1. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Interacting with FRC Judges or “ Who are those people in the Blue Shirts?” Marsha Williams Judge Advisor Rodger Stewart FRC Judge & Colorado FIRST Board Member

2. Click to edit Master title style Agenda  The ways FRC Teams compete  What are the judged awards?  What are the judges’ goals?  What is important to remember?  How to prepare for presenting to judges

3. Click to edit Master title style How Teams Compete  On-Field Performance Points Alliances  Judged Awards Machine Awards Creativity and Innovation Awards Team Attributes Awards  Awards based on other criteria The Ways Teams Compete Judges are responsible for 14 awards. The Judges are wearing BLUE FIRST shirts!

4. Click to edit Master title style  Based on the machine Industrial Design Quality  Based on Creativity and Innovation Engineering Excellence Innovation in Control Creativity  Based on Team Attributes Team Spirit Imagery Gracious Professionalism Rookie All-Star Rookie Inspiration Engineering Inspiration Entrepreneurship Regional Chairman’s Award (RCA)  Based on Other Criteria Judge’s Website Excellence in Design Woodie Flowers Safety Coopertition™ Highest Rookie Seed Regional Finalist Regional Champion Dean’s List FRC Regional Awards** ** From 2011, subject to change for 2012

5. Click to edit Master title style What are the judges’ goals?! »Discover the team(s) deserving of a particular award »Sort out the facts within a short period of time amid the utmost confusion of the pit area »Obtain unique or outstanding team aspects in a 10-15 minute interview »Did they tell me: The team strategy? What is unique? Key attributes of the team? Something to differentiate this team?

6. Click to edit Master title style What is important to remember? It’s not just about the robot Many teams do fantastic things but don’t explain it to the judges Many judges have to ‘drag’ the unique aspects about the team, the bot, or the process from the presenter Often times the designated presenter isn’t available when the judges come by Many of the awards have little or nothing to do with the robot, but the teams focus only on talking about the robot The team members don’t engage in conversation with the judges Tell the judges about the team, the strategy, the process, and the ‘bot Explain your outreach programs and the obstacles you faced during the build Focus on what is unique about your team, the school, the community support, or any other aspect that will stick with the judges The judges have very limited time, so make sure you have several people who are able to back up your designated presenter Be sure you read up on the exact criteria for each award and be prepared to speak to why you meet those criteria While the judges enjoy speaking with the team mentors, it’s the team members that must present to the judges

7. Click to edit Master title style How to Prepare »Presentation should be made by the TEAM, not one person! »Presentation should include: Your robot / team strategy What is unique? Key attributes of the TEAM Something for the judges to remember you by »Practice the presentation to your mentors / coaches

8. Click to edit Master title style Questions ?