentation on a CD or USB drive. If you made your presentation on a Mac, bring the Mac if possible (just in case).
11) Have an Amazing Day
This tournament will be exactly as fun as you make it! Try to attend as many of the outreach activities and demos as you can, they will only serve to enrich the value of this day. Be gracious, professional, encouraging, and energetic and we will all have an awesome time.
Here are some reminders of activities you can get involved in:
- Team Photograph (remember to bring the photo order form
- Buy a T-shirt ($10 bucks a shirt, being sold in the skywalk). All proceeds of t-shirt sales go to the winner of the Champion’s Award, towards the entrance fee for the World Fest Competition.
- Enter the raffle (again, proceeds go to the Champion’s Award winner).
Also, here are some general tips:
- Remember that this tournament is just like any other sporting event. Teams should expect loud music, and louder cheering!
- If you need help in a hurry, or if there is an emergency, tell someone on the planning team. They are the ones in white lab coats, green nametags & crazy hats.
- Curious what awards we are giving this year? Visit the award nominations page.
- The Champion’s Award is given to the team judged exceptional in all aspects of the tournament, not just the team with the best score on robot performance.
12) Closing Ceremonies → 4:30, Howe Hall Atrium
We’ll spend an hour saying goodbye and presenting awards. Remember that this year’s Champion’s Award winner has the opportunity to compete in the World Fest Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia!