2014-2015 first tech challenge emcee and game announcer · pdf file2014-2015 first tech...

2014-2015 FIRST Tech Challenge®

Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

2 | FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

Volunteer Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to volunteer for a FIRST Tech Challenge Event. FIRST and FTC rely heavily on Volunteers to ensure Events run smoothly and are a fun experience for Teams and their families, which could not happen without people like you. With over 4,000 Teams competing annually, your dedication and commitment are paramount to the success of each Event and the FTC program. Thank you for your time and effort in supporting the mission of FIRST!

Sponsor Thank You

Thank you to our generous sponsors for your continued support of the FIRST Tech Challenge!

Official Program Sponsor

CAD and Collaboration Sponsor

FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual | 3

Revision History

Revision Date Description

1 10/3/14 Initial Release

Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 5

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge? .................................................................................................... 5

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Core Values .......................................................................................... 5

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee/Game Announcer Manual? ............................................... 6

Gracious ProfessionalismTM ..................................................................................................................... 7

Gracious Professionalism for Volunteers .............................................................................................. 7

FIRST Youth Protection Program ............................................................................................................. 8

Youth Protection Expectations and Guidelines ..................................................................................... 8

Position Descriptions ............................................................................................................................... 9

Emcee Role .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Game Announcer Role ......................................................................................................................... 9

Dividing the Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 9

Training ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Organizational Chart .............................................................................................................................. 10

Role Responsibilities .............................................................................................................................. 11

Emcee and Game Announcer Safety ................................................................................................. 11

Pre-Tournament Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 12

Tournament Day Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 12

Day of the Event ................................................................................................................................. 12

Opening Ceremonies.......................................................................................................................... 12

Let the Games Begin! ......................................................................................................................... 13

Do’s and Don’ts .................................................................................................................................. 13

Don’t: .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Do: .................................................................................................................................................. 13

Alliance Selection and Final Matches ................................................................................................. 14

Closing and Awards Ceremonies ....................................................................................................... 14

Performance Tips ............................................................................................................................... 14

Technical Tips .................................................................................................................................... 14

Recap ................................................................................................................................................. 14

Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Appendix A: Resources.......................................................................................................................... 16


Emcee and Game Announcer Training video ..................................................................................... 16

Game Forum Q&A - http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php .................................................................... 16

FTC Game Manuals – Part I and II - http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game ..................... 16

FIRST Headquarters Support ............................................................................................................. 16

USFIRST.ORG ................................................................................................................................... 16

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media .................................................................................................. 16

Appendix B – Sample FTC Announcer Terminology .............................................................................. 17

Appendix C – Opening Ceremony Script ................................................................................................ 18

Appendix D – Alliance Selection Script .................................................................................................. 21

Appendix E – Awards Script ................................................................................................................... 24


Introduction

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST®

Tech Challenge is a student-centered activity that focuses on giving students a unique and

stimulating experience. Each year, Teams participate in a new Game that requires them to design, build, test, and program autonomous and driver-operated Robots that must perform a series of tasks.

The Playing Field for the Game consists of the FIRST Tech Challenge Game Pieces set up on a foam-mat surface, surrounded by a metal and Lexan Field frame. Each Tournament features Alliances, which are comprised of two Teams, competing against one another on the Playing Field. Teams work to overcome obstacles and meet challenges, while learning from and interacting with their peers and adult Mentors. Students develop a greater appreciation of science and technology and how they might use that knowledge to impact the world around them in a positive manner. They also cultivate life skills such as:

Planning, brainstorming, and creative problem-solving.

Research and technical skills.

Collaboration and Teamwork.

Appreciation of differences and respect for the ideas and contributions of others.

To learn more about FTC and other FIRST Robotics competitions, visit www.usfirst.org.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Core Values Volunteers are integral to the FIRST community. The FIRST Tech Challenge relies on Volunteers to run the program at many levels, from managing a region to Mentoring an individual Team. FTC Affiliate Partners coordinate the program in each region or state. These FTC Partners fundraise, run Tournaments, hold workshops and demonstrations, market FTC locally, handle public relations, and recruit Volunteers and Teams. They are a tremendous resource for Mentors and FTC would not exist without them.

FIRST asks everyone who participates in FTC to uphold the following values:

We act with integrity.

We are a Team.

We do the work to get the job done with guidance from our Coaches and Mentors.

We respect each other in the best spirit of Teamwork.

We honor the spirit of friendly competition.

What we learn is more important than what we win.

We behave with courtesy and compassion for others at all times.

We share our experiences with others.

We display Gracious Professionalism in everything we do.

We have fun.

We encourage others to adopt these values.

Details about setting up a Playing Field can be found on the FTC website.

http://www.usfirst.org/


What is the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee/Game Announcer Manual? The purpose of the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual is to:

Provide new Emcees and Game Announcers with a foundation of knowledge and ideas to fulfill their roles at Events.

