MARS Robotics

Things to Know for Competition! To win FIRST awards, we have to stand out & impress.

MARS’ “Uniform”:

Thursday:
Students: Wear MARS black Sikorsky t-shirt, blue jeans (no shorts), closed toed shoes.
Mentors: Wear Black polo if have one, blue jeans (no shorts), closed toed shoes.
Friday:
All: Wear Red Mars jersey, long black pants, and “fuzzy” hats in the stands.
Saturday:
All: Wear Red MARS jersey, long black pants, and “fuzzy” hats in the stands.

Helpful tips:

-Judges wear blue polo shirts (green polos indicate safety inspectors). There are different teams of judges looking at different things. Technical judges can come to the pit multiple times on Fri. & Sat. At least one student who is knowledgeable & capable of explaining our robot needs to always be present. If impossible (because the team is on the field, for example), a sign needs to be posted saying when we’ll return. Judges are on a tight time schedule (esp. this year with 61 teams!)

-Judges want to talk to students. Mentors/parents should hang back unless invited to join in.

-Often judges only have a few min. to spend with the team. Students must sell MARS. Use an “elevator” speech (short enough to share during an elevator ride) to convey your team experience, how the robot drive & control systems are award-worthy, what the team has achieved, etc.

-Pits are loud. Students need to speak up.

-First impressions count. How we dress, the pit’s appearance & its organization matter! Most members are not needed in the small pit area, & should gather in our area of the arena stands. Personal items do not belong in the pit. Safety practices must be followed at all times, including wearing close-toed shoes & eye protection whenever entering the pit area.

-Judges observe teams throughout the competition, even if they aren’t interviewing you. What our team members say in the halls, stands & even bathrooms reflect back on MARS. Judges will ask other volunteers, such as the referees & field crew for their input. “Gracious Professionalism” means all the time.

-Judging for the Entrepreneurship and Image Awards are on Friday. Make sure our business plan is shared with judges then, and that our appearance is professional/ coordinated.

- Thank judges. Regardless of whether we bring home a trophy, be proud of what you’ve accomplished. There are many deserving teams. Show team pride & spirit; sit with our team & join in dancing & cheering in the arena. Be helpful & socialize with other teams.

(Thank-you Non-Engineering Organization (NEMO) for providing the above tips!)

Go MARS!!!