Game Announcer/Emcee Manual

2016-2017 FIRST® Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

2 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Volunteer Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to volunteer for a FIRST® Tech Challenge event. FIRST® and FIRST® Tech Challenge rely heavily on Volunteers to ensure events run smoothly and are a fun experience for Teams and their families, which could not happen without people like you. With over 4,600 Teams competing annually, your dedication and commitment are paramount to the success of each event and the FIRST Tech Challenge program. Thank you for your time and effort in supporting the mission of FIRST!

Sponsor Thank You

Thank you to our generous sponsors for your continued support of the FIRST Tech Challenge!

FIRST® Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual

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Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindess - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”

Revision History

Revision Date Description

1 08/15/2016 Initial Release

1.1 9/12/2016 Added Game Logo to cover

Updated Tournament Org Chart

Replaced “Tournament Director” with “Event Director”

Added Volunteer Training and Certification section

1.2 12/6/2016 Updated Volunteer Training and Certification section

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

What is FIRST® Tech Challenge? .................................................................................................................. 5

FIRST Tech Challenge Core Values .............................................................................................................. 5

Gracious Professionalism® ................................................................................................................................ 6

Gracious Professionalism® for Volunteers ...................................................................................................... 6

Youth Protection Program ................................................................................................................................. 7

Youth Protection Expectations and Guidelines ............................................................................................... 7

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION ............................................................................................................ 7

Volunteer Bill of Rights ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Volunteer Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................................... 8

Tournament Organization Structure ................................................................................................................... 9

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual? .................................................... 10

Job Description ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Volunteer Training and Certification ............................................................................................................. 10

Emcee Role ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Game Announcer Role ................................................................................................................................. 11

Dividing the Responsibilities......................................................................................................................... 11

Dress Code .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Event Time Commitment .............................................................................................................................. 11

Volunteer Minimum Age Requirement .......................................................................................................... 11

Key Volunteer Role Minimum Age Requirement .......................................................................................... 11

Bring a Friend! ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Role Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Game Announcer ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Emcee ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Game Announcer/Emcee – Working Together ............................................................................................. 12

Emcee and Game Announcer Safety ........................................................................................................... 12

Pre-Tournament Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................... 13


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Tournament Day Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 13

Day of the Event .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Opening Ceremonies ................................................................................................................................... 13

Let the Games Begin! .................................................................................................................................. 14

Do’s and Don’ts ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Don’t: ........................................................................................................................................................ 14

Do: ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

Alliance Selection and Final Matches ........................................................................................................... 15

Closing and Awards Ceremonies ................................................................................................................. 15

Performance Tips ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Technical Tips .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Recap .......................................................................................................................................................... 15

Appendices ...................................................................................................................................................... 16

Appendix A: Resources ................................................................................................................................... 17

Game Forum Q&A ....................................................................................................................................... 17

FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals ........................................................................................................ 17

FIRST® Headquarters Pre-Event Support .................................................................................................... 17

FIRST Tech Challenge Event On-Call Support ............................................................................................ 17

FIRST Website: firstinspires.org ................................................................................................................... 17

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media ........................................................................................................... 17

Feedback ..................................................................................................................................................... 18


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Introduction

What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge is a student-centered activity that focuses on giving students a unique and stimulating experience. Each year, Teams participate in a new Game that requires them to design, build, test, and program autonomous and driver-operated robots that must perform a series of tasks.

The playing field for the Game consists of the FIRST Tech Challenge game pieces set up on a foam-mat surface, surrounded by a metal and polycarbonate Field frame. Each Tournament features Alliances, which are comprised of two Teams, competing against one another on the playing field. Teams work to overcome obstacles and meet challenges, while learning from, and interacting with their peers and adult Mentors. Students develop a greater appreciation of science and technology and how they might use that knowledge to impact the world around them in a positive manner. They also cultivate life skills such as:

Planning, brainstorming, and creative problem-solving.

Research and technical skills.

Collaboration and teamwork.

Appreciation of differences and respect for the ideas and contributions of others.

To learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge and other FIRST Programs, visit www.firstinspires.org.

