In my opinion, one of the most useful and least cited references for ALL coaches and mentors is the Official FLL Coaches Handbook.  You can find it on the coach/team resource section of the FIRST LEGO League website:

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.firstlegoleague.org_sites_default_files_Challenge_TRASH-2DTREK_FLL-2DCoachesHB-252715-2D-252716-2DTRASHTREK-2DOnline.pdf&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=2L0P9wLanRV6EOn6SW7LDDBe4UsE8ywZToVrKOfQL1U&e= 

For those of you with eReaders, there is another version in that format on the same webpage.

As a coach, I read it from cover to cover and thought it was extremely helpful. I highly recommend you all read this.

One specific part of the handbook says, "Setup and presentation must be completed in 5 minutes or less  with no adult help." on page 48. Please keep this in mind as you prepare your teams for your event

Best of luck and have FUN!
Bill

Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 14, 2015, at 8:56 AM, Scott Rakestraw <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Per Jeff, Wally’s examples are great - https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.masteringlegorobot.com_&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=WM7fiscnJW2bb8qtnA6FJGlAqN_Z8rr-fsUZ3SuzjVQ&e= . 
>  
> The best resource - the rubric.  The technical rubric has three key sections: 1) Mechanical Design, 2) Programming and 3) Strategy & Innovation.  As you design technical documentation, focus on these areas.  You can share using a notebook, presentation, poster board or whatever the team can imagine.  You will have a limited time to share, focus on the top things for these areas.  All teams are judged using the rubric and it tends to more of an open discussion.  The judges want to interact with the team and see the robot run.  From my coaching experience, a guided conversation with supporting material and interactions is better than a rehearsed presentation. 
>  
> For Rookie teams, focus on having fun.  The first year is the most challenging and by focusing on fun, the team will have a great educational experience.   Technical documentation is not required, so do what works for your team based on age and experience.  
>  
> Judging Rubric - https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.firstlegoleague.org_sites_default_files_Official-5FEvent-5FInfo_combined-2Drubrics-2D2015.pdf&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=ZeAAs3xRgIY2FkBlfeTk0_Qx2_QGoxbOKvc51jCiv_U&e= 
>  
>  
> Thanks,
> Scott Rakestraw
> [log in to unmask]
> Judge Advisor
>  
>  
> From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amy [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Monday, September 14, 2015 8:28 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] Getting Prepared for Core Values, Robot Design and Project Judging
>  
> Thank  you Jeff!  Those are great resources that I have not seen before.  I appreciate it!
> Amy
>  
>  
> 
> On Monday, September 14, 2015 6:06 AM, Jeff Schoolcraft <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>  
> 
> For the judging we modeled ours off the examples at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.masteringlegorobot.com_&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=WM7fiscnJW2bb8qtnA6FJGlAqN_Z8rr-fsUZ3SuzjVQ&e= .  See the links under “Example robot design … presentation”: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.masteringlegorobot.com_before-2Dand-2Dat-2Dthe-2Dtournament&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=UH9-dXQGg12jexXdDgTE6kASLbKUauw6FBb46BTI0Ec&e= 
>  
> -- 
> Jeff Schoolcraft
>  
> On September 14, 2015 at 5:57:40 AM, Amy [log in to unmask] ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
> Thank you, Scott, for this information!  I am wondering if there are any examples of technical notebooks that other teams have put together for Robot Design?  I was wondering what they look like, how long they are, etc. and thought maybe other teams had put theirs online? or would be willing to share what they put in them?
>  
> Thanks so much!
> Amy Nichols
>  
>  
> 
> On Sunday, September 13, 2015 11:17 AM, Scott Rakestraw <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>  
> 
> Welcome to the Trash Trek season.  Everyone is excited about the robot and missions, but that is just part of First Lego League.   In addition to robot performance, teams will participate in Core Values, Project/Research and Robot Design judging sessions.   These components are a big part of First LEGO League.    Here is some information to help you prepare.
>  
> Judging Rubric
> Judges use a rubric to score teams in the judging rooms.  The rubric for all judging rooms can be downloaded at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.firstlegoleague.org_sites_default_files_Official-5FEvent-5FInfo_combined-2Drubrics-2D2015.pdf&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=ZeAAs3xRgIY2FkBlfeTk0_Qx2_QGoxbOKvc51jCiv_U&e= .   At the end of the tournament, you should receive a copy of the rubric for your team.   To prepare, have your team review the rubric. 
>  
> Team Information Sheet
> For each judging room, have a Team Information Sheet.  You can find the template at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.firstlegoleague.org_sites_default_files_Official-5FEvent-5FInfo_TeamInfoSheet-2Dfixed-2D12-2D2-2D11.pdf&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=vydVas-QzBbExWiJXqlLe4EpIdsbvlXdMjs271BTynk&e= .  The team information sheet helps the judge remember the team.   Also, judges love it when teams introduce themselves.  
>  
> Project Judging Room
> For Project, you will have 5 minutes, including setup time, to present your solution.   After you present, there will be a 5 minute Q&A. 
>  
> Robot Design
> This is an opportunity for the team to discuss and demonstrate their robot.  Plan for a 10 minute judging session.  There will be a mission table setup for the team to use.  Teams should be prepared to run missions and discuss how they built and programmed their robot.  I would highly recommend having some program print outs.  Not all of your programs, just what you want to highlight.  If your team chooses to prepare a technical notebook that shows the evolution of the strategy, robot and programming, that can be beneficial. 
>  
> Core Values
> For Core Values, teams will be given a challenge and less than 5 minutes to conduct the challenge.   After the challenge, there will be a brief Q&A session.  There is very high probability the team will be asked about Gracious Professionalism, Core Values and Coopertition™. 
>  
> Judging Rooms
> Judging sessions are closed sessions.  The team plus 3 observers (two coaches/mentors and one historian are allowed to observe).  You can just send in the team and no observers.  To demonstrate core values, teams should be silent while waiting outside a judging room.  Judging rooms are typically class rooms.  You will need bring in all your presentation supplies.  (Note, Robot Design will have a mission table setup.  You do not need to provide mission components.)
>  
> Helpful Resources
> www.eepurl.com/bpeH5j - StartingPoints Weekly Core Values Challenge Newsletter
> www.ev3lessons.com – great team resources
> www.techbrick.com  - worksheets, printable mat and elements images
> www.masteringlegorobot.com  - Shared lessons and resources from an experienced coach and judge
> www.fllstartingpoint.com – Shared lessons and resources from an experienced coach and judge.    
> www.va-dcfll.org/teams/team-resources - VA-DC FLL Resources Page
>  
> I hope you find this information useful.  First Lego League is a community of volunteers and there are many people and resources for teams.    If you have questions about judging, please contact me at [log in to unmask]  If the answer to your question is likely to benefit the group at large, I will respond via the list serve.   I would also encourage you to volunteer at a tournament.  Volunteering to judge is one the best ways to learn.  Sign-up to volunteer at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__va-2Ddcfll.org_volunteer_volunteer-2Dform_&d=BQIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=J5fb0ELkRoh7TzAGYz99sSMvB-c7i4AC0HDT2OVPrww&m=Qd3PqwGmtTjJGKVN5_NNfmySLsBaMoVxaZphhlNNIbo&s=nN2k19m8gGrpJDYEgvEgXjwg_OhamXLW7ISmGFb5ahs&e= .
>  
> Scott Rakestraw
> Judge Advisor
> [log in to unmask]
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".
> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.
>  
> 
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".
> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". 
> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.
>  
> 
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". 
> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". 
> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.

-- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".

-- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-ANNOUNCEMENTS-l.html to subscribe.