2013-2014 FTC BLOCK PARTY! Emcee Manual sm

2013-2014 FTC BLOCK PARTY!
Emcee Manual
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Note: This manual is solely for the training of Emcees.
Any other uses or distributions, including to other
Volunteers, Coaches, or Teams is a violation of the Core
Values of FIRST.
**Important Safety Update**
Volunteers should stay out of the plane of an over-tensioned flag assembly. If the flag is over-tensioned,
the field area should be cleared and an adult should attempt to clear the robot and manually crank the
flag (being mindful that the handle might slip and release a lot of tension at once).
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013
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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 3,000 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!
Revision
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Date
9/30/2013
10/3/2013
10/7/2013
10/11/2013
10/17/2013
Revision History
Description
Initial Release
Important Safety Update
Added Gracious Professionalism™ Video link to Appendix A
Added Control Award Ceremony Script
Added link to Training Video in Appendix A
Section 3.5 – Added information about “high-five line”
Section 4 – Additional points added to “Do’s” list
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1.
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.
Organizational Chart ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.
Role and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Prior to the Event ................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Morning of the Event .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Opening Ceremony .............................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Let the Games Begin! .......................................................................................................................... 7
3.5 Awards Ceremony ............................................................................................................................... 7
4.
Do’s and Don’ts ..................................................................................................................................... 7
5.
Key Talking Points ................................................................................................................................. 8
6.
Performance Tips .................................................................................................................................. 8
7.
Technical Tips ........................................................................................................................................ 9
8.
Appendix A – Resources and Certifications ........................................................................................ 10
9.
Appendix B - FTC Volunteer Forum Registration Instructions ............................................................ 11
10. Appendix C - FTC Opening Ceremony Script 2013 .............................................................................. 12
11. Appendix D - Alliance Selection Script ................................................................................................ 15
12. Appendix E – Closing Ceremonies ....................................................................................................... 18
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013
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1. Introduction
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 to breathe life into
the Event, to be the leader of the celebration. The Emcee is a performance role. Always remember that
the students and Teams are intended to be the center stage.
2. Organizational Chart
The Emcee reports to the Volunteer Coordinator. Refer to the Organizational Chart below for the
relationship between roles and Volunteer reporting at Tournaments.
3. Role and Responsibilities
The Emcee is vital to a successful Event. Being informed, knowledgeable, and comfortable in your role
will directly translate into a better Event and in turn make the Event more enjoyable for the Teams and
spectators.
The Emcee and Game Announcer work as a Team to entertain, inform, and engage the audience. The
Emcee is a performance role, working with the Game Announcer to:
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Introduce Teams.
Provide play-by-play commentary.
Report the scores.
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 should primarily speak only during Team introductions, play-by-
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play commentary, and score announcement. The differentiation between the roles is critical to aid the
audience on where to focus their attention. It is also crucial for the Emcee to work in harmony with the
Game Announcer to create a support structure, and avoid competitive/overlapping speaking.
In order to have a successful Event, this position requires:
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A lively, animated vocal personality.
Good public speaking skills.
A pleasant-sounding voice.
The ability to handle unanticipated situations.
Lots of energy!
The Emcee must embody the spirit and professionalism of FTC, while being fun, energetic, creative and
organized.
3.1 Prior to the Event
 The Emcee should review all of the Teams, Robots, 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 Game Announcer and Tournament Director to discuss Team introduction
protocol.
 Talk with the Game Announcer about a backup plan if displays fail. In this instance it will fall to
the Emcee and Game Announcer to communicate scores and Match numbers to the Teams.
3.2 Morning of the Event
 Review the Opening Ceremonies script with the Tournament Director.
 Review pronunciation of Judge and guest speaker names and titles.
 Prepare your opening remarks.
 Introduce yourself to Teams, Judges, and guest speaker.
 Do your homework and double check that Team names, Team nicknames, Robot names,
sponsors, etc. are all correct.
 Establish Team introduction protocol with the Game Announcer and Field Supervisor.
After the Tournament Director has confirmed that all guest speakers and Judges are present, the show
begins. The opening ceremonies script, which will be prepared and provided by the Affiliate
Partner/Tournament Director, is used by the Emcee, A/V crew and Affiliate Partner to ensure
synchronization. Use the script as a template, but personalize the comments portion and do not just
read the script straight. The script is a working document, where your experience and remarks are
needed to help color the FTC message. You must, however, follow the order of the script since the
Technical Director and FTC Affiliate Partner are staging speakers and video rolls in order. Your job is to
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013
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“tee” them up. Work together with the Affiliate Partner and Technical Director – they are the
“Directors” of the show.