Familiarize new Emcees and Game Announcers with the FIRST experience.

Help returning Emcees and Game Announcers refresh their skills for the upcoming season.

The guide focuses on the skills and concepts needed for the development of the following general goals:

Allowing the students and Teams to be the main focus of the Event.

To support the students and Teams by providing helping information and commentary around and during the competition events.

To help Emcees and Game Announcers focus their skills on promoting the talents of the students and Teams and relaying the competition action to the audience.

This guide would not be possible without the contributions of time, ideas, and resources provided by the following people:

Content provided by Blair Hundertmark and Barry Bonzack.


Gracious ProfessionalismTM

FIRST uses this term to describe the program’s intent. This is one of the most important concepts that can be taught to a young person who is learning to get along in the work world. At FIRST, Team members help other Team members, but they also help other Teams.

Gracious Professionalism is not clearly defined for a reason. It can and should mean different things to everyone.

Some possible meanings of Gracious Professionalism include:

Gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win.

Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions.

Professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly.

Gracious Professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.

In the context of FIRST, this means that all Teams and participants should:

Learn to be strong competitors, but also treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.

Avoid leaving anyone feeling as if they are excluded or unappreciated.

Knowledge, pride and empathy should be comfortably and genuinely blended.

In the end, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. When professionals use knowledge in a gracious manner and individuals act with integrity and sensitivity, everyone wins, and society benefits.

Watch Dr. Woodie Flowers explain Gracious Professionalism in this short video.

“The FIRST spirit encourages doing high-quality, well-informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious Professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful.”

- Dr. Woodie Flowers, National Advisor for FIRST

Gracious Professionalism for Volunteers It is a good idea to spend time going over this concept with Volunteers. Provide the Volunteers with real-life examples of Gracious Professionalism in practice before, during, and after the Event and recognize great Gracious Professionalism when you see it in action!

An example of Gracious Professionalism is patiently listening to a Team’s question and providing support despite having several pressing things to do on the day of the Event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8ZzoC9tCWg&list=UUkWMXdRQr5yoZRz7gFYyRcw


FIRST Youth Protection Program

The purpose of the FIRST Youth Protection Program (FIRST YPP) is to provide coaches, mentors, volunteers, employees, others working in FIRST programs, team members, parents, and guardians of team members with information, guidelines, and procedures to create safe environments for everyone participating in FIRST programs.

The FIRST YPP sets minimum standards recommended for all FIRST activities. Adults working in FIRST programs must be knowledgeable of the standards set by the FIRST YPP, as well as those set by the school or organization hosting their team.

Youth Protection Expectations and Guidelines Coaches and Mentors are expected to read and follow elements in the FIRST Youth Protection Program guide that are labeled as required are mandatory in the United States and Canada, and may not be waived without the approval of the FIRST Youth Protection Department.

FIRST recommends that the standards set forth in the FIRST Youth Protection Program guide be applied outside of the United States and Canada to the extent possible. At a minimum, local regulations regarding youth protection must be complied with.

Forms are available here: http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/youth-protection-program

Information on the US Screening process is available here: http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/US-Youth-Protection-Clearance-Process.pdf

Information on the Canadian Screening process is available here: http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Canadian-Youth-Protection-Clearance.pdf

You can find FAQ and additional information about the FIRST Youth Protection Program on the FIRST website at: http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/youth-protection-program

Everyone working with FIRST Teams should be familiar with the FIRST YPP policies.

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/FIRST-YPP-ProgramGuide.pdf

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/FIRST-YPP-ProgramGuide.pdf

http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/youth-protection-program


http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/US-Youth-Protection-Clearance-Process.pdf

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/US-Youth-Protection-Clearance-Process.pdf

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Canadian-Youth-Protection-Clearance.pdf

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Canadian-Youth-Protection-Clearance.pdf



Position Descriptions

Emcee Role Every FIRST event is a place for celebrations; a gathering of intelligent and dedicated students, educators, professionals, parents and Mentors. It is the primary role of the Emcee is to act as the “Master of Ceremonies” and to facilitate the event and provide match information and announcements to the Teams and audience. The Emcee typically facilitates the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. They must be enthusiastic and energetic and able to entertain the audience while keeping the spotlight on the Teams and competition matches.

Game Announcer Role It is the role of the Game Announcer to describe the action on the competition field; clearly, concisely, with energy and enthusiasm, and in a positive manner. Your role at the event is to be a voice. Always remember that the students and Teams are intended to be the center stage.

Dividing the Responsibilities Depending on the size and scope of the event there may be both an Emcee and a Game Announcer. Typically the Emcee is in charge of Event updates and sharing important information with the Teams and audience, while the Game Announcer provides the Match play-by-plays. Please see your Volunteer Coordinator for your Event’s specific role break down.

