Tournaments are held all over the world and can be run differently from place to place. However, there are some common characteristics that you should know before arriving to an event.

Check-In:

• It is important to check-in right when you get to a tournament. The event partner hosting the tournament needs to run the match schedule and can not do so until all teams check in.
• The event partner should provide you with an estimated schedule for the day.
• You will need to turn in any paperwork like the VEX Participant Release form. This can now be done electronically.
• Notebooks are generally collected at check-in as well.

Robot Inspection:

• Every robot needs to pass inspection before participating in the event.
• An inspection list will be used to verify that all robots are within the criteria and constraints. Here is the inspection checklist for Next Level
• If your robot does not pass inspection, you have a chance to go make the necessary changes and return to try and pass inspection again.

Drive Team Meeting:

• All coaches and drivers need to attend the Drive Team Meeting to go over all rules and expectations for the day.
• This usually happens just before the Qualification Matches begin.
• Each teamwork match requires two drivers from a team that will pass the joystick close to the 30 second mark of the one minute match.

Qualification Matches:

• Each tournament has a different number of qualifying matches depending on the schedule for the day and number of teams competing.
• As soon as the event partner runs the match schedule, one will be provided for each team. There are times listed for matches, but do not depend on this as the schedule often changes. Somebody on each team needs to keep a close eye on the matches taking place.
• It is best to be ready to check in at the Queuing table two matches before your match. You will often be sent to a field to set up while another match is taking place on a second field. If you do not check in on time, you may not get to play in your match.

Robot Skills:

• If available, a field will be set up to the side for robot skills
• Teams need to find time in their schedule to participate in robot skills
• Teams usually have 3 chances at driving skills and 3 chances at programming skills.
• Each skills match is one minute in length and they do not have an alliance partner to play with.
• During programming skills, teams may repeat or use a different program during the one minute once they bring the robot back to the starting position.

Lunch:

• The event partner may or may not provide lunch.
• An email to the coach should communicate this information about one week prior to the event.

Final Matches:

• The 1st and 2nd ranked teams in qualifying matches will be aligned together in the finals.
• The 3rd and 4th ranked teams in qualifying matches will be aligned together in the finals.
• The number of final alliances are determined by the event partner.
• The top score of the final matches wins the tournament champion title.

Judging:

• Judging will either take place in the pit area or in a room off to the side.
• Sometimes teams will need to sign up for an interview time slot.
• Listen to the event partner at the start of the day to see how judging will take place.
• Sometimes judges will come back a second or third time to decide between teams for the awards.
• Always be courteous and available to be interviewed when judges arrive.

Awards:

• Awards will be given out towards the end of the tournament.
• Event partners decide on the awards and this can be seen on robotevents.com
• Some of the awards will qualify for the State Championship.
• The State Qualifying awards are determined by the REC Foundation.
• A description of the awards can be found in the judges guide