Hello Sean,

 

I am one of the two head referees for the NOVA/Sterling tournament. The question you raised regarding the use of a table or rolling cart at the robot performance table is asked every year, and answered differently depending on level of the competition, i.e., Regional, State, or World tournament. The primary considerations are available space at and around the tournament tables, and the logistics for teams to bring, setup, and remove their cart from the competition area. In our venue there appears to be available space; however, once you factor in teams anxiously waiting their turn, spectators, and referees, space becomes limited. Even more important is the timely and orderly flow of teams to and from the competition tables in order to maintain a deterministic process that keeps to the published schedule. Schedule slips significantly complicate the judging schedule for all teams and can adversely affect a team’s performance. It is for these reasons that tables and carts are not permitted at the World Festival tournament in Atlanta. Given that the World tournament is the “Super Bowl” of FLL, teams should practice in Regional and State tournaments using the same guidelines.

 

Accordingly, tables and carts are not permitted in the competition area at the Sterling tournament.

 

Teams can, however, utilize a storage bin that can be held by a team member(s) behind the cheering line (2 feet) or placed beneath the competition table for storage of attachments utilized during competition. The storage bin should be relatively small (less than 18”x16”x12”) and portable to facilitate its use.

 

Best of luck at the tournament!

 

Best regards,

George Gonzalez

Team Tiki – FTC #2859

 

-----Original Message-----
From: "Sean M. Paus" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:01:46
To: <[log in to unmask]>

Subject: Re: FLL Sterling 1  Welcome letter & Program Brochure

[log in to unmask] wrote:
> Look in the "what to bring" section. There will be practice tables in
> the pit area.
>
> I hope it answers your question.

Actually, what I meant was a small folding table the boys could use for
housekeeping while they are at the Robot performance.

Sean