2017NOVEMBER 3-7 COLUMBUS, OH

REGISTER ONLINEwww.NAPT.org/AMERICASBEST

janna.smeltzer@napt.org 800.989.6278

One Registration, Two Outstanding Programs!Your America’s Best registration includes complimentary registration for NAPT’s Annual Conference & Trade Show and a 1-year NAPT membership! Visit www.napt.org to view a complete list of individual member benefits.

For years the America’s Best program has offered training and a skills challenge for the technicians and inspectors in the school bus industry. By bringing this unique event together with NAPT’s Conference & Trade Show, participants have access to the premier school transportation conference in the nation. In addition to hands-on training through the America’s Best program, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in dozens of different workshops specifically designed for technicians and inspectors! Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to connect with all of the vendors involved in NAPT’s Trade Show on Tuesday, November 7.

After five days in Columbus, OH with your peers from across the country, you’ll return to your organization with valuable information, new and enhanced professional connections, and tools and resources designed to ensure student safety, improve efficiency, and increase savings. All of this is included with your America’s Best event registration!

Schedule of EventsSchedule is subject to change. Visit www.napt.org/americasbest for the latest updates!

Friday, November 3 1pm Program Check-In 7pm Orientation & Welcome Reception

Saturday, November 4 9am-12pm Training 1-4pm Training 4-5pm Exams 7pm Evening Event in conjunction with NAPT Conference

Sunday, November 5 8am-12pm Hands-on Competition 12pm-5pm Education & Training Sessions in conjunction with NAPT Conference 7pm Evening Event in conjunction with NAPT Conference

Monday, November 6 8am-5pm Education & Training Sessions in conjunction with NAPT Conference Presentation of Winners

Tuesday, November 7 9am-3pm NAPT 43RD Annual Trade Show

Each year the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) holds the America’s Best Training & Skills Competition, and this year’s challenge will function jointly with NAPT’s 43RD Annual Conference: Discover New Ideas in Columbus, OH November 3-7.

Benefits of

Participation:

Hands-on Skills Training

Classroom Education

Friendly Competition

Peer-to-Peer Connections

National Recognition

What to ExpectThe America’s Best will include separate events for Technicians and Inspectors. Each of these areas will include a written exam and a hands-on portion. All events and America’s Best specific training will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Each participant’s total score will be determined by combining the individual scores for each phase of the competition. The total scores will be used to determine the overall winners for both categories. All necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and required safety equipment will be provided for use during the competition. Individual competitors will be required to follow standard safety procedures for tool usage and personal safety.

School Bus Technician Criteria*Routine School Bus Maintenance

Technical Components

Electrical Systems

Brakes

Engines

Suspensions

Drive Trains

Body Systems

Ability to Diagnose, Troubleshoot and Repair Various Mechanical Components Found on School Buses

School Bus Inspector Criteria**School Bus Systems and Components

Inspection Proficiency

Electrical Systems

Brakes

Engines

Suspensions

Drive Trains

Body Systems

Visually Inspecting School Buses for Early Signs of Component Wear and Deterioration

Ability to Inspect Buses in a Systematic and Logical Manner to Ensure all Defects are Identified and Duly Noted for Repairs

Tie-BreakerIn the event of a tie score in the final standings for positions first, second or third; a tie-breaker will be implemented to determine the higher ranking. For both categories, the tie-breaker shall be based on the total amount of time in completing a single phase of the hands-on part of the competition. This “timed” portion will be identified prior to the competition and times will be recorded for each as they complete the identified phase. The competitor with the lowest total time for those competitors with the tie score will be placed in the higher position in the final standings.

TrainingAll participants will attend special up-to-date training seminars as part of NAPT’s School Bus Technician/Inspector training sessions. In addition, NAPT has incorporated session topics specifically designed for America’s Best competitors during this year’s Summit! Stay Monday and participate in workshops geared toward fleet management, safety and security and more.

AwardsAwards will be presented to the first three places for Technicians and Inspectors.

*The written exam for Technicians is provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

**Inspection Stations Consist of the School Bus Interior, Exterior and Undercarriage.

Travel InformationA block of rooms has been reserved for America’s Best participants at the NAPT Summit headquarters hotel:Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215To reserve a room at the headquarters hotel at the NAPT room block price, visit: http://www.naptconference.org/hotel

GuestsIf you plan to bring a guest, please be sure to include this information when submitting your registration. Guests can be registered before August 1st at a rate of $99, and after August 1ST at a rate of $149. Guests will need to be registered to have access to any America’s Best and/or NAPT Summit events.

Rules of NAPT America’s Best Technician’s/Inspector’s Training and Skills Competition1. The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) America’s Best Technician's/Inspector’s Competition will be conducted in

accordance with rules as adopted by the NAPT Board of Directors.

2. The competition shall allocate entry slots for the winner(s) of all state/province level competitions. These individuals must receive the approval of their respective state/province school bus associations to be considered for reserved entry slots.

3. All others wishing to participate must submit registration forms with entry fee to obtain any entry slots not claimed by state/prov-ince winners. Allocation of these slots shall be determined by NAPT.

4. Contestants are to report to the registration area of the competition site at the times designated by the Competition Official(s). It is the responsibility of the entrant to acquire sufficient knowledge of the sites and times, to allow arrival prior to the competition. Competition will begin with sign-in and pre-competition meetings. Individuals that are not present for the sign-in and/or pre-com-petition meeting may be disqualified.

5. Random drawing shall be the method used for determining the Contestant Numbers. Contestants will be expected to compete in the order specified by the official(s). Contestants that are not available to compete at the scheduled times will be disqualified, unless they are delayed by another phase of competition. The decision of the judge(s) on tardiness shall be final.

6. No smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed during any phase of the actual competition.

7. Throughout the competition it shall be understood that safety is of the utmost concern. All competitors must perform with this in mind and conduct themselves accordingly.

8. Competition officials will provide all necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and safety equipment.

9. Competitors will be required to follow standard safety procedures of tool usage and personal safety. Demerits will be given for any improper use of tools/equipment or failure to use proper safety equipment.

10. The contestants will be timed during specific phases of the competition. These times will serve as the first tie-breaker. Additional tie-breakers will be determined by competition officials as may be necessary.

11. Any buses used for competition shall be representative of the buses used in the general area where the competition occurs. Specif-ic equipment found on these buses may or may not be used for the purposes of the competition.

12. The Director of Competition reserves the right to make such changes as may be deemed in the best interest of the competition. No changes in the competitive events will occur after the competition starts.

13. Contestants may contact an official of the competition if they feel that their performance was adversely affected by circumstances beyond their control. Any concerns must be specifically stated immediately following the conclusion of the affected phase of com-petition. If the allegations are confirmed and deemed to have detrimentally affected the competitor’s score, a determination will be made as to whether a rerun for that event will be allowed. The decision of the competition officials shall be final.

14. Once scores have been finalized and winners announced, no grievance or changes in scores will occur.

15. Disqualification of a contestant shall result from rules infractions or instances of misconduct such as:

Inappropriate or unprofessional behavior as determined by the judge(s).

Consumption of a controlled substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.) immediately prior to or during the competition.

Competing while under the influence of a controlled substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.).

Accepting signals or information from anyone during the actual competition.

Performing any portion of the competition in a manner that might jeopardize the safety of the competitor, competition officials or others.

16. Winners will be announced during awards ceremony as determined by NAPT.

17. The National Association for Pupil Transportation and its officers/representatives shall not be responsible for any claims for loss or injury.