Rockwell Collins FLL Tournament Day Information

Teachers should stop at the registration table, located just inside the main entrance, to check in and pick up event day materials.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. for the morning session and at 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon session.
Each team will be assigned a table either in Pit Area #1 (Cafeteria) or Pit Area #2 or #3 (both near the IMC). Students should keep their interview materials, robots, coats and other personal belongings there. This area will be accessible throughout the day. Please remind students to leave all valuables at home as Taft Middle School and Rockwell Collins will not be responsible for anything that is lost or stolen.
Coaches/mentors-please keep track of students' whereabouts in the building. They should be observing the "Off Limits" signs at all times.

Your team will be observed throughout the day. Please encourage all team members to inspire and motivate others, to do their best, and to exhibit gracious professionalism.
Teams will participate in three interviews, Project, Robot Design and Teamwork. This year, spectators will be allowed into the Project Interview rooms (prior to competition day, please review and share the attached "Spectator Guidelines" with parents).
During the Robot Design and Teamwork interview, only students, mentors and teachers will be allowed in the room. During the table competition in the gym, family and friends are encouraged to watch and cheer.
Following each interview and presentation, the judges will ask everyone to leave the room while they complete their scoring.
Each judge will score teams independently.

Teams are required to make a five minute presentation. A short Q & A will follow each presentation. Laptop computers may be used for the presentations. Teams must provide their own laptop computer, projector, extension cords etc. Judges will view your presentation directly from your laptop or projected onto a screen or wall (should you choose to bring your own projector). In case of technical difficulties, we recommend that you be prepared to provide a printed copy of your presentation. Robot

A competition table complete with mission pieces will be provided in each interview room. Teams will demonstrate their robot's performance by running one mission and by providing a printout of their software.

During the Teamwork interview, teams will be asked to build a "structure" (to be disclosed day of tournament) out of LEGOs. We will provide all of the necessary LEGOs for this. There is no need for the team to prepare a structure ahead of time or bring any extra LEGOs with them. Instructions will be given when the students enter the room. Teams will have five minutes to build the structure and then the Judges will use the remaining time for Q & A. Please encourage all team members to participate in this interview.

All table competitions will be held in the Gymnasium. Please sit together as a team at all times so that you are ready to move into the table competition area prior to each match. Students will be able to watch their team compete from risers set up behind the table. As soon as the match is over the two "starters" (the two students at the table) will confer with the judges. The students will initial the score sheet. It is appropriate to ask the judges questions at this time. When finished, please exit this area to make room for the next team. Scores for each match will be posted near the registration area.

During the table competition rounds, spectators are welcome, but will be asked to remain in the bleachers.
There will be three playing fields, with each field consisting of two tables.
Each team will participate in three rounds.
Each round will last 2 ½ minutes.
There will be two practice tables and two laptops for reprogramming located on the left hand side as you enter the gymnasium, behind and above the bleachers. Both laptops will have Robo Lab 2.5 and the NXT software system installed.
There will be a sign-up sheet for your team to sign-up for a time to practice. A volunteer will monitor practice sessions.
Teams may bring their own laptops to the event for programming use. Please provide your own extension cords as outlets are limited.

This year, we will hold an Alliance competition that will be held when scores are being tabulated. The two students representing your team at the table will be chosen by the coach. Each will wear a special sticker (provided day of tournament) on their badge. They will be the only ones permitted at the table. See the Alliance Competition pagr for details.

The Taft PTA will have refreshments available for purchase throughout the day. Items range in cost from $.50 - $2.00. Bottled drinks may be taken into the gymnasium, but food must stay in the cafeteria.

Cameras/VHS/DVD recorders are allowed at the tournament, however, NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED. Due to the light sensors on the robots, a camera flash can severely alter the results of a team's performance.

In the event of inclement weather, a decision to cancel the tournament will be made no later than 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15 and will be communicated to local television and radio stations. Cancellation information will also be available on the voicemail of Melanie Richert (319) 295-8863, Jenny Becker (319) 295-8122, and Cindy Dietz (319) 295-7444.

Parking will be very limited the day of the tournament. Please make arrangements to carpool.
There is a horseshoe drive in front of the school-part of this area will blocked off. It is reserved for the handicapped and for teams to load/unload only. ALL VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED. This will be strongly enforced.
Parking is available in the lot in front of the school, along the sides of the horseshoe and along the side streets. On E Avenue, parking is only permitted on the south side of the street. The other side needs to be clear for Emergency Snow Route purposes and the Cedar Rapids Police Dept. will monitor this. There will also be parking available at Truman Elementary School located near Taft Middle School, at 441 West Post Road NW, Cedar Rapids.
All teams and spectators should use the main entrance at the front of the building.

Rockwell Collins FLL Tournament Day Information December 15, 2007