Training After your Volunteer Coordinator assigns you to your role in VIMS you will receive an e-mail with a link to a folder on Box.com with Emcee and Game Announcer information, Manuals, an optional training video and also a link to the Volunteer Forum. Please familiarize yourself with the Game Manuals Part I and II and make sure that you have a detailed understanding of the Cascade Effect Game.


Organizational Chart

The Emcee and Game Announcers report to the Field Manager. Refer to the Organizational Chart below for the relationship between roles and Volunteer reporting at Tournaments.


Role Responsibilities

The Game Announcer’s role is vital to a successful Event. Being informed, knowledgeable, and comfortable on your role will directly translate into a better Event, and in turn make the Event more enjoyable for the Teams and spectators. The Game Announcer’s role is working with the Emcee to:

Introduce Teams.

Provide play-by-play commentary.

Report the scores.

The Game Announcer should primarily speak only for Team introductions, play-by-play commentary, and

score announcement. It is the Emcee’s job to be a visual presence, to inform the audience, and to keep

the Event lively and moving forward. The Game Announcer role is to be an audible FTC presence at an

Event. The differentiation between the roles is critical to aid the audience on where to focus their

attention. It is also crucial to work in harmony with the Emcee to create a support structure, and avoid

competitive/overlapping speaking.

In order to have a successful Event, this position requires

A lively, animated vocal personality.

Good public speaking skills.

A pleasant sounding voice.

The ability to handle unanticipated situations.

Lots of energy!

The Game Announcer must embody the spirit and Gracious Professionalism™ of FTC, while being fun,

energetic, creative, and organized.

Emcee and Game Announcer Safety Dress for this role includes safety glasses or side shields on shatterproof prescription eyeglasses worn at

all times on and around the Competition Playing Fields. In addition, wear comfortable clothing that will

allow you to move easily and closed-toed shoes that will provide all-day-on-your-feet comfort and will not

harm the foam Playing Field floor covering.


Pre-Tournament Responsibilities

The Game Announcer should review all of the names of the Teams and get acquainted with the

Game before arrival.

Arrive early to meet with the FTC Affiliate Partner or Tournament Director to discuss the day’s

agenda, list of speakers, final Event details, and Opening/Closing Ceremonies.

Meet with the Emcee to discuss Team introduction protocol.

The Emcee and Game Announcer should discuss a backup plan if displays fail. In this instance it

will fall on the Game Announcer/Emcee to communicate scores and Match numbers to the

Teams.

Tournament Day Responsibilities

Day of the Event

Review the Opening Ceremonies script with the FTC Affiliate Partner.

Review pronunciation of Judge and guest speaker names and titles.

Introduce yourself to Teams, Judges, and guest speakers.

Do your homework and double check that Team names, Team nicknames, Robot names,

sponsors, etc. are all correct. You can worth with the check-in Volunteer to confirm all Team

information.

The Emcee and Game Announcer should establish Team introduction protocol with the Field

Manager.

Opening Ceremonies After the Affiliate Partner or Tournament Director has confirmed that all guest speakers and Judges are

present, the show begins. The Opening Ceremonies script, which has been prepared by the Affiliate

Partner, is used by the Emcee, A/V crew, and Affiliate Partner to ensure synchronization. Work with

together with the Affiliate Partner and Technical Director – they are the “Directors” of the show. See

Appendix C for an editable Opening Ceremonies Script. A Word doc version will be in the folder on

Box.com.


Let the Games Begin! During the Qualification Matches, after the Emcee introduces each Team by number, the Game

Announcer completes the introductions (full name on first intro only, short name thereafter); then the

Emcee counts down “3, 2, 1, Go” to start the

Match. The Game Announcer provides play-by-

play commentary and time remaining

announcements. The Referees score the Match

and the Game Announcer announces the score

as it is displayed by the A/V crew.

Make timed announcements at 1 minute played,

30 seconds remaining, 10 seconds remaining,

and the countdown for the last 5 seconds.

Additionally, work on getting a rhythm between

the Game Announcer and the Emcee. Often the

crowd noise is so loud that you cannot hear one

another. Establishing a rhythm, such as making

eye contact to connect, ensures that you don’t

talk at the same time. See Appendix B for sample Announcer terminology and phrasing.

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t:

Never direct strategy to the Teams. Your job is to comment on the play, not to direct it.

Do not interfere or attempt to influence the Referee rulings.

Do not emphasize winning above all else.

Do not play favorites or endlessly praise veteran Teams over rookies (or other veterans).

Do not scream or talk so fast that you cannot be understood. You have 6+ hours per day to

maintain audience attention. Screaming unintelligibly is grating.