FIRST Tech Challenge Core Values Volunteers are integral to the FIRST community. FIRST Tech Challenge relies on Volunteers to run the program at many levels, from managing a region to Mentoring an individual Team. Our Affiliate Partners coordinate the program in each region or state. These Affiliate Partners fundraise, run Tournaments, hold workshops and demonstrations, market FIRST Tech Challenge locally, handle public relations, and recruit Volunteers and Teams. They are a tremendous resource for Mentors and FIRST would not exist without them.

FIRST asks everyone who participates in FIRST Tech Challenge to uphold the following values:

We display Gracious Professionalism® with everyone we engage with and in everything we do.

We act with integrity.

We have fun.

We are a welcoming community of students, Mentors, and Volunteers.

What we learn is more important than what we win.

We respect each other and celebrate our diversity.

Students and adults work together to find solutions to challenges.

We honor the spirit of friendly competition.

We behave with courtesy and compassion for others at all times.

We act as ambassadors for FIRST and FIRST Tech Challenge.

We inspire others to adopt these values.

FIRST Tech Challenge is MORE THAN ROBOTSSM! While

competing, students develop personal and professional skills

they will be able to rely on throughout their life.

#morethanrobots

http://www.firstinspires.org/


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Gracious Professionalism®

FIRST uses this term to describe our programs’ intent. This is one of the most important concepts that can be taught to a young person who is learning to get along in the work world. At FIRST, Team members help other team members, but they also help other Teams.

Gracious Professionalism® is not clearly defined for a reason. It can and should mean different things to everyone.

Some possible meanings of Gracious Professionalism ® include:

Gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win.

Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions.

Professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly.

Gracious Professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.

In the context of FIRST, this means that all Teams and participants should:

Learn to be strong competitors, but also treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.

Avoid leaving anyone feeling as if they are excluded or unappreciated.

Knowledge, pride and empathy should be comfortably and genuinely blended.

In the end, Gracious Professionalism® is part of pursuing a meaningful life. When professionals use knowledge in a gracious manner and individuals act with integrity and sensitivity, everyone wins, and society benefits.

Watch Dr. Woodie Flowers explain Gracious Professionalism® in this short video.

“The FIRST spirit encourages doing high-quality, well-informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious Professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful.”

- Dr. Woodie Flowers, National Advisor for FIRST

Gracious Professionalism® for Volunteers It is a good idea to spend time going over this concept with Volunteers. Provide Volunteers with real-life examples of Gracious Professionalism in practice before, during, and after the event and recognize great Gracious Professionalism when you see it in action!

An example of Gracious Professionalism® is patiently

listening to a Team’s question and providing support despite

having several pressing things to do on the day of the

event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8ZzoC9tCWg&list=UUkWMXdRQr5yoZRz7gFYyRcw


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Youth Protection Program

The purpose of the FIRST® Youth Protection Program (FIRST YPP) is to provide Coaches, Mentors, Volunteers, employees, others working in FIRST programs, team members, parents, and guardians of team members with information, guidelines, and procedures to create safe environments for everyone participating in FIRST programs.

The FIRST YPP sets minimum standards recommended for all FIRST activities. Adults working in FIRST programs must be knowledgeable of the standards set by the FIRST YPP, as well as those set by the school or organization hosting their team.

Youth Protection Expectations and Guidelines Coaches and Mentors are expected to read and follow elements in the FIRST Youth Protection Program guide that are labeled as required are mandatory in the United States and Canada, and may not be waived without the approval of the FIRST Youth Protection Department.

FIRST recommends that the standards set forth in the FIRST Youth Protection Program guide be applied outside of the United States and Canada to the extent possible. At a minimum, local regulations regarding youth protection must be complied with.

Forms are available here: http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/FORMS.zip

Information on the US Screening process is available here: http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/us-screening-2016-2017.pdf

Information on the Canadian Screening process is available here: http://vimeo.com/30137373

You can find FAQ and additional information about the FIRST Youth Protection Program on the FIRST website at: http://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/youth-protection-policy

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination

policies: Lee Doucette, Youth Protection Program Manager, 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101, 603-

666-3906, Ext. 250.

