Problems with Models

Q. We think we are missing pieces for a model - how should we proceed?

A. The correct procedure is to first verify that the model is being built correctly. If parts are indeed missing call LEGO Customer Support at 1-800-422-5346. Identify that you are with a FIRST LEGO League team and then specify the part numbers and quantities that you are missing from the attached file. Please note that these parts will be coming from Denmark so there will be a delay.

Regarding home base area

Q. Are we allowed to use a jig for purposes of lining up our robot? Online I see that many use one, I just wanted to confirm that it is acceptable as long as it is made out of LEGO pieces. Are we allowed to affix the jig in the home base in any way or does it have to be able to be just placed there and stationery on its own?

A. You can use a jig to line up the robot, as long as it is made entirely out of LEGOs. When you launch the robot, they also cannot be holding the jig. The jig must also fit completely in base when being used on the table (that is the inside surface of the 2 walls in the southwest corner of the mat and the curved base line on the mat.)

Regarding the Mat

Q. On our table (that was given to us) there was originally some space between the black border of the mat and the walls of the table. We adjusted everything so that there is no space between the table wall and the black border of the mat. Assuming we are not bringing our own mat, at the competition, will the tables be set up the same way? This came up when the boys were creating the jig and they wanted to make sure it was something we could use every single time.

A. When setting up the mat, please be sure to place the mat flush with the south wall, and evenly spaced between the east and west walls. There is some variation between the tables, so the gap between the mat and the edge of the table can differ slightly. Best of luck this season!

Q. We would like to know if the entire robot needs to be in base before they can touch it or does only any part of him reach base before they can touch it. Also the large waters that stack can they attach the two waters together or must they stay unattached. The last question was the fire truck is that suppose to shut off the house by its own power after the robot pushes it or can the robot push the fire truck all the way to the house.

A. Please note that if the team touches the robot once any part of it is not completely inside base, it is considered an interruption and will incur a penalty. Please note R14, and what happens to transported objects in the case of an interruption. There is one difference however. If the robot left base with the object during its previous run and was still transporting the object when the interruption happened, they can bring the object back to base with the robot.

R11 states that if you combine a mission model with something, the combination must be loose enough that if one is picked up, the other doesn't come with it.

As long as the fire drops only due to the firetruck applying direct force to the lever, it doesn't matter whether the robot is still in contact with the firetruck or not during this contact.