Do not do “shout out’s”, “happy birthday” wishes, etc. to the audience. This is both unprofessional

and opens the floodgates for endless birthday announcements.

Do:

Speak slowly and clearly. Diction is very important.

Use optimistic phrases to encourage poorly performing Teams. Example: “Team 123 is trying to

get something going”, or “it looks like Team 123 is having trouble getting their Robot in gear,

hopefully they can figure something out, there’s still 1:30 remaining in the Match.”

Make the descriptions as lively and interesting as possible (without making it sound like a death

Match!).

Behave professionally.

Be ready to begin each Match as soon as the Field is reset, and do not get distracted by personal

business (phone calls, chatting, etc.).

Use Team names as often as possible rather than exclusively referring to the Team number.

Mention something about every team in every round.

Pay attention to the movement of folks around the Playing area to avoid collisions.


Remember to keep the focus on the Teams and the students. The Teams and the audience want to be entertained by both the event and the Match play. Use your personality to help make the Teams and Event shine!

Alliance Selection and Final Matches The Emcee runs the Alliance Selection in the same area as the Playing Fields. The Alliance Selection is

an important part of the FTC Event for both Teams and the audience and should be presented with as

much energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism as possible. See Appendix D for an editable Opening

Ceremonies Script. A Word doc version will be in the folder on Box.com.

Closing and Awards Ceremonies At some events, Closing Ceremonies occur during the Semi-Final and Final rounds, with speakers and

Award presentations placed between Matches. This is totally fine. This Script is organized all together,

but could easily be separated. See Appendix E for an editable Opening Ceremonies Script. A Word doc

version will be in the folder on Box.com.

Performance Tips If everything sounds the same to the audience they will eventually tune out, so use vocal variety:

o Vary your speaking style and volume throughout the event.

o If your delivery is consistently too high energy, the audience may get anxious and will lose

interest.

o An energetic, varied delivery is interesting and inviting to an audience.

Develop your own style; don’t try to be someone you are not.

Silence is okay. Let the action speak for itself sometimes. Constant announcing will cause the

audience to tune you out. Remember, you have to make all 50+ Matches interesting.

Technical Tips Routinely check to make sure your headset is in the best position to pick up your voice and not

riding too high or too low on your head.

If using a hand held microphone, hold it close to your mouth and speak into it, not over it.

Confirm that your microphone is off before speaking off-line.

Recap Be prepared.

Stay on schedule; Team intros are very fast-paced in order to keep the Competition on schedule.

Make the event as polished and professional as you can.

Remember that the Playing Field is only one piece of the event – decisions made there affect all

other areas.

Utilize the experience of the FTC Affiliate Partner and Technical Director.

You are representing FIRST.


2014-2015 FIRST Tech Challenge®

Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

Appendices


Appendix A: Resources

Emcee and Game Announcer Training video Will be released October 2014. Access instructions will be available on Box.com.

Game Forum Q&A - http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php

FTC Game Manuals – Part I and II - http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

FIRST Headquarters Support Phone: 603-666-3906

Email: [email protected]

USFIRST.ORG FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Page – For everything FTC.

FTC Volunteer Resources – To access public Volunteer Manuals.

FTC Season Timeline – Find FTC events in your area.

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media FTC Twitter Feed - If you are on Twitter, follow the FTC twitter feed for news updates.

FTC Facebook page - If you are on Facebook, follow the FTC page for news updates.

FTC YouTube Channel – Contains training videos, game animations, news clips, and more.

FTC Blog – Weekly articles for the FTC community, including Outstanding Volunteer Recognition!

FTC Team Email Blasts – contain the most recent FTC news for Teams.

FTC Google+ community - If you are on Google+, follow the FTC community for news updates.

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/volunteer-resources

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/volunteer-resources

http://www3.usfirst.org/whats-going-on

https://twitter.com/FTCTeams

https://www.facebook.com/FTCTeams

https://www.youtube.com/user/FIRSTTechChallenge

http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/emailblastarchive.aspx

https://plus.google.com/100910548536794889930/posts


Appendix B – Sample FTC Announcer Terminology

Races the Robot

Hauls, drags, draws, lugs, tows, tugs the goal across mid-Field

Slides, slips, creeps across the Field

Racing the clock

Sprints, sails, dashes, heads, rushes, runs for the platform

Changes direction

Transitions smoothly

Possesses a bonus Ball

A scoring machine

Is filling the goal

Races to the goal

A Hail Mary Attempt at the buzzer

Scores at mid-Field

Flies out of home base

Unleashes a charge

Pops it high

Controlling the game

In control of the game

Drives it home

Pops into reverse

Backs away from trouble

Extends the shooter

Skidding across the Field

Releases the Ball

Flips, tips over

Avoids trouble

Pops another shot into the goal

Slam dunks another shot for the Blue Alliance

Limping to the buzzer

Spinning their wheels

Owns the goal

Drops the Ball


Appendix C – Opening Ceremony Script

Affiliate Partner or Tournament Director: Good morning [Insert name of Locale]! Welcome to the

[Insert name of Event] My name is _______________ and I’m the [insert FTC title here].

