General Info

We are excited to host a VEX Robotics Competition featuring the 2019-2020 game Tower Takeover! Game details and manuals are available here: https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexedr/competition/vrc-current-game

REGISTERED TEAMS - we will be sending out event info to your coach's email - registered with RECF.

Competition Preparation:

This event is sure to be a fast-paced and exciting event. All teams should come prepared for competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

1. Review the rules and run through the robot inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments. 

2. Read and thoroughly understand the game rules. Additional rulings and interpretations of the game rules can be found on the VEX Forum.

3. Pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need.

Here are a few items that you don't want to forget:

• Spare parts & tools
• Batteries and chargers
• Programming cable
• Power strip
• Laptop computer
• Engineering notebook (if you have one, REQUIRED for Judges, Design and Excellence Awards )
• Banners and other decorations for your team pit
• Giveaways if you have them

4. Participation and Consent Form - A completed form for all participants must be turned in during check-in. Team leaders will need to collect the completed forms for all team members attending the event and turn them in to the registration desk when checking in. The Participation and Consent Form can be found on the Documents page. 

Agenda

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

• 8:00 AM - Doors open
• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Check in, inspection and practice
• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Volunteer Training
• 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM - Mandatory drivers meeting
• 9:30 AM - Kickoff of event Ceremonies
• 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM - Qualification matches
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Skills field open
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Qualification matches
• 1:00 PM Alliance Selection
• 1:15 PM - Finals
• 1:45 PM - Awards
• 2:00 PM - Cleanup

Volunteer

Volunteers make robotics tournaments possible and are essential for providing these STEM learning opportunities for our students and their families Please consider volunteering to help make this event a success. Full-day volunteers will be provided a complimentary lunch. Please sign up at https://goo.gl/forms/O0zwca6ZU29Fs2EF2 if you are interested in volunteering. 

Guidelines for Judge Selection

We are committed to offering high quality judging for our competitors. For us, this means:

• Judges with experience in STEM and/or education
• Judges with an enthusiasm for youth robotics
• Judges with no direct relationship with any competitors
• Diligent preparation and clear guidance for our judges

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

District of Columbia Public Schools may choose to cancel this event for inclement weather.  We may be affected if the weather comes on the setup day or day of.  Please check for updated information on robotevents and our Friendship Public Charter School facebook page or website. Provide your personal contact information in case of unforseen emergencies. 

In the event of a postponement or cancellation, teams will have the option of a full refund. 

Please see our refund policy for details about refunds in the event the tournament is cancelled.

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Refund Policy

**** IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT REFUNDS AND NON-PAYMENT *****

Non-payment: if you register for this event and have not paid by Sat, 15-Feb-2020, your team will be added to the waitlist and your space on our event roster will be made available to the general public.  In order to give you the opportunity to pay on time, you will receive a notification of this pending action no fewer than 3 days beforehand.  Payment will be considered complete when - and only when - we have received your payment.  

No refunds.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Michael Robinson at 202-281-1700 or at mrobinson@friendshipschools.org.  (Email is preferable.)  We look forward to seeing you and having a great tournament.

Travel Info

Friendship Public Charter School Collegiate Academy

DIRECTIONS:

Metrorail: Take Orange line toward New Carrollton.  Get off at Minnesota Avenue stop. Proceed across the street to school.

Parking:  There is limited parking in rear of school.  There is additional (paid)parking in the metro parking garage off Minnesota Avenue behind DC Government office building.

From North - Beltway to Baltimore Washington Parkway south to 295 (Richmond) take Nannie Helen Burroughs exit. Turn left onto Burroughs Ave; go under overpass(295) and turn right onto Minnesota Avenue.  Turn left onto Grant Street (before you pass front of school across from subway station) and make first right into alley driveway to reach rear parking lot.

From South - Beltway to  295 north. Take Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave exit.  Turn right onto Burroughs Ave and take first right onto Minnesota Ave.  Turn left onto Grant Street (before you pass front of school across from subway station) and make first right into alley driveway to reach rear parking lot.

From East - Benning Road or East Capitol (past RFK stadium).  Turn left onto Minnesota Avenue. Pass front entrance of school and turn right onto Grant Street (first traffic light after passing school front). Turn right  into alley driveway to reach rear parking lot.

From West - Take 50 East to exit 295 South.  Take Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave exit.  Turn left onto Burroughs Ave; go under overpass(295) and turn right onto Minnesota Avenue.  Turn left onto Grant Street (before you pass front of school across from subway station) and make first right into alley driveway to reach rear parking lot.

Entrance Information:

Friendship Collegiate has several activities happening on Saturdays therefore it is imperative that you enter through either the main entrance or the rear parking lot entrance.  You will need to push the door intercom and be “buzzed” in. At the main entrance a security officer will be there to greet you. Please inform them that you are there for the robotics tournament happening in the gymnasium.  Follow the signage to get to the gym. If you enter through the rear parking lot PLEASE proceed to the front entrance to check in with security and get instructions.  

Parking:  

Minnesota Avenue adjacent to the school is undergoing major street reconstruction.  Please be aware of metrobus, car and pedestrian traffic that converges at the main entrance of the school.  Be careful! Unloading may or may not be possible at the front entrance the day of competition. If you arrive early enough to park in the rear parking lot, remember spaces are limited.  DO NOT park or double park  in the center of drive lanes.  You may ONLY park in an available parking spot.  If you no spots are left then please PROCEED TO THE METRO GARAGE across the street.  Garage entrance is located next to Dunkin Donuts behind DC government building