Everyone working with FIRST Teams should be familiar with the FIRST

YPP policies.

http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/FIRST-YPP-ProgramGuide.pdf

http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/FIRST-YPP-ProgramGuide.pdf

http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/FORMS.zip

http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about/us-screening-2016-2017.pdf

http://vimeo.com/30137373

http://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/youth-protection-policy


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Volunteer Bill of Rights

Volunteers are our most valuable asset. Their selfless contributions of time and resources are instrumental in

accomplishing our mission of inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering and

mathematics leaders and innovators. At the foundation of the relationship between FIRST and our Volunteers,

are their rights. All FIRST Volunteers have a right to:

Be treated with Gracious Professionalism®. Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that

encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the

community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate

notions.

Feel valued. FIRST recognizes the significant contributions of time and resources our Volunteers make

as they help us achieve our mission.

Inclusion. All Volunteers have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in inclusive environments.

FIRST values diversity and opposes discrimination.

Information regarding their role. FIRST will inform Volunteers about what’s expected of them, when

they are scheduled to serve, any changes to program or policy, and who to contact should they need

assistance.

Safety. FIRST strives to create safe environments for all Volunteers and participants and will always

factor safety into program planning.

Fair treatment. All FIRST Volunteers will be treated fairly and any performance issues will be handled

using the FIRST Volunteer Behavior Intervention Recommendations.

Request a different role if they feel their current assignment is not a good fit.

End their Volunteerism. FIRST appreciates and respects the fact that all of our Volunteers are here by

choice.

Contact FIRST Headquarters directly if they feel they are being treated improperly. If attempts to

resolve issues and conflicts at the local level are not successful, Volunteers can call (800) 871-8326 or

email [email protected].

Volunteer Code of Conduct

The mission of FIRST is to inspire a generation of science and technology leaders who are both gracious and professional. This FIRST Code of Conduct lists some of the basic behaviors Mentors, Coaches, Volunteers, team members, Affiliate Partners, contractors, staff, and other participants should adhere to while participating in FIRST activities.

Exhibit Gracious Professionalism® at all times. Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.

Ensure the safety of all participants in FIRST activities.

mailto:[email protected]


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Not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, use of profane or insulting language, or any actual or threatened violence.

Adhere to all FIRST Youth Protection Program (YPP) policies.

Report any unsafe behavior to event or local FIRST leadership.

Persons who do not comply with this Code of Conduct may be barred from participating in FIRST activities.

Tournament Organization Structure

Learn more about the roles of Volunteers on our Volunteer Resources page, “Volunteer Role Description”.

http://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/volunteer-resources


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual?

The purpose of the FIRST Tech Challenge Emcee and Game Announcer Manual is to:

Provide new Emcees and Game Announcers with a foundation of knowledge and ideas to fulfill their roles at Events.

Familiarize new Emcees and Game Announcers with the FIRST experience.

Help returning Emcees and Game Announcers refresh their skills for the upcoming season.

The guide focuses on the skills and concepts needed for the development of the following general goals:

Allowing the students and Teams to be the main focus of the Event.

To support the students and Teams by providing helping information and commentary around and during the competition events.

To help Emcees and Game Announcers focus their skills on promoting the talents of the students and Teams and relaying the competition action to the audience.

This guide would not be possible without the contributions of time, ideas, and resources provided by the following people:

Content provided by Blair Hundertmark and Barry Bonzack.

Job Description

Volunteer Training and Certification Volunteers must apply to their role using the Volunteer Information Management System (VIMS). After the volunteer has selected their role, FIRST Tech Challenge will send an email to the Volunteer with access to their training resources and certifications (when applicable) located in Schoology. Emails will be sent twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have applied for a role but have not received access to the training, please email [email protected].

The Emcee and/or Game Announcer should familiarize themselves with the Game Manuals Part 1 and 2 to make sure to have a detailed understanding of the FIRST Game Challenge. Although they do not need to know all of the rules by heart, understanding the basics of the game is important to these roles Event preparation and training should take approximately 1-2 hours.