I’m excited each and every one of you is here today because we’re going to have a blast! I know you’ve

been working hard to design and build your robot and I can’t wait to see how your robots compete in this

year’s challenge.

As many of you know, FIRST is a non-profit that has been inspiring kids to engage in science and math

disciplines for over twenty years. In 2005, the FIRST Tech Challenge was launched and it joined the

other FIRST programs: Jr. FIRST LEGO League, FIRST LEGO League and the FIRST Robotics

Competition. FTC has rapidly grown to over 3,000 Teams around the globe. All the FIRST Programs

combined reach nearly 300,000 students in more than 70 countries around the globe. So,

congratulations for choosing to be part of such a dynamic and growing community.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math studies have never been so important and FTC is playing a

huge role in getting kids involved in these disciplines. Parents and Mentors, your presence here to

support your children and students is crucial in this process, thank you!

And remember, FIRST has partnered with many great colleges and universities who want FIRST Team

members – and who are offering your students scholarship money to come and study with them. Many of

the scholarships are for studying engineering, science, or math. But nearly 40% of our participating

colleges and universities offer scholarships that can be used for any major. Many scholarships go

unused because students don’t apply, so I urge you, even if you think it’s a longshot, apply for some of

these scholarships. The money is there for you and all because you worked hard and dedicated yourself

to a FIRST Team. For more information about the generous FIRST scholarships please check out the

FIRST web site.

Students, I want you to do something for me today. I want you to keep the idea of Gracious

Professionalism in the backs of your minds today. This means you’re going to do your best work and at

the same time, you’re going to respect and value the other students and Teams here. Today is where

the rubber meets the road for all the hard work you’ve put into designing, building and programming your

Robots. Good luck.

At this time, I’d like to introduce everyone to today’s Master of Ceremonies –[Insert name].

Emcee: Good morning and welcome! Are you ready to make some noise? I said are you ready to make

some noise?! That’s better. This is going to be a great day of Competition, I’ve checked out your robots

in the Pits, and they are impressive! Before we get to the first Match, we have a few distinguished

guests we’d like to introduce to you. Please give a warm FTC welcome to [insert Guest Speaker title

and name].

Guest Speaker comments

Emcee: Next, it’s my pleasure to introduce [insert Guest Speaker title and name].


Guest Speaker comments

Emcee: Each year, FTC introduces a new challenge for the Teams. Let’s now take a look at this year’s

challenge, FTC BLOCK PARTY!

(Play Kick-off video and Game Animation)

Emcee: At this time, I’d like to introduce you to a very important group of people, our Judges.

(Enter Judges)

Emcee: These individuals have the very difficult job of singling out the best of the best of today’s many

excellent Teams. They’ve already been busy this morning, interviewing Teams and reviewing

Engineering Notebooks. They’ll be in the Pit Area and watching Matches before deliberating a little later

today. We look forward to seeing the outcome of their hard work at the Awards Ceremony this

afternoon. Let’s give them a big round of applause for their hard work!

(Applause)

(Exit Judges)

Emcee: Next, I’d like to introduce you to the Field Technical Advisors, or FTAs.

(Enter FTAs)

Emcee: These Volunteers know the ins-and-outs of the technology we use to run this Competition and

are key to keeping things moving smoothly. They are in charge of ensuring the Robots are running

properly on the Field and communicating with the Field Control System. Thank you FTAs and have a

great Competition.

(Applause)

(Exit FTAs)

Emcee: At this time, I’d like to introduce you to our Team of Referees.

(Enter Referees)

Emcee: Please keep in mind that they have a difficult job ensuring everyone is playing by the rules. As

in all sports, their rulings are final and there will be no re-runs or video re-plays. We have a full schedule

and need to complete all the Qualification Matches in the time allowed. Please help us stick to the

schedule by respecting their decisions and following the appropriate challenge process. Thanks

Referees, have a great Competition.

(Applause)

(Exit Referees)

Emcee: We all know that Mentors and Coaches are critical to the learning experience and your Team’s

success. We realize that many of you are also mentoring Teams from one of the other FIRST


Progression of Programs: Junior FIRST LEGO League, FIRST LEGO League, and the FIRST Robotics

Competition. So a big thank you to all the Mentors and Coaches for all your time and efforts on behalf of

all FIRST programs. You really are making a difference!

(Applause)

Emcee: A few minutes ago [Insert Affiliate Partner or Tournament Director] talked about Gracious

Professionalism. We want to take this opportunity to tell you a little more about this core value of FIRST,

and who better to help explain GP than the man who coined the term, FIRST National Advisor Dr.

