FLL Coach Conference Call – December 11, 2025

FLL Coach Conference Call-20251211_190359-Meeting Recording.mp4

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Meeting notes:

• Model Fragility and Assembly Guidance: Mel provided detailed instructions to coaches and teams regarding the fragility of this year’s models, emphasizing the importance of careful assembly, double-checking construction, and not using glue, with Dashield and Daniel contributing questions and clarifications.
  • Model Fragility Issues: Mel explained that this year’s models are less robust than in previous seasons, making them more prone to coming apart during use. Coaches and teams were advised to handle the models with extra care and to expect more challenges in keeping them intact.
  • Field Setup and Instructional Videos: Mel directed participants to the official field setup and robot game videos, stressing the importance of watching these multiple times to catch nuances not found in written documentation. Teams were encouraged to study these videos carefully to ensure correct field and model setup.
  • Double-Checking Model Assembly: Mel recommended that someone meticulous, whether an adult or a student, should review the model building instructions and verify that all models are assembled correctly, as small errors can significantly affect performance during competition.
  • Prohibition of Gluing Models: In response to Dashield’s question, Mel clarified that gluing models is not allowed because competition models will not be glued, and glued models would behave differently, potentially disadvantaging teams during the event.
  • Specific Model Assembly Tips: Mel and Daniel discussed several models, including the surface brush, silo, tip the scales, angler artifacts, statue rebuild, and careful recovery, highlighting common assembly pitfalls and the need to check specific components (e.g., dual lock placement, lever connections, block positions) to ensure proper function.
• Competition Field Procedures and Rules: Mel outlined the procedures and rules for competition field setup, inspection, and gameplay, addressing questions from Courtney and others about handling field elements, inspection protocols, and the importance of following official guidelines.
  • Field Inspection and Model Verification: Mel described the pre-match inspection process, where teams can visually check all mission models for correct setup but should not touch them. Team members, not coaches, are responsible for requesting referees to verify or correct any issues with the models.
  • Technician Roles and Launch Areas: Mel explained that two technicians are allowed on each side of the table, and the robot must start completely within one of the designated launch areas. Once the match begins, items cannot be handed between sides, and the referee will enforce this rule.
  • Handling Field Elements During Matches: In response to Courtney’s question, Mel clarified that if the robot moves or displaces field elements, those elements remain where they come to rest, and teams are not permitted to touch or reset them during the match. Only intentional field damage is penalized.
  • Inspection Stacking and Attachments: Mel and Daniel addressed questions about fitting attachments into the 12-inch launch area during inspection, confirming that stacking and partial disassembly are allowed as long as all parts fit, but warned against excessive reassembly at the table.
  • Challenge Updates and Rule Changes: Mel emphasized the importance of regularly checking the official Challenge Updates document on the website, as these updates override previous documentation and may introduce new rules or clarifications.
• Tournament Day Structure and Logistics: Mel provided a comprehensive overview of the tournament day’s schedule, including check-in, pit setup, judging sessions, practice and official matches, and the award ceremony, with Daniel and others contributing clarifying questions.
  • Check-In and Team Rosters: Mel instructed teams to arrive early, complete their team rosters with all required consent forms, and bring a printed copy for check-in. Failure to provide a completed roster may prevent team participation.
  • Pit Area and Practice Fields: Teams will be assigned a pit area for robot adjustments and preparation. Practice fields are available in the pit area and must be shared with other teams, with Mel advising against bringing personal tables due to potential inconsistencies in floor surfaces.
  • Judging Sessions: Each team will have a 30-minute judging block, including setup, innovation project presentation, robot explanation, and Q&A. Only one adult coach or mentor may accompany the team as an observer, and strict time management is encouraged.
  • Competition Matches and Awards: After practice rounds in the morning, teams will participate in three official matches in the afternoon, with their best score counting. The day concludes with an award ceremony, during which teams pack up and return for final recognition.
• Team Registration, Rosters, and Participation Rules: Mel, Daniel, and Richard discussed team registration requirements, roster management, coach screening, and participation limits, addressing questions about team size, rearranging students, and coach roles.
  • Team Size and Composition: Mel clarified that a competitive team must have between two and ten members; teams with more than ten students must be split into multiple teams. Sharing a challenge set between teams is permitted.
  • Roster Management and Student Movement: Teams can rearrange students between teams before the competition, but rosters must match the actual team composition at the event. Richard noted that moving a student may require deleting and reapplying, and Mel advised completing rosters closer to competition if changes are anticipated.
  • Coach Screening and Roles: Coaches must complete youth protection screening (and live scan in California) before youth enrollment can proceed. While only two official coaches are required, additional mentors or specialists can be involved, provided they are screened.
  • Consent Forms and Parental Involvement: Parents must complete online consent forms for their children, and Mel recommended assisting parents as needed but ensuring they personally authorize participation for legal protection.
• Judging Criteria and Process: Mel explained the judging rubrics, session flow, and evaluation focus for the innovation project and robot design, emphasizing process over product and the importance of time management during presentations.
  • Rubrics and Evaluation Focus: Teams are evaluated using innovation project and robot design rubrics, with core values integrated throughout. Judges assess the process followed by the team rather than the final product, so teams should document and present their approach and learning.
  • Judging Session Structure: Each judging session includes setup, a five-minute innovation project presentation, five minutes for judge questions, a five-minute robot explanation, and additional time for judge questions and feedback, all within a 30-minute block.
  • Coach and Team Member Roles: Only one adult coach or mentor may observe the judging session without interacting with the team. Team members are responsible for all presentations and responses, and coaches should prepare teams for efficient setup and clear communication.

Follow-up tasks:

• Team Roster Completion: Ensure all team members’ consent forms are completed and the printable roster is ready for tournament check-in.
• Team Size Compliance: Verify that each competitive team does not exceed the maximum of 10 members and, if necessary, split into multiple teams.
• Coach Screening: Complete youth protection screening (and live scan for California) for all coaches before starting youth enrollment.