Emcee Role Every FIRST event is a place for celebrations; a gathering of intelligent and dedicated students, educators, professionals, parents and Mentors. It is the primary role of the Emcee is to act as the “Master of Ceremonies” and to facilitate the Event and provide Match information and announcements to the Teams and audience. The

https://my.usfirst.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx?__hstc=212927755.fc5fd4da6335250b283ac092ec8fe8fe.1473691690016.1473691690016.1473694899366.2&__hssc=212927755.1.1473694899366&__hsfp=3736807944


http://firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/game-and-season-info


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Emcee typically facilitates the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. They must be enthusiastic and energetic and able to entertain the audience while keeping the spotlight on the Teams and competition Matches.

Game Announcer Role It is the role of the Game Announcer to describe the action on the Competition Field; clearly, concisely, with energy and enthusiasm, and in a positive manner. The Game Announcer role at an Event is to be a voice. Always remember that the students and Teams are intended to be the center stage.

Dividing the Responsibilities Depending on the size and scope of the event there may be both an Emcee and a Game Announcer. Typically, the Emcee is in charge of Event updates and sharing important information with the Teams and audience, while the Game Announcer provides the Match play-by-plays. Please speak with the Event Director or Volunteer Coordinator for your Event’s specific role break down.

Dress Code Emcees and Game Announcers do not have a specific dress code, however should plan to wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes to the Event as many hours will be spent on their feet. They should also plan to wear ASNI Z87.1 certified safety glasses at all times on the Competition Field, or those who wear prescription glasses must wear safety goggles over them or attach safety side shields.

Event Time Commitment And Emcee and/or Game Announcer should expect to arrive early on event day to set up their equipment, as Tournaments tend to start early in the morning. Expect to spend a full day at the Event, approximately 8-10 hours.

Volunteer Minimum Age Requirement FIRST requires that FIRST Event Volunteers be at least 13 years of age, however, the Regional Planning Committee has the option of increasing the age requirement as desired. Adult Volunteers may not have children accompany them while volunteering or be responsible for supervising their own children at the event. Children under the minimum age are welcome at FIRST Competitions with appropriate supervision by someone other than a Volunteer.

Key Volunteer Role Minimum Age Requirement Volunteers MUST be at least 18 years of age before being assigned to a Key Volunteer Role. Key Volunteer positions include: Volunteer Coordinator, Head Referee, Judge Advisor, Field Manager, Field Technical Advisor, Control System Advisor, Wi-Fi Technical Advisor, Lead Hardware Inspector, and Lead Scorekeeper. When a Volunteer who is applying for a Key Role is also a recent FIRST participant (participated in a FIRST program within the last 4 years), this Volunteer falls under the category of an inexperienced Volunteer, and should be assigned with an experienced Volunteer in the Role in which the inexperienced Volunteer would like to serve. Recognize that while we strongly encourage Alumni to volunteer, it is important to talk through with this inexperienced Volunteer that they need to be careful in personalizing their experience and comparing the Teams and situations at this specific Event to what they remember about their own experiences.

Bring a Friend! Volunteers are such a vital part of the FIRST Tech Challenge Program and continuing to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. FIRST Tech Challenge needs your help in recruiting new volunteers to keep our programs thriving for future generations! If you have a friend or co-worker you think would be interested in volunteering at an event, there are just a few easy steps to help get them involved!

1. Check out our full list of Volunteer opportunities online!

http://www.firstinspires.org/node/5146


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

2. Have them apply for the Event in VIMS. All Volunteers must be screened before volunteering.

a. Check out the VIMS User Guide Here!

3. Have them contact [email protected] with any questions they may have.

If they are concerned about jumping in head first, no worries! Job shadowing at an FIRST Tech Challenge Event is one of the best ways to get a taste of what a full day’s worth of competition looks like, and discover ways they can fit their own personal skills into a Volunteer position!

Role Responsibilities

Game Announcer The Game Announcer’s role is vital to a successful Event. Being informed, knowledgeable, and comfortable on your role will directly translate into a better Event, and in turn make the Event more enjoyable for the Teams and spectators. The Game Announcer’s role is working with the Emcee to:

Introduce Teams.

Provide play-by-play commentary.

Report the scores. The Game Announcer should primarily speak only for Team introductions, play-by-play commentary, and score announcement. The Game Announcer role is to be an audible FIRST Tech Challenge presence at an Event.