3.3 Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony sets the tone for the entire Competition. It should be fun, upbeat, entertaining,
and encouraging. You are the voice for celebrating the accomplishments of the Teams and making all
feel appreciated. Make sure that you use the complete game and program name during the opening
ceremony. You will also have to introduce special guests and speakers such as politicians, sponsors,
celebrities, etc. Your introductions should be professional, mature, and polite. Make sure to speak with
any special guests or speakers prior to the opening ceremony to get the correct pronunciations of their
name and/or organization.
3.4 Let the Games Begin!
Team introductions are very fast-paced in order to keep the Competition on schedule. You should work
to find the balance between personalizing the intros and staying on schedule. 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
Emcee must be consistent with this countdown for each and every Match. The Game Announcer
provides play-by-play commentary and time-remaining announcements. Work on getting into a rhythm
with the Game Announcer, making eye contact and connecting with him/her. Often the crowd noise is
so loud that you cannot hear one another. Establishing a rhythm helps so that you don’t step on each
other’s words or talk over one another.
3.5 Awards Ceremony
This is the time to honor Teams’ achievements of the day. A polished, professional tone is appropriate.
Make sure to carefully read the Judges Award scripts carefully, keeping an eye for typos, bad grammar
or misspellings. Make sure that you read the scripts slowly, but with energy and enthusiasm. Keep in
mind that this is what these Teams have been waiting for. Keep the Awards ceremony upbeat but leave
out some of the silliness or goofiness from the Team introductions.
Most Events will have the Judges, and possibly other Tournament personnel form a “high-five” line to
high five the Teams that come up to receive Awards. Make sure to talk with the Tournament Director to
determine if there will be a high five line for the Teams who win Awards.
4. Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t:
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Never direct strategy to the Teams.
Do not interfere or attempt to influence the Referee rulings.
Do not emphasize winnings 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.
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
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:
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Speak slowly and clearly. Diction is very important.
During Team introductions fill in performance statistics, if possible. Example: “Currently in first
place...” or “Last year’s regional winner…”
 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.
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.
5. Key Talking Points
Outlined below are key points to bring up at an Event. Feel free to personalize these points, and tailor
them to keep the Teams and the audience engaged.
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Thank all volunteer efforts that make the Competition possible, from the Planning Committee to
the Field Reset Crew – the Event could not happen without them. Also thank the FTC Affiliate
Partner, Parents, and Coaches. Consult the Affiliate Partner for others to thank.
Talk to Teams between Matches and encourage them to unearth interesting facts about the
Team, Robot, etc.
If you have time to fill, review the game, lead a dance, roll a video. Let the music do the work –
you don’t have to speak/vamp the entire time –just keep the audience informed of the
schedule.
6. Performance Tips
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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.
Let the microphone do the work. There is no need to scream, shout, or yell like the rest of the
crowd - you have the microphone!
To improve projection:
o Use your diaphragm and not your throat for projection.
o When inhaling, breathe in and allow your stomach/diaphragm to extend and not your
shoulders to rise (try it!).
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o
This technique will help you preserve your voice for the entire Event, not just the first two
hours!
7. Technical Tips
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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.
If you cannot hear yourself well, remember that the speakers are aimed mainly at the audience
and not toward the Field. Speak with the technical director or sound board operator to resolve
any issues.
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8. Appendix A – Resources and Certifications
Training Video Link – https://usfirst.box.com/s/91eyjrum3pn3rxoqnaga
Certifications – No certification required for this role
Game Forum Q&A - http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php
Volunteer Forum - The Volunteer Forum allows you to ask other Volunteers questions or share tips and
best practices. In order to access the Volunteer Forum, you must register through the Game forum page.
Please see Appendix B for instructions.
Game Manuals – Part 1 and 2 - http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game
Monthly Discussion Calls- We do not currently have a scheduled monthly discussion call for this role. If
you would like to have a call set up to talk with other Emcee’s about tips and best practices, please post
your interest to the Volunteer Forum.
FIRST Headquarters Support
Phone support is provided throughout the Event season Friday through Sunday. If you are Volunteering
at an Event and need immediate assistance, please use the following number:
Phone: 603-206-2450
Email: FTCTeams@usfirst.org
Gracious Professionalism Video - https://usfirst.box.com/s/hupdkypes5ph379a99be
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9. Appendix B - FTC Volunteer Forum Registration Instructions
FTC Staff manually moderates the forums in order to weed out spam bots. We use various sections of
the registration information (Location, Role, and Team Number) to help us decide that you aren’t a bot
spamming our account. We do this daily, so you will get a quick response once you submit your
registration. Here’s how you successfully register without being mistaken for a spam bot:
Go to the forum: Ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php You can get there by clicking on FTC at the usfirst.org
website, hovering over “Team resources” (in the left column), and selecting “forum”.
