Outside Assistance
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To ensure that team members get the full benefits of participation and to ensure fairness, team members must design and create all aspects of their problem solution. This includes their membership sign, props, all technical requirements (vehicles, structures, etc.) and costumes.
These must either be (1) made by team members or (2) put together by team members from commercially produced parts. If team members are not able to make a solution, prop, costume or sign that they have designed, or if a coach feels the tools they wish to use to make an item are too dangerous for team members to operate, then the team members must find another way to construct the item or redesign it so they can make it themselves. Coaches act as facilitators but are not allowed to suggest how a team should solve a problem. They may pose thought-provoking questions but should never hint at a solution. If the team asks for an opinion, the coach should respond, “You decide.” Parents and other supporters may act as tutors or instructors, but they must not make suggestions on how to solve the problem. For example, a parent may teach the members how to sew — if they ask — but cannot suggest that they sew or design a costume for the team’s solution. At competition, others are allowed to help the team transport props and other problem materials into the Check-In and Staging Areas. However, others may not help the team assemble backdrops or anything else, or apply makeup, fix costumes, etc. For a more detailed explanation of Outside Assistance, refer to your Program Guide. Additional resources are in the sidebar at right. |
Outside Assistance Resources |