[Please forward this to your coaches, team members and parents]

Ok, if I wait until all the information and requests are known, it will be too late, so please expect several messages and updates this week regarding the December 10 FLL tournament.  Remember the web site for the event is:

    http://www.roboticslearning.com/FLL/2006HB

There are some items we are still seeking to make this a successful event:

We have just enough playing fields and field set models volunteered to have one in each of the three pit rooms.  Each pit room will be shared by 4 teams.  Having another playing field table/field set in a pit room will make it easier for teams to practice during their short breaks between competition or judging rounds.  If you can bring a table, or evan a mat and field models, please let me know.

We are also looking for one or two sets of playing field models to be kept in the competition area to borrow from in case something breaks or goes missing (e.g. a pizza molecule) during the competition.

Also, if you can provide or loan any of the following, please contact me:

    * stopwatches
    * caution tape
    * stanchions (for caution tape)
    * clip boards
    * long video video cables, or A/V cables.
    * use of a good MiniDV video camera

Teams should plan to bring their own extension cord for plugging in their computer(s).

I'm sure I'll think of more items during the week.

If you have sent me the names of team volunteers and have not received any specific assignments, please have them check in between 8:30 and 9 AM (signs will direct them), and a job will be assigned (such as security, queue management, runners, etc. Most jobs that require specific training or skills have been filled already.)  Sharing a job with two or more people is the best way to reduce the amount of time needed from each person.  If you have volunteers who cannot check in during the morning, please let me know when they will check in (at the info table).

The detailed schedule of which teams are competing and being judged in which time slots will be posted tonight, I hope.

Food will be for sale.  The proposed menu will be posted soon.

To help up plan seating and food quantities, we would appreciate an email from each team (include your team name) letting us know:

   (a) how many team members, coaches, family and friends plan to attend,
   (b) how many plan to purchase lunch at the event.

Some teams have asked that I broadcast a request to please do the SPACE ELEVATOR mission.  This is a fairly easy mission worth 40 points to both teams if you cooperate.  And it demonstrates the FLL values of teamwork and gracious professionalism.

If you have specific questions, send me an email.  More details about how the day will go will be posted to the web site this week.

Steve Putz
408-910-1176