Judging at FTC Competitions
A comprehensive guide to documenting your team’s journey, achievements, and impact.
What is Apart of Judging?
- Engineering Portfolio Submission: Max 15-page document summarizing design process, programming, outreach, and team culture.
- Pit Visits: Judges ask questions, inspect robot, and observe team dynamics.
- Formal Interview: 5–10 minute session for presenting your story and answering follow-up questions.
- Observation & Evaluation: Judges assess portfolio, robot knowledge, outreach, teamwork, and professionalism.
- Feedback & Awards: Verbal or written feedback; awards announced after judging concludes.
Tip: Every interaction matters — pit visits, match performance, and interviews all count toward judging.
Engineering Portfolio
The portfolio is your primary tool for communicating your team’s story and process.
- Max 15 pages; concise but detailed
- Include CAD images, sketches, robot photos, test data, and diagrams
- Highlight robot design iterations, programming milestones, and outreach impact
- Document team roles, responsibilities, and contributions
- Strong portfolios:
- Clearly show problem-solving and iterations
- Use concise explanations with visual evidence
- Demonstrate teamwork and leadership
Example: Include a flowchart of your design process from brainstorm → CAD → prototyping → testing → refinement.
Pit Visits
Judges may visit your pit multiple times. Be ready to demonstrate and explain:
- Robot mechanisms, sensors, and programming features
- Portfolio highlights and key lessons
- Outreach achievements and community impact
- Team roles and collaboration examples
Example: Display a poster of robot subsystem diagrams and a tablet showing autonomous routines and testing results.
Tip: Keep one team member always available during judging hours, but rotate participation so all members speak at least once.
Formal Interview Preparation
The formal interview is your chance to tell your story. Judges look for clear communication, enthusiasm, and understanding of your process.
- All team members should know every section of the portfolio
- Assign speaking roles to show collaboration
- Practice storytelling: team origin, culture, design process, programming, outreach, challenges, lessons learned
- Demonstrate with your robot and prototypes
- Align focus with awards you are aiming for
- Checklist:
- Portfolio ready (print/digital)
- Robot tested and functional
- Team dressed neatly and professionally
- All members prepared to answer questions
Warning: Avoid letting one member dominate the interview; judges value full team participation.
Judging Evaluation Criteria
Judges look at multiple areas. Use this table to understand expectations and prepare examples.
| Area | What Impresses Judges | Examples / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Team Dynamics | Collaboration, student-led roles, all members contribute | Rotate speaking roles, show peer mentoring, highlight teamwork during robot build and outreach. |
| Engineering Process | Iteration, testing, problem-solving | Show prototypes, CAD evolution, test results, problem-solving stories. |
| Portfolio | Clear visuals, concise writing, evidence of learning | Use graphs, flowcharts, photos, screenshots, concise explanations of iterations. |
| Outreach & Impact | Authentic engagement, STEM promotion, measurable impact | Photos, testimonials, event statistics, evidence of lasting community impact. |
| Robot Knowledge | Confidence explaining mechanisms, sensors, code | Demonstrate autonomous routines, discuss testing and troubleshooting, explain design choices. |
| Professionalism | Prepared, enthusiastic, respectful | Dress appropriately, maintain good posture, communicate clearly, show excitement for learning. |
Sample Interview Questions
When judges ask you questions, it’s not just about getting the “right” answer — it’s about showing your team’s values, process, and growth. One of the best ways to do that is by weaving in the FIRST Core Values into your answers.
What are the core values?
Discovery, Innovation, Inclusion, Teamwork, Impact, and Fun. Its recommended that ALL team members know the FIRST core values.
Design & Engineering
- Describe your design process. How did you iterate?
- How did you select your drivetrain and mechanisms?
- Which subsystem or feature are you most proud of?
- How did testing and problem-solving improve your robot?
Programming & Control
- Which autonomous features did you implement?
- How are sensors used in your robot?
- What coding challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Outreach & Impact
- How has your team engaged with your community?
- Have you inspired others to join STEM or FIRST?
- What outreach goals did your team achieve?
Team & Documentation
- How are responsibilities divided among members?
- Describe your team culture and core values in action.
- What does FIRST mean to you personally?
Judging Prep Checklist
- All team members know each section of the portfolio
- Assign speaking roles for interview participation
- Practice storytelling of the season
- Robot fully functional for demonstrations
- Portfolio printed / digital ready
- Highlight key awards or goals
- Team dressed professionally, well-prepared, enthusiastic
- Rehearse answers to sample questions
- Prepare visual aids: posters, tablets, or charts for quick reference
Important: Preparation is the single biggest factor in strong judging performance!