Code of Conduct

The REC Foundation considers the positive, respectful, and ethical conduct of teams to be an essential component of the competition. Participants are expected to behave in a respectful and professional manner, and to operate as student-centered teams with limited adult assistance. This includes all students, teachers, coaches, mentors, parents, and spectators associated with a team.

For more details, please refer to the REC Foundation Code of Conduct and Student-Centered Policy. If you have concerns about compliance with the Code of Conduct, please speak to the Event Partner during the event.

Agenda

VEX IQ Robotics Competition - Kenya Nationals

Moi Girls High School Nairobi

August 2nd & 3rd, 2024

Day 1: Practice Day (August 2nd)

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Registration & Team Check-In
• 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Welcome Address & Competition Briefing
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Field Inspection & Practice Rounds (Elementary / Middle School )
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Robot Inspection & Technical Q&A Session
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Open Practice & Team Collaboration Sessions
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Q&A Session with Judges & Competition Officials
• 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks

Day 2: Competition Day (August 3rd)

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Team Check-In & Robot Inspection
• 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Team Introductions
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: VEX IQ Robotics Competition Matches: Skills and Teamwork Challenge (Elementary / Middle School )
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: VEX IQ Robotics Competition Matches: Skills and Teamwork Challenge(Elementary / Middle School )
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Awards Ceremony & Closing Remarks
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Team Departure from the venue 

Notes:

• The schedule may be subject to change based on the number of participating teams.
• Teams are encouraged to arrive early on both days to ensure smooth registration and robot inspection.
• All teams must be present for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Volunteer

Calling All Tech Enthusiasts! Volunteer for the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals!

Are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? Do you enjoy inspiring young minds and fostering innovation? If so, then we want YOU on our team!

Tech Harbor Education, in partnership with VEX Robotics and STEM Impact Center Kenya, is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make the inaugural VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals a resounding success!

This is your chance to:

• Play a vital role in supporting the future generation of Kenyan STEM leaders.
• Witness the excitement and creativity of students competing in robotics challenges.
• Gain valuable experience in event management, logistics, and working with students.
• Network with other STEM professionals and like-minded individuals.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Event Setup & Breakdown: Assisting with setting up the competition field, tables, chairs, and other equipment.
• Registration & Team Check-In: Welcoming teams, verifying registration details, and ensuring a smooth check-in process.
• Field Operations & Reset: Maintaining the playing field, resetting game elements between matches, and ensuring the smooth flow of competition rounds.
• Judging & Scoring: Assisting competition judges with scorekeeping and ensuring fair adjudication of matches.
• Mentorship & Support: Offering guidance and encouragement to participating students throughout the competition.
• Social Media & Photography: Capturing the event's energy and excitement through social media updates and photographs.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Passionate about STEM education and youth development.
• Team players with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable and committed to fulfilling assigned tasks.
• Enthusiastic and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

No prior robotics experience is necessary! We will provide comprehensive training and support to all volunteers.

The VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals will be held on August 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at Moi Girls High School Nairobi.

To become a volunteer, please submit your application by 15th July 2024 through this link: https://forms.gle/FXiTXqM2otTXLaUC6.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to be a part of something special! We look forward to hearing from you!

Together, let's ignite a passion for STEM in the next generation of Kenyan innovators!

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy and Expected Forecast for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals

The safety of all participants is our top priority. We are closely monitoring weather forecasts for the competition dates (August 2nd & 3rd, 2024) at Moi Girls High School Nairobi. Based on current forecasts, pleasant sunny weather is expected with minimal chance of rain.

In the unforeseen event of severe weather conditions that could impact the safety of participants, the following procedures will be implemented:

• Competition Delay or Rescheduling: If weather conditions pose a safety risk, the competition may be delayed or rescheduled. We will make every effort to communicate any changes promptly via email and social media.
• Venue Relocation: In rare circumstances, alternative arrangements might be made to relocate the competition to a safe indoor venue within Nairobi, if feasible.
• Cancellation: As a last resort, if weather conditions are deemed too hazardous to proceed safely, the competition may be canceled. In this case, a full refund will be issued, minus any non-recoverable costs incurred by the organizers.

We encourage all teams to:

• Monitor weather forecasts leading up to the competition dates.
• Pack clothing appropriate for potential weather changes, such as rain gear or sunscreen.
• Be prepared to follow any safety instructions provided by competition officials.

