Presentation, Portfolio and Competition Readiness

Competing is about more than matches. Judges want to understand how your team works, what you designed and what you learned. And on event day, a calm, organized team has more time to fix problems and help others. This lesson prepares you for both. Treat it as a checklist you start at least a week before your first event, not the night before.

Team presentation and portfolio review

At most events your team meets judges for an interview, which usually starts with a short presentation followed by questions. The judges want to hear how you used the engineering design process, backed by evidence such as sketches, test logs and photos. Your engineering portfolio is the written summary of that story. The interview format, time limits and portfolio rules, including page limits, change between seasons, so check the current Competition Manual before you finalize anything.

• Does the portfolio introduce the team and its goals clearly?
• Does it show your design process, including ideas that failed and how you improved them?
• Does it include real evidence from your own tests, such as your Autonomous test log?
• Does it explain your robot, your code and your outreach in plain language?
• Does it follow the current page limit and format rules, and has someone proofread it?

What happens at an event

1. 1
   Arrival and pit setup

   Check in, find your pit area and set up your table, tools and charging station.
2. 2
   Inspection

   Your robot and software are inspected against the current rules. You must pass before playing matches.
3. 3
   Judging interview

   Your team presents to judges and answers questions, usually at a scheduled time.
4. 4
   Qualification matches

   You play several matches with randomly assigned alliance partners. Results decide the team rankings.
5. 5
   Alliance selection

   The top-ranked teams choose alliance partners for the playoffs. Scout other teams so you know who works well with you.
6. 6
   Playoffs and awards

   Alliances compete in playoff matches, then the event ends with an awards ceremony.

Packing list

Pit setup

• Put the robot on a stable cart or stand at a comfortable working height.
• Set up battery charging in a clear spot away from clutter and walkways.
• Lay tools out in labeled bins so anyone can find them quickly.
• Post the match schedule and your pre-match checklist where everyone can see them.
• Keep the pit tidy; leave space for judges or visitors to talk with you.

Finally, remember Coopertition. If another team needs a spare part, a tool or help with code, offer it. The teams you help today may be your alliance partners in the next match.