Emcee It is the Emcee’s job to be a visual presence, to inform the audience, and to keep the Event lively and moving forward. The Emcee must embody the spirit and professionalism of FIRST Tech Challenge, while being fun, energetic, creative and organized.

Game Announcer/Emcee – Working Together The differentiation between the roles is critical to aid the audience on where to focus their attention. It is also crucial to work in harmony with the Emcee to create a support structure, and avoid competitive/overlapping speaking.

In order to have a successful Event, both positions require:

A lively, animated vocal personality.

Good public speaking skills.

A pleasant sounding voice.

The ability to handle unanticipated situations.

Lots of energy! The Game Announcer and Emcee must embody the spirit and Gracious Professionalism® of FIRST Tech Challenge, while being fun, energetic, creative, and organized.

Emcee and Game Announcer Safety Dress for this role includes safety glasses or side shields on shatterproof prescription eyeglasses worn at all

times on and around the Competition Playing Fields. In addition, wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to

https://my.firstinspires.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx




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move easily and closed-toed shoes that will provide all-day-on-your-feet comfort and will not harm the foam

Playing Field floor covering.

Pre-Tournament Responsibilities

The Game Announcer should review all of the names of the Teams and get acquainted with the Game before arrival.

Arrive early to meet with the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partner or Event Director to discuss the day’s agenda, list of speakers, final Event details, and Opening/Closing Ceremonies.

Meet with the Emcee to discuss Team introduction protocol.

The Emcee and Game Announcer should discuss a backup plan if displays fail. In this instance it will fall on the Game Announcer/Emcee to communicate scores and Match numbers to the Teams.

Tournament Day Responsibilities

Day of the Event

Review the Opening Ceremonies script with the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partner or Event Director.

Review pronunciation of Judge and guest speaker names and titles.

Introduce yourself to Teams, Judges, and guest speakers.

Do your homework and double check that Team names, Team nicknames, Robot names, sponsors, etc. are all correct. You can worth with the check-in Volunteer to confirm all Team information.

The Emcee and Game Announcer should establish Team introduction protocol with the Field Manager.

Opening Ceremonies After the Affiliate Partner or Event Director has confirmed that all guest speakers and Judges are present, the show begins. The Opening Ceremonies script, which has been prepared by the Affiliate Partner, is used by the Emcee, A/V crew, and Affiliate Partner to ensure synchronization. Work with together with the Affiliate Partner and Technical Director – they are the “Directors” of the show. See the Emcee/Game Announcer folder on Schoology for an editable Opening Ceremonies Script.


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Let the Games Begin! During the Qualification Matches, after the Emcee introduces each Team by number, the Game Announcer completes the introductions (full name on first intro only, short name thereafter); then the Emcee counts down “3, 2, 1, Go” to start the Match. The Game Announcer provides play-by-play commentary and time remaining announcements. The Referees score the Match and the Game Announcer announces the score as it is displayed by the A/V crew.

Make timed announcements at 1 minute played, 30 seconds remaining, 10 seconds remaining, and the countdown for the last 5 seconds. Additionally, work on getting a rhythm between the Game Announcer and the Emcee. Often the crowd noise is so loud that you cannot hear one another. Establishing a rhythm, such as making eye contact to connect, ensures that you don’t talk at the same time.

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t:

Never direct strategy to the Teams. Your job is to comment on the play, not to direct it.

Do not interfere or attempt to influence the Referee rulings.

Do not emphasize winning above all else.

Do not play favorites or endlessly praise veteran Teams over rookies (or other veterans).

Do not scream or talk so fast that you cannot be understood. You have 6+ hours per day to maintain audience attention. Screaming unintelligibly is grating.

Do not do “shout out’s”, “happy birthday” wishes, etc. to the audience. This is both unprofessional and opens the floodgates for endless birthday announcements.

Do:

Speak slowly and clearly. Diction is very important.

Use optimistic phrases to encourage poorly performing Teams. Example: “Team 123 is trying to get something going”, or “it looks like Team 123 is having trouble getting their Robot in gear, hopefully they can figure something out, there’s still 1:30 remaining in the Match.”

Make the descriptions as lively and interesting as possible (without making it sound like a death Match!).

Behave professionally.

