Competition Day

team arrival times and scheduling

2022 Information Pending

For 2021 only and for this Qualifier only, this Qualifier was an in-person competition with a virtual opening and virtual closing ceremony. We used a block schedule where teams arrived at a designated time, stay for 2 - 2.5 hours and then finished with the event.

the Judging Process

New - 30 Minute Block Judging Looks to Continue in 2022

Teams across Illinois will participate in the Core Values Judging, Robot Design Judging and Project Judging in a single block of time. This means that one 30 minute judging session that will cover Innovation Project, Robot Design and Core Values.

Teams will enter the judging room and have about 2 minutes to set up/prepare for the Innovation Project Presentation. The student team members should handle all set up. Coaches usually would not be involved in the set up.

The team has 5 minutes for their Innovation Project Presentation which is followed by up to 5 minutes of Q&A.

The team then has 5 minutes for their Robot Design Presentation, which is then followed by up to 5 minutes of Q&A. There will not be a field kit or competition table in the judging room. Teams may not bring a table to the judging area. Teams are encouraged to bring handheld printouts, posters or other design documents that they wish to show the judges. Teams may not leave any materials with the judges.

There is no separate Core Values Presentation. Core Values are integrated into all aspects of the judging process and there may be Core Value questions from the judges.

For approximately 4 - 8 minutes, the judges may then ask additional questions and may provide the teams with comments or feedback.

Please Note: Only team members, coaches and one photographer/ videographer are permitted in the judging area. No spectators, parents, family members are permitted in the judging area.

the robot competition process

2022 Process Pending

Teams will complete 3 or 4 robot competition table runs. We anticipate that teams will complete a table run and then have a break of 30 - 50 minutes before the next robot table run.

Pit Area Information

The ‘Pit Area’ is the area where teams can gather before or after performance rounds, judging, etc. Teams can use the Pit Area upon arrival, between judging and competition and before leaving the venue.

Each team will be assigned a designated Pit Area within the venue, and this space is identified by a sheet with your team number, taped to the floor or area. Teams in the Pit Area may bring their own table (Tables MUST be under 6 feet long). Each pit will be provided with two chairs. Please leave the Pit Area completely clean.

A charging station will be available in the gym to recharge robot batteries, laptops, etc. and we kindly request that extension cords not be used to bring power to individual team pits, for safety reasons.

Awards Descriptions

The following awards are anticipated. Teams may only receive one Award with a "Star/*" (they may receive a "Star" Award with other non-"Star" Awards) :

• Champion’s Award* - This award celebrates a team that embodies the FIRST LEGO League Challenge experience, by fully embracing our Core Values while achieving excellence and innovation in Robot Performance, Robot Design and the Innovation Project.

• Core Values Award* - This team displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, knows they can accomplish more together than they could as individuals, and shows each other and other teams respect at all times.

• Project Award* - This team utilizes diverse resources for their Innovation Project to help them gain a comprehensive understanding of their problem, have a creative, well-researched solution and effectively communicate their findings to judges and the community.

• Robot Design Award* - This team uses outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient and highly capable of performing challenge missions.

• Table Performance Award - Not judged, determined on the field; Highest score from all 4 table runs.

• Rising Star Award - This award celebrates a team that the judges notice and expect great things from in the future.

• Breakthrough Award - This award celebrates a team that made significant progress in their confidence and capability in Robot Design, the Innovation Project, or Core Values.

Advancing award - on to the State Tournament

The top teams will advance to the State Tournament based on an equal weighting of the following categories:

• Technical Judging

• Research Presentation Judging

• Core Values Judging

• Robot Performance scoring