Our Competition Day Checklist

After forgetting crucial items one too many times, we developed this comprehensive checklist. Feel free to adapt it for your team!

The Night Before

Robot

• Battery fully charged (2-3 spares)
• All screws tight
• Backup electronics ready
• Robot fits in sizing cube
• Drive tested on practice field (if available)

Documentation

• Engineering Portfolio (2-3 copies)
• Safety glasses for all members
• Matching team shirts
• Team banner ready

Mental Prep

• Review autonomous code
• Discuss drive strategy
• Review scouting sheets from previous events
• Get a good night’s sleep!

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Master Packing List

Tools (Essential)

• Metric hex key set (1.5mm to 6mm)
• Imperial hex key set
• Screwdriver set (Phillips & flathead)
• Pliers (needle-nose and regular)
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Adjustable wrench
• Socket set

Tools (Nice to Have)

• Dremel or rotary tool
• Hand drill
• Tap and die set
• Files
• Deburring tool
• Heat gun
• Soldering iron + solder

Electronics

• Spare Control Hub
• Spare motors (1 of each type)
• Spare servos
• Extra motor/servo cables
• USB cables (various lengths)
• Power cables
• Spare sensors
• Multimeter
• Electrical tape
• Heat shrink tubing
• Zip ties (LOTS)

Structural

• Spare channel pieces
• Spare plates and brackets
• Screws (sorted by size)
• Nuts (nylock and regular)
• Washers
• Standoffs
• Shaft collars
• Gears (spares of what you use)
• Belts/chain (spares)
• Bearings
• Axles

Software

• Laptop (charged)
• Laptop charger
• Android phone for programming
• USB hub
• Backup of all code
• Control Hub configuration backup

Pit Setup

• Pit table (if not provided)
• Table cover
• Team banner
• Tool organizers
• Parts bins
• Task lighting
• Extension cords
• Power strips
• Charging station

Driver Station

• Gamepads (3 minimum)
• Gamepad USB cables
• Driver station phone/tablet
• Phone holder/mount
• Gamepad case
• Spare batteries for gamepads

Team Care

• Water bottles
• Snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Sunscreen (for outdoor events)
• Chairs (folding)
• Team emergency contact list

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Competition Morning

Before Leaving

• Robot secured for transport
• All batteries packed
• Pit supplies loaded
• Everyone knows the address
• Arrival time communicated

At Check-In

• Find your pit
• Check match schedule
• Robot inspection time
• Pit admin requirements
• Emergency exits noted

After Setup

• Tools organized
• Charging station ready
• Robot tested in pit
• Driver station connected
• Team photo taken

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Match Prep Routine

2 Matches Before

• Check robot for damage
• Test all mechanisms
• Charge controllers
• Review alliance partner’s robot

1 Match Before

• Head to queue
• Pre-flight check complete
• Autonomous mode selected
• Alliance strategy discussed

At the Field

• Place robot correctly
• Check orientation
• Initialize autonomous
• Connect to field
• Deep breath—you’ve got this!

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Emergency Contacts & Info

Role	Name	Phone
Team Coach
Team Captain
Lead Mentor
Emergency Contact

Venue Address: ____________________

Start Time: ____________________

Pit Location: ____________________

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Post-Competition

Before Leaving

• All tools accounted for
• All batteries collected
• Robot secured
• Pit cleaned up
• Thank judges and volunteers

After Event

• Team debrief
• Document what broke
• Note what to improve
• Celebrate wins!

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Print this out, laminate it, and bring it to every competition. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later.