Woodie Flowers.

(Play GP Video)

(Please adjust the following schedule wording to apply to your event)

Emcee: Well said, Woodie. Now here’s what the general schedule for the day looks like: at the

conclusion of Opening Ceremonies we’ll begin our Qualification Matches. Following the Qualification

round we’ll move on to the Alliance selection, where the top ranked Teams will choose their Alliance

partners for this afternoon’s Elimination Tournament. And finally, after we have crowned a champion on

the playing Field, we’ll begin our Awards Ceremony to close out this exciting day.

Emcee: But before we begin the Matches, please rise for the playing/singing of our National Anthem.

(National Anthem)

Emcee: Teams, are you ready for FTC Cascade Effect? Let’s get this Competition started! Teams in

the first Match please take the Field as we get ready to start the day with Match number one of the 2013

FTC Competition here in [insert name of locale]. Good luck to all the Teams!

(play music to keep energy up while Teams set up on the Field and Team Introductions begin)

(if using a Game Announcer, introduce him/her before beginning first introduction)

Emcee: Ladies and gentleman the other voice you’ll be hearing today is our Game Announcer, please

welcome [Insert Name]

(Applause)

Emcee: Okay, lets meet the Teams…

(Emcee and Game Announcer begin Team introduction and start of Match play protocol)


Appendix D – Alliance Selection Script

Note: The Emcee runs the Alliance Selection in the same area as the playing fields. The Alliance

Selection is an important part of the FTC event for both Teams and the audience and should be

presented with as much energy, enthusiasm and professionalism as possible.

Emcee: How about those qualifying matches? Pretty exciting stuff! It’s now time to move onto the

elimination portion of the tournament. But first we have to create four Alliances that will compete to

become the FTC Cascade Effect Champion here in [Insert name of Event].

If 20 or fewer Teams, use this line

Emcee: With [Insert number of Teams] competing today, we will have one selection round, resulting in

four Alliances of two Teams each.

IF 21 OR MORE TEAMS, use this line

Emcee: With [Insert number of Teams] competing today, we will have two selection rounds, resulting in

four Alliances of three Teams each.

The Alliance Selection process is simple: we will create four Alliances with the first pick going to the

Team with the highest ranking from the Qualifying Rounds. After the number one seed makes their

selection, the next highest ranked, unpicked Team will then make their selection.

We continue this process until we have four complete Alliances. The student representative from the

highest ranked Team on an Alliance is that Alliance’s Captain.

After an Alliance Captain extends an invitation to join their Alliance, one representative from the invited

Team will come up and either accept or decline the invitation.

There is only one rule during Alliance Selection. If a Team declines an invitation to become an Alliance

Partner, that Team may not be selected by any other Alliance. The declining Team does not, however,

lose their right to select if they become an Alliance Captain.

For example: if the number one ranked Team picks the number two ranked Team and they decline,

Team two keeps their right to be an Alliance Captain and Team one will need to extend the invitation to

another Team. If Team two accepts the invitation, the all the other Alliance Captains would move up and

then the fifth highest ranked Team becomes a final Alliance Captain.

Throughout the day, Teams have been scouting one another to evaluate strengths, weaknesses and

possible strategies in the elimination rounds. This is where we see the scouting come into play as

Teams decide who to partner with. Each Alliance Captain is looking to make the strongest possible

Alliance to play out the rest of the Tournament with.

Once we have four complete Alliances, we will begin the elimination rounds, which are best two out of

three, with the winner advancing in each round. In the first round, Alliance one will compete against

Alliance four, and two against three. The winners of that round will meet in the Finals, where an FTC

Cascade Effect Champion will be crowned here in [Insert Locale]


Remember, the Captain of the Winning Alliance* receives an invitation to [Insert next level of

Tournament play] (Qualifying Tournaments advance to the State or Regional Championship,

Championship Tournaments advance to the Super-Regionals, and Super-Regionals advance to World

Championship in St. Louis, Mo.).

*In some instances this is not the case. Check with your Tournament Director if you have

questions as to which Teams will advance from your Tournament.

Emcee: There’s a lot on the line here. Let’s meet the Teams!

All Teams have been ranked based on their performance in the Qualification Matches, and it now my

pleasure to introduce the top four ranked Teams of this competition.

Please welcome the number four seed, Team # [Insert Team # and name].

And now please welcome the number three seed, Team # [Insert Team # and name].

And now, the number two seed, Team # [Insert Team # and name].

And finally, our number one seed, Congratulations to Team # [Insert Team # and name].

OK, and now our Number One Seed will make the first pick. Which Team would you like to invite to join

your Alliance?

The Team member would say something like: “Team #xxx would like to invite Team # to be our

Alliance partner.”

