Tournaments are held all over the world and can be run differently from place to place. However, there are some common characteristics that you should know before arriving. Here is a document with 101 things you should know before your first tournament.
Check-In
It is important to check in right when you get to a tournament. The event partner hosting the tournament needs to run the match schedule and can not do so until all teams check in. The tournament should also provide an estimated schedule of the day.
You will also be turning in any paperwork like the VEX Release Form for all students participating when you arrive. Engineering Notebooks are usually collected at the check in table as well.
You will also be turning in any paperwork like the VEX Release Form for all students participating when you arrive. Engineering Notebooks are usually collected at the check in table as well.
Robot Inspection
Every robot needs to pass inspection before participating in the event. If your robot does not pass inspection, you have a chance to go make the changes necessary and return to try and pass inspection again. Please carefully read the inspection checklist to make sure you are ready when you arrive.
Team Meeting
All coaches and team members need to attend the Team Meeting to go over all rules and expectations for the day. This usually happens just before Qualification Matches begin.
Qualification Matches
Each tournament has a different number of qualifying matches depending on the schedule for the day and number of teams competing. As soon as the event partner runs the match schedule, one will be provided for each team. There are times listed for matches, but do not depend on this as the schedule often changes. Somebody on each team needs to keep a close eye on the matches taking place.
It is best to be ready to check in at the Queuing table two matches before your match. Those who are running the queuing table will often send you to a field to set up while another match is taking place on a second field. If you do not check in on time, you may not get to play in your match. |
Lunch
The event partner may or may not provide lunch. An email to the coach should communicate this. Often there are snack bars available, but either plan on bringing lunch or purchasing at the event. Usually lunch is 30 minutes and not enough time to leave.
Alliance Selection
When the qualification matches are complete, an Alliance Selection will take place. Depending on the size of the tournament, the top ranked teams will pick an alliance partners to compete with in the finals.
Please be aware that if you refuse to align with a top ranked team, then you are not able to align with any other teams that may want to choose you. Only if you are bumped up into the top ranked teams to become a team captain will be able to compete if you refuse to align with another team.
*VEX IQ: Alliances for the final matches are computer generated. Usually the top ten teams compete in the finals as 5 alliances.
Please be aware that if you refuse to align with a top ranked team, then you are not able to align with any other teams that may want to choose you. Only if you are bumped up into the top ranked teams to become a team captain will be able to compete if you refuse to align with another team.
*VEX IQ: Alliances for the final matches are computer generated. Usually the top ten teams compete in the finals as 5 alliances.
Final Matches
The final matches are played in a tournament bracket system. The #1 Seed Team Alliance will compete against the #8 Seed Team Alliance, the #2 Seed Team Alliance will compete against the #7 Seed Team Alliance, and so on. Final matches are usually best 2 out of 3, so if each alliance wins one, a third match will be played to break the tie. Time outs are only allowed in the finals since so many matches are played back to back.
*VEX IQ: The 5th seed alliance team goes first, followed by the forth, and so on. The high score wins the tournament!
*VEX IQ: The 5th seed alliance team goes first, followed by the forth, and so on. The high score wins the tournament!
Judging
Judging will most likely take place in the pit area where you are provided a table to work on your robots during the match. Listen to the event partner at the start of the day to see how judging will take place and where to turn in your notebooks at the start of the day.
Often judges will come back a second or third time to decide between teams for the awards. Always be courteous and available to be interviewed when judges arrive. Awards will be given out at the end of the tournament. |