It's easy to volunteer to make the GE & RPI's 2007
FIRST Lego League Tournament a success. Call or e-mail Zhye Yin and come to one of the training sessions listed here. E-mail
Zhye Yin and come to one of the training sessions listed here:
- Training Session I: Tuesday, November 13, 2007; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.; RPI, Troy, NY, in Darrin Communications Center (DCC) Room 318.
- Training Session II: Wednesday November 28, 2007; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.; RPI, Troy, NY, in Darrin Communications Center (DCC) Room 318.
Judge Volunteers for FIRST LEGO League
Volunteer judges are distinguished individuals who serve as role models for team members. They usually have some experience in the careers that model the awards and team member roles. A Judge Advisor supervises the judging groups that will determine the award winners for the tournament. Award distribution is spread as equitably as possible among the teams, with the goal that no team wins more than two major awards. Judges are responsible for reviewing specific criteria for the award they will be judging. The main responsibilities of the judge are:
- Invite teams to discuss their robots, processes, and products or project presentation teamwork. Sample questions are provided for each judging area.
- Considering the award criteria, use the rating sheet to rank and briefly comment on each team. Judging rubrics are provided to delineate the award criteria.
- In the latter half of the day, observe the contending team’s robots in action or in the Pit. Update your earlier comments and rankings as needed.
- Confer with the other judges assigned to the same award, and choose one winner for each award category.
- Prepare a brief commentary to be read at the awards ceremony as to “why you chose the winner."
- Give your rating sheet to the Judge Advisor; participate in selection of some of the main tournament award winners.
Specific Judge Roles
There are three main types of judges that will interact with the student teams. They are Technical Judge, Project Judge and Teamwork Judge (see descriptions below).
Technical Judge
Teams enter into a quiet setting with their robots, two or three judges are present; each team demonstrates the strategies for its robot. Look at the team's design and program and how the team used this information to help solve the challenge. The focus is on the robot, what the team did and why. Innovation, mechanical practices, challenge and strategy are important. Emphasize a child - judge discussion. You will want to see what the kids know, what they did, and why they chose what they chose. Coach and mentor input is highly discouraged and can result in loss of points. The kids need to shine and so do their efforts.
Project Judge
Each team will have approximately five minutes to present its research findings to the judge panel. There are endless possibilities and creative ways to present the project assignment, including skits, formal presentations and demonstrations. Judges in this category are looking for team participation especially the team's ability to have more than one, or all team members participate in the project presentation. Look for how the team does the following:
- Clearly and accurately outlines and understands all aspects of the problem.
- Addresses the potential impacts if the problem is not resolved.
- Captures the judges’ attention with the team presentation.
- Presents the team solution, using robotics technology, and shows how it assists in resolving the problem.
- Shows creativity and innovation in its solutions.
Teamwork Judge
Teamwork is necessary to succeed in FIRST LEGO League, and is the key ingredient in any team. FLL presents the Teamwork Award to the team that best demonstrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, exceptional partnership, the utmost respect for its own teammates and in its support and encouragement of fellow teams. The team receiving this trophy demonstrates the following attributes:
- Confidence, energy and enthusiasm.
- Problem solving skills.
- Understanding and respect of others.
- Team interaction and group dynamics.
Teamwork judges will interview teams in the Pit Area, when they are not in competition or other judging sessions. Teams also will be observed as they compete throughout the day.
Referee Volunteers for FLL
Similar to sporting events, FLL referees are in charge of maintaining order, enforcing rules and making “close calls” during the tournament. They will be asked to closely observe many 2.5-minute competition runs throughout the day. At the end of each run, they will tally the scores for each of the table challenges the teams were able to complete. Overall the referee will:
- Carefully watch the actions of one team and robot and carry out the other referee functions as described in the Challenge.
- Record scores on the referee’s scoring sheets and bring the sheets to the scorekeeper after each match.
- Be very familiar with the Challenge, rules and all possible scoring scenarios.
General Volunteers for FLL
General volunteers include all the other behind-the-scenes people who help make big events like these possible. Whether you run the count down clock or reset the tables, this is a great opportunity to see all the hard work these kids have put in.
Registration/Information
Individuals assigned to the registration table will assist participants with the registration process and distribute registration packets. They can rotate to be “floaters” after the Opening Ceremony and eventually can be medallion award presenters.
Load-in/Load-out
Setting up and tearing down the event is a lot of work and requires a big crew. The event manager or volunteer coordinator should assign volunteers to set up or tear down specific areas under the direction of that area's supervisor.
Pit/Queuing Area Crew
The Pit and queuing area are hubs for a significant amount during the activity of the tournament day. Volunteers working in these areas are largely responsible for keeping the day on schedule. Security is a key component in the Pit since there is a lot of valuable equipment left at the Pit tables while teams are in the competition area. Crew inlcudes:
- Pit Manager
- Pit Announcer
- Pit Runner
- Team Queuer
- Queuing Assistant
- Practice Table Manager
Field Attendants
These volunteers assist with field reset and help teams quickly move their robots on and off the competition playing fields.
Competition Scorekeeper
This individual enters the score from the referee’s score sheets into the computer after each match. After all three rounds of competition, the scorer ranks the teams using the performance ranking spreadsheet. The scorekeeper provides the ranking list to the event manager. The timekeeper or an extra volunteer can verify the scorekeeper's work. Verification of entered scores is crucial.
Timekeeper
- Sits at the scoring table and operates the clock.
- Resets the clock for each match.
- Activates the buzzer at the end of each match.
- Verifies the computer input by the scorekeeper.
Traffic Control & Security
Security is critical as personal belongings and electronics are left in the Pit and judges’ area. We plan to have at least eight volunteers to help in this area, with more added as needed. Traffic controllers are used to keep attendees from crowding or entering certain areas and to keep aisles and walkways clear. Traffic controller must also enforce the rule that only two assigned "operators" from each team are allowed on the playing field at a given time. Areas needing extensive coverage are:
- Scoring table
- Queuing path: Pit to competition playing fields.
- Any openings accessing the stage area, Pit or playing fields.
- Entrance to playing field.
Judges' Assistant
These volunteers will:
- Help monitor and maintain team traffic flow through the judging areas.
- Assist the judge advisor in keeping the judges on schedule.
- Gather necessary information and supplies for the judges, as required.
Floaters
It is important to have extra volunteers on hand should more coverage be needed in registration or traffic control areas or as runners for the judge advisor, team queuer and referee.