If the selected Team is in the top four, and they have the option to decline, the Emcee should ask

the selected Team:

Emcee: ‘Would you prefer to join or form your own Alliance?’

As a Team representative comes up to accept or decline, make sure they speak into the

microphone so the audience can hear. The appropriate response should be: “On behalf of

Team#, we graciously accept (or decline) your invitation.”

After a student accepts, say “Congratulations” and move down to the next Alliance Captain and

repeat the question: “Which Team would you like to select to join your Alliance?”

If #1 chooses Seeds 2, 3 or 4 and they accept the invite, then slide the other Alliance Captains up

and ask the 5th ranked Team’s student representative to join you on the field, putting them into

the Alliance Four spot. Do this for any subsequent selections as well. You should always have

four Alliance Captain spots filled on the field before you move on to ask for the next selection.

If there are over 20 Teams competing: After Alliance Captain Four makes their selection, go back

to Alliance One and begin the process over again for selection of the third Team in the Alliance.

After you have four complete Alliances:


Emcee: Well done. This looks to be an exciting Tournament. Let’s have a round of applause for all the

Teams competing here today. Even if they weren’t selected for the Tournament, all Teams gave it their

best shot. And if your Team is not competing in the Tournament, pick an Alliance to cheer on.

Alliance Captains, please stay for a moment to meet with the Head Referee to review Tournament rules.

We’re going to let the Alliances talk strategy now and prepare for the Elimination Tournament, which will

be starting at [Insert Time]. The Closing Awards Ceremony immediately follows the Elimination

Tournament.

We’ll see you back here to get things started in just a bit – and don’t forget to bring your Gracious

Professionalism - Thanks everyone!


Appendix E – Awards Script

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Awards MUST be presented in the order listed below.

While the Emcee is listed in this Script as doing most of the talking, it is recommended that the

Tournament Director, Volunteer Coordinator, guest speakers (especially Sponsors), and Judges

share the speaking responsibilities to make the Ceremony more dynamic, personal, and

meaningful.

The scripts for the PTC Design Award and the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award are not to be

changed at an Event.

Speaker Dialogue Blocking Notes

Emcee Welcome to the [Insert Name of Event] FTC Awards and Closing Ceremony! What an amazing day we’ve had! Before we hand out our prestigious Awards, let’s thank the awesome people who made this event happen. Our FTC Volunteers are the very best! Please give a big round of applause for all the volunteers who have given their time and effort, blood, sweat, and tears to make this program a stupendous success. Also today would not be possible without the amazing generosity of our Official Program Sponsor, Rockwell Collins and our CAD and Collaboration Sponsor, PTC! Thank you! Before we hand out the Awards, I would like to introduce you to our special guest.

Emcee comes to stage.

Emcee Introduce first speaker, include a few personal sentences describing why the speaker is important to FIRST and our FIRST Tech Challenge program.

Speaker comes to stage, shakes hand. Emcee steps aside.

Speaker [Brief comments] Leaves stage. Emcee comes forward.

Emcee If I could please have all of the Judges, Referees, and FTAs come up front for the presentation of the Awards. Let’s give a round of applause to our Judges, Refs and FTAs for all of their expertise, dedication and hard work. [Introduce Judges and Referees and FTAs] Thank you! And now, on to our Awards.

Emcee applauds. Volunteers file onto the stage, line up at the back.

Emcee Judges Award (Optional) The Judges Award is given at the discretion of the Judges to a Team they have encountered whose unique efforts, performance or dynamics merit recognition, yet the Team does not fit into any of the existing Award categories. Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award. [INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]


Emcee The Judges Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]

Team comes forward, high-5s Volunteers, receives Award/Medals, poses for photo(s), leaves stage.

Emcee Compass Award (Optional) The Compass Award recognizes an adult coach or mentor who provided outstanding guidance and support for an FTC Team throughout the year. The winner of the Compass Award is determined from candidates nominated by FTC Team members, via a 40-60 second video submission, highlighting how their mentor has helped them become an outstanding Team.

Emcee The three finalists for the Compass Award are: [Insert mentor name, Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]

Emcee Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award [INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]

Emcee The Compass Award is presented to: [Insert winning mentor name, Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Promote Award (Optional) The Promote Award is given to the Team that is most successful in creating a compelling message for the public designed to change our culture and celebrate science, technology, engineering and math. The FTC Public Service Announcement Video was evaluated by the Judges to determine the winner of this Award. Teams must present a thoughtful and high-quality video which appeals to the general public.

Emcee The three finalists for the Promote Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]



Emcee The Promote Award is presented to: [INSERT NAME] Team comes forward, high-5s Volunteers, receives Award/Medals, poses for photo(s), leaves stage.

