Get Ready for SKYSTONE!

IS YOUR TEAM READY TO COMPETE? QUALIFIERS START IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!

It seems like Kickoff was only yesterday, but we're rapidly approaching competition season! Please follow these guidelines to be sure your team is competition ready. 

Logistics Checklist

1. Register and pay your season registration with FIRST before your 1st event
2. Pay for your qualifiers (payment due November 20)
3. Arrange for transportation
4. Arrange for hotels as needed
5. Arrange for lunch at the qualifier

Prepare your Robot

1. Attend Meet the Field Day this weekend (Chandler, Flagstaff, Tucson, West Valley)
2. Self-inspect your robot & control system - The Design Resources page has checklists and inspection sheets
3. Troubleshoot your code - Check out the Programming Resources page
4. Weigh and measure your bot to be sure it meets weight & size requirements
5. Re-read Game Manual Part 1 & 2 to be sure your robot and strategy comply with all rules
6. Practice & refine autonomous and tele-operated modes

Prepare your Team

1. Review the judging process, award criteria, and engineering notebook criteria
2. Prepare and practice your team's 5-minute judging presentation
3. Practice answering questions for your 5-minute Q&A with the judges
4. Prepare your engineering notebook - review the criteria here
5. Prepare team uniforms, give away items, cheers
6. Prepare your Control Award submission
7. Choose your drivers and human player - be sure they know the rules inside & out!
8. Prepare your scouting plan - you never know when you may be picking an alliance!
9. Read the FIRST Tech Challenge Blog for the latest updates from FIRST Headquarters, including tips on how to prepare for competition.

Packing List

1. GRACIOUS PROFESSIONALISM
2. Safety glasses for every member of your team, including mentors, parents, spectators
3. FIRST team roster & any print consent forms (all students need a signed FIRST consent form to participate) - See the youth registration page for instructions
4. Programming computer, charger, cables
5. Spare phone & robot batteries + chargers
6. Engineering Notebook
7. Judging materials
8. Pit materials (please check with your event director for size limits in the pits)
9. Extension cord & power strip
10. Team uniforms & spirit items
11. Give away items
12. Robot with cart or box for transporting to and from field
13. Spare parts and tools (some pits have restrictions on power tools - contact your event coordinator with questions)

We'll see you at the qualifiers! Good luck, have fun, and May the Force be with You!