Be ready to begin each Match as soon as the Field is reset, and do not get distracted by personal business (phone calls, chatting, etc.).

Use Team names as often as possible rather than exclusively referring to the Team number.

Mention something about every team in every round.

Pay attention to the movement of folks around the Playing area to avoid collisions.

Remember to keep the focus on the Teams and the students. The Teams and the audience want to be entertained by both the event and the Match play. Use your personality to help make the Teams and Event shine!


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Alliance Selection and Final Matches The Emcee runs the Alliance Selection in the same area as the Playing Fields. The Alliance Selection is an important part of the FIRST Tech Challenge Event for both Teams and the audience and should be presented with as much energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism as possible. See the Emcee/Game Announcer folder on Schoology for an editable Opening Ceremonies Script.

Closing and Awards Ceremonies At some events, Closing Ceremonies occur during the Semi-Final and Final rounds, with speakers and Award presentations placed between Matches. This is totally fine. This Script is organized all together, but could easily be separated. See the Emcee/Game Announcer folder on Schoology for an editable Opening Ceremonies Script.

Performance Tips If everything sounds the same to the audience they will eventually tune out, so use vocal variety:

o Vary your speaking style and volume throughout the event. o If your delivery is consistently too high energy, the audience may get anxious and will lose

interest.

o An energetic, varied delivery is interesting and inviting to an audience. Develop your own style; don’t try to be someone you are not.

Silence is okay. Let the action speak for itself sometimes. Constant announcing will cause the audience to tune you out. Remember, you have to make all 50+ Matches interesting.

Technical Tips Routinely check to make sure your headset is in the best position to pick up your voice and not riding

too high or too low on your head.

If using a hand held microphone, hold it close to your mouth and speak into it, not over it.

Confirm that your microphone is off before speaking off-line.

Recap Be prepared.

Stay on schedule; Team intros are very fast-paced in order to keep the Competition on schedule.

Make the event as polished and professional as you can.

Remember that the Playing Field is only one piece of the event – decisions made there affect all other areas.

Utilize the experience of the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partner and Technical Director.

You are representing FIRST.


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

2016-2017 FIRST® Tech Challenge

Emcee and Game Announcer

Appendices


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Appendix A: Resources

Game Forum Q&A http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php

Anyone may view questions and answers within the FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A forum without a password. In order to submit a new question, you must have a unique Q&A System User Name and Password for your team.

FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals Part 1 and 2 - http://www.firstinspires.org/node/4271

FIRST® Headquarters Pre-Event Support Phone: 603-666-3906 Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm Email: [email protected]

FIRST Tech Challenge Event On-Call Support These numbers are available for event personnel only. Please do not call these numbers if you are a Team looking for a ruling, a decision, or assistance. We trust that you will not misuse this resource.

General Day of Event support (e.g. scoring system, referee rulings, general questions): 603-206-2412

Day of Event Robot Control System Support: 603-206-2450

FIRST Website: firstinspires.org FIRST Tech Challenge Page – For everything FIRST Tech Challenge.

FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources – To access public Volunteer Manuals.

FIRST Tech Challenge Event Schedule – Find FIRST Tech Challenge events in your area.

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter Feed - If you are on Twitter, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter feed for news updates.

FIRST Tech Challenge Facebook page - If you are on Facebook, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge page for news updates.

FIRST Tech Challenge YouTube Channel – Contains training videos, Game animations, news clips, and more.

FIRST Tech Challenge Blog – Weekly articles for the FIRST Tech Challenge community, including Outstanding Volunteer Recognition!

FIRST Tech Challenge Team Email Blasts – contain the most recent FIRST Tech Challenge news for Teams.

FIRST Tech Challenge Google+ community - If you are on Google+, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge community for news updates.

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php



http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc


http://www.firstinspires.org/team-event-search

https://twitter.com/FTCTeams

https://www.facebook.com/FTCTeams

https://www.youtube.com/user/FIRSTTechChallenge

http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/


https://plus.google.com/100910548536794889930/posts


Revision 1.2: 12.6.2016

Feedback We strive to create support materials that are the best they can be. If you have feedback regarding this manual, please email [email protected]. Thank you!


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