QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the Nationals competition, we would prefer that you post them on the Coaches forum as there maybe similar questions from other coaches. This allows TOYchallenge staff and other coaches to post answers to questions for everyone to see.
Do you think that we will have the certificates of participation for the teams that didn’t make it by then?
Hello,
We have sent out all Certificates of Participation. So if any teams that were not invited to the National competition did not receive their certificate, please let us know and we can re-send them. We want to make sure that everyone is recognized for doing such a great job.
What time does it start and what time is it finished? I'm trying to make plans.
As of right now we do not ave a schedule for the day because we are waiting for the confirmation from all of the teams. However you can expect to begin check-in and set-up at 8am and judging around 9am. This is not a definite schedule, but something you can plan around.
I would like to know how to start building a team for the toy challenge next year?
You can find everything needed to get started online at http://toychallenge.com/coaches.shtml. Registration for 2008 will begin sometime in September. Please keep checking the website for updated information.
For the prototype, is it ok to buy preprinted paper money or do we have to make
the money ourselves. Also, it is ok to buy small plastic animals (1-2"
long) to use as markers on the game board?
You may use both the paper money and the plastic animals. Just make sure they are used differently than their original purpose. Most teams do make their own game pieces and if you are able to, we would recommend doing so, but buying the parts is fine too.
The form for who is going, do you want all adults, or just the chaperons?
When filling out the Attendance Confirmation Form we need a list of everyone you think will be attending the competition that is not part of the team. This includes family, friends, co-workers, etc. If you are not sure, please put them down just in case or email us if you need to add anyone. Thank you.
Do we have to include the packaging of the toy/game in our presentation at Nationals?
For your prototype you do not need to include the packaging design. Many teams do create packaging or drawings of what they may design, but it is not required. We do recommend considering how you would package it and be able to explain that to the judges. We believe that the prototype itself is the most important aspect of your presentation and we want you to concentrate on making it the best you can. If you have enough time to make a package then you may do so.
Does the fund raising go through us or does it need to go through your office (some churches require that donations be sent directly to the church and is then disbursed)? Do you have any ideas for fundraising?
The fundraising does not go through Sally Ride Science. You as a team do all the fundraising for yourselves and whatever you receive you get to use. We do recommend keeping track of your funds and how you received them. This way you can explain to the judges all of your hard work.
There are many ideas on how to fundraise posted on the fundraising forum topic if you need some.
We may have some timing constraints (prior family commitments, etc.) in terms of all team members attending. We're trying to get 2 team members to attend but would it be acceptable to only have one team member and the coach attend the Nationals?
Unfortunately, as it states on page 21 of the Coaches Handbook:
We just want to confirm that we will attend Nationals. Is there something I need to do other than tell you this?
Yes, you must fill out the National Attendance Confirmation form and return it to the TOYchallenge staff by April 14th, 2008. This is now up online under the form link. Please fill it out and email or fax it back to us. The fax number is 858-638-1419. Thank you for letting us know that you will be attending! We are very excited to see what your team has created.
Thank you!