Preparing for Competition

=Before the Competition=
 * Bring Goggles! Goggles are required for many build/lab events, and you can get DQ'ed for not having them. It is good to have a box full of them for the whole team instead of bringing them individually.
 * Make Extra Copies of Cheat Sheets- just in case you lose your cheat sheet, it is good to have a few spares lying around. Also, protect them with sheet protectors.
 * Bring a Tool Box- for major build events like storm the castle and trajectory. If the car ride was very bumpy, screws could get loose, or you may need to add a nail or two.
 * Know the layout of the competition site- Most tournaments, especially the State and National tournament, will provide you with a map of the campus before the tournament. Take some time to locate your events and any other important rooms (team rooms, etc.).

=The Day Before the Competition=
 * Get a Good Sleep- falling asleep during a test is probably not the greatest idea. Sleeping well will help you concentrate and focus. Having at least 6 hours of sleep is more important then cramming.

=Competition Day=
 * Bring More Then one Pencil! This is even more important when you have a non-mechanical pencil. Sometimes, test examiners will not provide spares or sharpeners, forcing you to take a zero. Also, bring an eraser in case you make a mistake.
 * Eat Healthy Food! During competitions, it is not a rare site to see team bases with twinkies, brownies, and sodas. Although getting sugared-up will give you a temporary boost, it is not good in the long run. Try eating healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, and drinking water. This will help you perform better during a test.