The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our top concern. We will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide updates as needed.

Refund and Payment Policies

VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals - Cancellation Policy

Event Partner Cancellation:

In the unforeseen circumstance that the Event Partner, needs to cancel the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals, the following policy will apply:

• Full Refunds: A full refund will be issued to all registered teams if the competition is canceled without offering an alternative date. 
• Partial Refunds or Alternative Options: If Tech Harbor Education can reschedule the competition to a later date, teams will be offered the option to participate on the new date or receive a partial refund. The partial refund amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the costs already incurred for the original event date.

Team Cancellation:

If a Coach/Mentor completes registration for the event but then chooses to withdraw or not attend, unfortunately, refunds will not be issued if a school or coach decides to cancel their participation after registering.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we will strive to be as fair and accommodating as possible in the event of a cancellation.

Please note that this cancellation policy is subject to change.

Any updates will be communicated directly to registered teams.

Health and Safety Policies

VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals - Health and Safety Policies

Following the Ministry of Education Guidelines in Kenya, the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals prioritizes the health and safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff.

General Guidelines:

• All participants (students and coaches) must be registered for the competition.
• Only registered participants and authorized personnel are allowed on the competition field and in designated work areas.
• Food and drinks are not permitted on the competition field. Designated eating areas will be available.
• Please dispose of trash properly in designated bins.
• Proper hygiene practices are encouraged. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the venue.
• Participants with any contagious illness are advised to stay home.

Robot Safety:

• All robots must be inspected and approved by competition officials before participating in any matches.
• Loose wires, exposed batteries, or any potential safety hazards will not be permitted.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring their robots are operated safely and do not cause damage to the playing field or other robots.

Emergency Procedures:

• First-aid responders will be available on-site throughout the competition.
• In case of an emergency, immediately seek assistance from a competition official or first-aid responder.
• Any accidents or incidents must be reported to the competition officials at the event or via email to [email protected] or +254 729 404 498 or at the help desk provided.

Additional Measures:

• We will follow all current Ministry of Health guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols, which may include mask-wearing and social distancing recommendations.
• Please check for any updated health and safety guidelines closer to the competition date.

By participating in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals, all participants agree to abide by these health and safety policies.

We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Date: 2-Aug-2024 - 3-Aug-2024

Travel Info

VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals: Registration Summary

Great news! Your registration fee covers:

• Accommodation and meals: For learners only, from the night of August 1st to breakfast on August 4th, 2024.
• VEX IQ Competition "Rapid Relay" Full Game & Field Element Kit: One kit per registered team.

Important Notes:

• VEX IQ Competition Field Perimeter & Tiles: These are NOT included in the registration fee and must be purchased separately.
• Travel: Teams are responsible for their travel costs to and from the venue (Moi Girls High School Nairobi).

For more information:

• Contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Judging Format

• VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals: Judging Format

  The VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals will follow the judging format established by VEX Robotics International competitions. This ensures consistency and fairness for all participating teams.

  Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

  Match Play Scoring:

• • During each Skills match, robots will be judged based on their performance in one of two key areas:
    • Robot Skills: Points are awarded based on a team's robot successfully completing tasks within the game (e.g., picking up objects, scoring points in designated zones).
    • Programming Skills: Judges will evaluate the robot's programming for efficiency, autonomy, and strategic use of sensors.

  • Team Interview:

    • Each registered team will participate in a short interview with a panel of judges.
    • This interview allows teams to showcase their understanding of the game, design decisions behind their robot, and their problem-solving approach.
    • Judges will assess teams' communication skills, teamwork, and overall engineering process.

• Award Categories:

  • Based on the combined scores from Match Play and the Team Interview, Excellence Awards will be presented:

    • Teamwork Champions Award: Awarded to the top team for their on-field performance.
    • Design Award: Recognizes a team's innovative robot design and engineering excellence.

• Important Notes:

  • Detailed judging rubrics will be available for teams to review and understand the evaluation criteria.
  • Decisions made by the Judges' are final.

By participating in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Kenya Nationals, teams agree to abide by the official VEX Robotics Competition Judging Format and all game rules.

Waitlist

0 teams are on the waitlist for this event.