Emcee Control Award The Control Award is given to the Team that demonstrates innovative thinking in the control system to solve Game challenges such as Autonomous Operation, enhancing mechanical systems with intelligent control, or using sensors to achieve better results on the Field.

Emcee The three finalists for the Control Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]

Emcee Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award: [INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]

Emcee The Control Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Motivate Award Next we have the Motivate Award. This Judged Award celebrates the Team that exemplifies the essence of the FIRST Tech Challenge competition through Team spirit and FIRST Tech Challenge enthusiasm. This Team shows their spirit through costumes and fun outfits, a Team cheer or outstanding spirit, or through their collective efforts to make FIRST known throughout their school or community.

Emcee The three finalists for the Motivate Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]



Emcee The Motivate Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee PTC Design Award (Do not alter script) The intent of the PTC Design Award is to expand the challenge, inspiring Teams to incorporate industrial design into their robots. These elements can be shown in the simplicity of the design as it applies to the tasks, the look and feel of the robot, and how the design allows us to think of robots in new ways. The Design aspect must serve a function – but they should also differentiate the robot in a unique fashion – not an easy task with a limited set of parts and game challenge.

Emcee The three finalists for the PTC Design Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]


Emcee The PTC Design Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Rockwell Collins Innovate Award (Do not alter script) The Rockwell Collins Innovate Award celebrates a Team that not only thinks outside the box, but also has the ingenuity and inventiveness to make their designs come to life. This Award is given to the Team that the Judges feel has the most Innovative and Creative Robot design solution to the FIRST Tech Challenge to any or all specific field elements or components. Elements of this Award include elegant design, robustness and ‘out of the box’ thinking with regard to design. This Award may address the design of the whole robot or some sub-assembly component attached to the robot. The creative component needs to work consistently, but a robot does not have to work all of the time during Matches to be considered for this Award. The Team’s Engineering Notebook showed the design of the component(s) and the Team’s robot, and described succinctly how the Team arrived at that solution.


Emcee The three finalists for the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]

Emcee

Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award: [INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]

Emcee The Rockwell Collins Innovate Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Connect Award Our next Award, The Connect Award, is presented to the Team that the Judges’ feel most connected with their local community and the engineering community. The best Team is more than the sum of its parts, and recognizes that their schools and communities play an essential part to their success. The recipient of this Award is recognized for helping the community understand FIRST, the FIRST Tech Challenge, and the Team itself. In addition, the Team that wins this Award is aggressively seeking engineers and exploring the opportunities available in the world of engineering, science and technology.

Emcee The three finalists for the Connect Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]


Emcee The Connect Award is presented to [insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Think Award The Think Award is given to the Team that the Judges feel best understood the role of the engineering notebook in the design process. The Engineering Notebook is the key reference for Judges to help them identify the most deserving Team. This Team’s Engineering Notebook focused on the design and build stages of the Team’s robot and exemplified their journey as a team and engineers.


Emcee The three finalists for the Think Award are: [Insert Team numbers, Team names, Team city and state or province here]


Emcee The Think Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Finalist Alliance Ladies and Gentlemen, we will now recognize the winners of the competition you watched over the course of the day.

Emcee Our Finalist Alliance: [Introduce Captain of the Finalist Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]


Emcee [After Captain Team is presented their trophy, introduce first Team picked on Finalist Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]


Emcee [After first Team picked is presented their trophy, introduce second Team picked on Finalist Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]

Team comes forward, high-5s Volunteers, receives Award/Medals, poses for photo(s), all three Teams pose for an Alliance photo, all Teams leave stage.

Emcee Our Winning Alliance: [Introduce Captain of the Winning Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]


Emcee [After Captain Team is presented their trophy, introduce first Team picked on Winning Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]



Emcee [After first Team picked is presented their trophy, introduce second Team picked on Winning Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]

Team comes forward, high-5s Volunteers, receives Award/Medals, poses for photo(s), all three Teams pose for an Alliance photo, all Teams leave stage.

Emcee The Inspire Award The Inspire Award is given to the Team that the Judges felt truly embodied the ‘challenge’ of the FTC program. This Team serves as an inspiration to what this program, and the young minds involved, can accomplish. The Team that receives this Award has performed well in all Judging categories and was chosen by the Judges as a model FIRST Tech Challenge Team. The Judges used Match performance, observations made during interviews and in the pit area, the Team’s Engineering Notebook, and performance on the playing field in determining the winner.

Emcee The Third Place Inspire Award Winner is: [Insert Team number, Team name, Team city and state or province here]


Emcee The Second Place Inspire Award Winner is: [Insert Team number, Team name, Team city and state or province here]



Emcee The First Place Inspire Award is presented to: [Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]


Emcee Families and friends, thank you all for being a great audience today! Students, thank you for bringing your Gracious Professionalism to the competition today! We had a really great event and are looking forward to seeing you all next year!

Everyone leaves the stage.

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