Click the Forum Link. You will then see the following page, in which you should click “Register” at the
upper right-hand corner of the page.
On the registration page fill out your full name, email address, and create a password. You will also be
asked a question. The question field is one of the tools we use to weed out spammers, but if you do
not know the answer, click your browser’s refresh button and fill in the fields again and a new
random question should appear.
The following fields must be entered as stated in this manual in order to be granted access to the forum:

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In the Location field, type the city and state that you will be volunteering in, i.e.:
Manchester, NH
In the Team Role field, type the position you will hold at that event, i.e.: Field Tech Advisor
In the Team Number field, type Event Volunteer (the field will only permit Event Vo, but
that works)
The last fields are optional, however you must check the box that says “I have read, and agree to abide
by the FTC Forum rules.”
Once all of these steps have been completed, click “Complete Registration”. You will then receive an
email from FTC Forums to complete the registration. Click the link in the email, and follow the
instructions. This will activate your account, however you will still need to be granted access which is
done manually.
Within one business day, you’ll receive an email from our forum welcoming you officially. Now you
will be able to post in the various forums, and you will see the Volunteer forums.
Use the Ask the Game Design Committee threads to post questions you would like the game design
committee or FTC staff to answer.
Use the Best Practices threads to talk to other volunteers about your questions and experiences.
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10. Appendix C - FTC Opening Ceremony Script 2013
Affiliate Partner/Tournament Director: Good morning insert name of locale! Welcome to the insert
name of event here! 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].
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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)
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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 AP/TOURNAMENT HOST’S NAME] 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 BLOCK PARTY!? 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)
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11. 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 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 INSERT NAME OF GAME Champion
here in INSERT NAME OF TOURNAMENT.
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.
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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
INSERT NAME OF GAME 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
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013
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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!
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12. Appendix E – Closing Ceremonies
At some events, Closing Ceremonies occur during the Semi Final and Final rounds, with speakers and
Award presentations placed between Matches.
Emcee: Welcome to the __________ FTC Awards and Closing Ceremony! What a great day it has been!
Before we hand out some Awards, let’s thank the people who made this great event happen.
The Volunteers who make FTC events happen are the best in the world. Please give a big round of
applause for all the volunteers who have given their time and effort to make this program a success.
Emcee : Before we hand out the Awards, let’s hear a few words from a special guest
[Introduce first speaker, takes stage and makes brief comments]
Emcee: If I could please have all of the Judges, referees, and FTAs 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 hard work.
[Introduce Judges and Referees and FTAs]
Emcee: And now, on to the Awards.
Judges Award (Optional)
Emcee – 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]
Compass Award (Optional)
Emcee: 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:
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[Insert winning mentor name, Team number, Team name, Team location]
Promote Award (Optional)
Emcee: 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: Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award
[INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]
Emcee: The Promote Award is presented to:
PTC Design Award
Emcee: 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: Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award:
[INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]
Emcee: The PTC Design Award is presented to:
[Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]
Motivate Award
Emcee: 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 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:
20 |
[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 Motivate Award is presented to:
[Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]
Rockwell Collins Innovate Award
Emcee: 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]
Connect Award
Emcee: 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]
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013
| 21
Emcee: Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award:
[INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]
Emcee: The Connect Award is presented to [insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]
Think Award
Emcee: 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.
Emcee: The three finalists for the Think 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 Think Award is presented to:
[Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]
Control Award
Emcee: 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]
Finalist Alliance
Emcee: 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]
22 |
[After Captain Team is presented their trophy, introduce first Team picked on Finalist Alliance, Team
number, Team name and Team location]
[After first Team picked is presented their trophy, introduce second Team picked on Finalist Alliance,
Team number, Team name and Team location]
Winning Alliance
Emcee: Our Winning Alliance:
[Introduce Captain of the Winning Alliance, Team number, Team name and Team location]
[After Captain Team is presented their trophy, introduce first Team picked on Winning Alliance, Team
number, Team name and Team location]
[After first Team picked is presented their trophy, introduce second Team picked on Winning Alliance,
Team number, Team name and Team location]
The Inspire Award
Emcee: 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: Here is what the Judges have to say about the winner of this Award
[INSERT JUDGES’ COMMENTS HERE]
Emcee: The First Place Inspire Award is presented to:
[Insert winning Team number, Team name, Team location]
Emcee: Closing
Thanks for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you all next year!
Rev. 1.4 – October 17, 2013