What to Expect
During packet pick up, visit a local recreation center or competition host site, register and pick up your bridge kit. Take the bridge home and begin building your bridge. Be sure to follow the rules included in your kit. On the day of competition, you will move through a series a stations outlined below.
1. Check In
Once you arrive at your local competition, you will be checked in. You will receive a card with your name on it that will stay with your bridge for easy identification and a score sheet.
2. Inspection
At this station, your bridge will be weighed and inspected to make sure it follows all of the rules. Inspectors will use a scale, a measuring stick or measuring tape, and a piece of paper to help inspect your bridge. The weight of your bridge and any deductions will be indicated on your score sheet.
3. Testing
During the testing stage, your bridge will be placed on a table. There will be a bucket attached to your bridge with a medal rod. The bridge tester will then add sand to the bucket slowly until your bridge breaks. The bucket will then be weighed and the weight your bridge held will be marked on your score sheet. Please note that your bridge WILL be broken during testing!
All of the score sheets will be turned in and the top three most efficient bridges in the youth categories and the first place in the adult category will advance to the regional competition. There will also be a prize in for the most creative design.