NorCal FLL
Where do we find Guides for coaching FLL teams?

 

Are local training workshops available for FLL Coaches and Mentors?

  • Playing At Learning will hold workshops each Fall to review challenge details and answer questions. Additional workshops can be scheduled upon request/need.

 

What is the role of a Coach and a Mentor?

  • Enable, facilitate, encourage!
  • Take heart of the FLL core values  – also on page i of the Coaches’ Handbook!
  • In all situations, the coach or mentor is there to ask probing questions, keep the team “on task” (herding cats) and help the team with understanding concepts such as brainstorming, teamwork.  
  • If non-team members (siblings, parents, coaches, mentors, etc) find themselves handling the robot, typing on the keyboard, programming, debugging, writing, strategizing with other non-team members, or things of that nature – then they are not doing the team members any favors and in fact are “ruining” the FLL experience for the team.
  • It is very difficult for some adults to allow their child to struggle – particularly when they know the answer!  In many cases, teams learn through trial-and-error.   There is no “one right” answer or solution.

 

What is the difference between a Coach and a Mentor?

  • Depends.   In most teams that have both, the coach facilitates when and where the team meets and coordinates things like field trips, snacks, and team tshirts.  The mentor would then help the team with what they are working on.
  • In all situations, the coach or mentor is there to enable the team members but not offer direct solutions or “answers”!

 
Does it matter how much the coaches, mentors and parents help the kids on their robot and presentation?

  • In a word, YES!
  • All FLL activity must be completely done by the team members.
  • This includes all work on the design, construction and programming of the team’s robot, as well as all of the research and presentation of the research project.
  • Work or direct instruction on the challenge must NOT be done by any of the coaches, mentors, parents or other adults or non-team members of any age.
  • It is important to follow the guidelines in the coaches’ handbook about coaches providing facilitation and guidance for the kids, but not working directly on the content of the project.
  • Do not jeopardize your team’s chances of an award by helping them inappropriately.
  • Teams can be disqualified from advancing and/or winning an award if the judges deem that the team has had inappropriate adult intervention/help/assistance and/or if the team does not demonstrate all aspects of the FLL program.
  • The full benefit of FLL occurs when kids can feel a sense of accomplishment from knowing that their FLL efforts come 100% from their own minds and hands. This feeling of accomplishment and empowerment is what FLL is all about.
  • Something to consider: We have been told that, in general, team members that had too much parent or adult “help” have tended to not only drop out of FLL, but also then express a negative attitude towards careers in technology/engineering in general. This means that although the team may have one “accomplished” year, the long term effect on individuals is pretty dismal.
  • We know that many of you are already inspired / excited about engineering and science as many of our adults/coaches/mentors are working engineers and scientists. Help give that sense of accomplishment to the next generation by enabling them to prove to themselves that they are capable. By showing them the answers and directly intervening, you are proving to them that they are not capable of coming up with good engineering solutions and/or competing within their own peer group. Think about it!

 

How do I find out how my team will be judged?

  • After you register a team and payment is received, you will receive a hard copy of your FLL Coaches’ Handbook. It is important that you review it carefully each year.
  • At the back of the handbook in Appendix A is the actual judging rubrics that will be used for each of the 3 judged areas.
  • The full description of the robot performance portion (robot game) is online after season kickoff in September
  • In general, teams should expect that equal weight is given to the 4 areas: teamwork judging, technical judging, project judging, and robot performance (best score).
  • The team will receive feedback from the judges at the tournament – most likely handed to the coach at the end of the day but possibly mailed to the coach shortly after the tournament.

 

Are FLL teams allowed to use LEGO parts other than those that are included with the FLL Robot Set? What is the allowed parts list?
  • As in previous seasons,  we expect there will be almost no restrictions on the LEGO parts allowed in the construction of an FLL challenge robot, except for a limit on electrical parts.
  • Most notably, a team still may use the RCX (yellow brick) controller versus having to buy a new robotics kit
  • Consult  the FLL Rules for more details [link valid for the season only after season kickoff]

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I need to help my team during their pit time at a tournament. Do I need a consent form?

  • Yes. Please read your Coaches’ Handbook. You may not participate without this completed form.

 

How can we contact other local FLL coaches?