Mission Horizon: Headed to the Moon Q&A

 Question from Anna

Mission 6 

Does the Exploration Vehicle have to be touching the mat completely touching, or partially?

Answer from Doug

The Exploration Vehicle can score either "Completely, or Partially".  The vehicle must be under the Quad Platform "Completely, or Partially".  As long as the vehicle crosses(Completely, or Partially) the diagonal Black Line on the Mat, under the Quad.  Also, any part of the vehicle must be touching the Mat to receive a score of 45 Points.

If the vehicle is elevated, not touching the Mat, your team will receive 0 Points.

 Question from Amanda

The Habitat

If I have multiple teams how do we do the habitat airlock? 

Answer from Doug

Review the document for the Habitat Design found on the Mission webpage.  There are instructions on how to build a Habitat for additional teams.

Question from Mellisa

What can a Coach do at the Tournament?

Answer from Doug

This question is a little early, but actually as a coach, we should be working toward this answer from the first day of practice.  Make sure to review the RCX General Rules, RCX Tournament Policy, and RCX Run Efficient Tournament documents, plus other documents on the RCX General Rules and Other Support Documents page.. 

1st:  General Rules:  Eligibility
          Rule 1-1   The RCX Program is open to students of any school or
                           educational program. Students compete in three Divisions:
                           Elementary (up to 5th Grade), Middle School (6th to 8th
                           Grade) and High School (9th to 12th Grade).

         Rule 1-3     Adults and college students are encouraged to mentor, to
                           educate, to coach, and to lead teams, but should never do
                           the team’s work and are not eligible to compete.

Meaning:  ONLY students from Elementary through High School may compete
                at a tournament.  Adults, mentors, coaches are
                                                 not eligible to compete.

                If a coach can not compete, a coach can not coach
                                                [during the Match].
                A Coach may coach away from the Match in the Pit Area, Practice
               area,or any area away from the Competition area.

2nd:  General Rules:  Tournament
          Rule 7-1     Tournaments will follow the RCX Program Tournament Policy.

    Tip: Empower your students to manage all activities during the tournament.
           Allow them to be responsible for the robot, laptop, or any other item your
           team will use at this event.

     During the Match, Team Members should have the knowledge without the
          Coaches help as to what program to run, or what attachment to use.  If a
          problem arises, something breaks, Touch Penalty or anything out of the
          normal, teams should have been coached during practice time on how to
          "Problem Solve", TroubleShoot and so on to work through problems.

3rd:  Coach Location
         We used to set up 2 extra chairs per team at tournaments.  The Quad set
         up is congested, so we removed the chairs.

        The Quad set up of 4 Tables.
        -  Only 2 team members may be at the table from each team.
            - The rest of the Team needs to stay back at least 10 feet from the table
             to provide room for the Team Members and Referees during the Match.
            - Up to 2 Coaches may stand with the rest of the Team.
            - Coaches are not allowed to give verbal or non-verbal commands to
              Team Members during the Match.

            - Team Members standing back from the table are allowed to provide
              verbal & non-verbal commands to the Team Members at the Table.

4th:  A Fair Tournament
     -Parents, siblings, fans, & spectators are encouraged to cheer their team on.
     -When does "Cheering" become "Coaching".  It is a fine line and hard to
      control. Sometimes comments from the crowd help the team, sometimes it
      causes confusion.

So What can a Coach do at the Tournament? 

Ultimately, there is a balance we
adults need to follow.  Coaches should limit there "Coaching" to areas away
from the Competition Area.  The Host and Referees may ask adults to limit
comments, forewhich they feel provides and unfair advantage or distraction to
other teams.  

Here is what I do, as RCX Program Manager, when I am at a tournament.
     I limit coach interaction at the Competition Table.
          I personally stop the coach during the Match if I see them coaching.
          I coach the coach and the team after the Match when necessary.

     For the Audience, I encourage cheering.
          If I see a parent "Coaching", I approach them to stop. 
          I provide positive reinforcement to the parents and ask them not to
          coach.  I want the parents involved.  I want the kids to see how much
          the parents appreciate their efforts.

As your Team, and Parents attend a tournament, the event should be a positive
activity for everyone.  Issues always arise.  We just deal with them the best we can.