FIRST® LEGO League Open Africa Championship
7-9 May 2025
English will be the official language of this event. This means all communications with Volunteers, Judges and Referees will be in English. Presentations, reports and poster board info will also need to be in English. If teams struggle with English as a communication language, they are welcome to bring a translator that can assist them, such a person will also be allowed in the Judging sessions.
OAC Program Overview
This is a preliminary program for the 3 days of the competition, 7-9 May 2025.
Just take note that the Lunch Time of the teams will not necessarily be at the same time for all teams. We recommend that teams look at their own individual time schedule and then decide what time they want to take lunch, to avoid long queues at the food suppliers.
A more detailed programme can be found at Schedule
TRAVEL
All teams will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Cape Town International Airport will be the closest Airport.
Buses, shuttles or cars with drivers can be hired, it is most likely the best way to travel in Cape Town.
Vehicles can also be hired for self driving - you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in South Africa, if your driver's license is not in English. You can get an IDP in your home country or in South Africa. Just make sure it is written in the English language.
Remember we drive on the left side of the road!
Ride sharing Apps like UBER and BOLT can be used in SA.
In Cape Town we don't have an underground railway system, nor do the trains (above ground) form very good grids to travel to various part of the city. Bus services will be a better option, but make sure that you get all their time and route schedules, before you start using them.
International travellers - PLEASE TAKE NOTE - In South Africa we have minibus Taxis, who mainly travel to local townships, and not to hotels or the Convention centre. Safety is not their first concern and they often travel through unsafe areas. Make sure you use reputable transport companies.
HOTELS - Accommodation
Teams are responsible for their own accommodation bookings.
The following Hotels are in close proximity of the venue and they are aware that FIRST Lego League teams will book accommodation with them for the duration of the OAC. They have limited rooms at special rates for FIRST LEGO League teams.
Teams can book any accommodation in Cape Town, but please do make sure it is in a safe and secure location.
Also be aware, Cape Town is notorious for very heavy morning traffic,and it can take very long to get to the CTICC that time of morning. Accommodation further away from the centre, will probably be cheaper, but it will take much longer for teams to get to the CTICC in the morning. (Teams need to be on time for Judging sessions and robot games, if you miss your session or game, there will not be another time in our busy schedule to fit you in.)
Hotels
Pit Area
Pit Area Specifications:
- Dimensions of the pit area: 3 meters(width) x 3 meters(length) x 3 meters(height)
- The partitions between the pit areas will only be 1.2 meters high. There will be no high walls to put posters on
- This is what the pit Area/pit stand will look like, without the long poles:
- Each team will have a table - probably 1.83 meters(length) x 76 cm(width) x 74 cm (high) and 2 chairs
- There will also be a power/electrical point at each pit area.
- Teams can put up pit area decorations.
- They can also use Gazebos in their pit area, as part of their decorations, as long as they stay within the space limit of 3 meters by 3 meters. Strictly - NO bigger.
- Teams can buy a Gazebo, for ZAR 1100, using this link: Buy 3x3m gazebo through the OAC Store
Teams are encouraged to decorate their pit using their team colours, posters, streamers, balloons etc.
- Teams can bring their own tablecloths, as part of their pit area decoration, or use the tablecloths provided by the venue.
- Remember to bring adaptor power plugs (multi plugs) if you want to use plugs from your own country or buy it in South Africa. There will be 1 Type M power plug available per team.
NO open water containers will be allowed in pit areas. If your team needs to have a container with water, it must be able to seal properly. Teams will also not be allowed to take open water containers to the Judging rooms. Water spillage, can be a safety hazard!!!
Robot games
The robot games will be the same as standard FIRST Lego League robot games.
There will be 8 official game tables, two-two paired together, as FIRST Lego League normally runs their robot games. All official robot games, as well as all Practice robot games, will be played on these tables. All robot games will be 2.5 minutes long and we will use tablets with digital score sheets.
Practice games are allowed so that teams can get used to the competition environment, without affecting their scores. A practice game will be similar to a competition game, with other teams, referees, a MC that will be giving running commentary, music and also scoring. Remember the scores of practice games will not count towards the final competition ranking, for the Robot Performance Award. Teams will have an opportunity to discuss with their referee any scoring discrepancies between regions, after their first practice game.
There will be 2 Practice robot games - Practice game scores will not count towards the final competition ranking.
There will be 3 official robot games - Only the highest score from all 3 official games will count towards the overall competition rankings.
- 1st Practice game will start at 14:00 on 7 May in Hall 4 and it will be the only Robot game on this day.
- 2nd Practice game will start at 8:00 on 8 May in Hall 4
- 1st Official game will start at 11:30 on 8 May in Hall 4
- 2nd Official game will start at 14:20 on 8 May in Hall 4
- 3rd Official game will start at 08:00 on 9 May in Hall 4
- Team Alliance Games will be held on Friday 9 May in the Hall 4
To the one side of the hall there will be Test Tables, where teams can do Test runs, to see if their programming needs improvements, after which they can make corrections. Teams will need to write down their names on the scheduling list to secure their Test run appointments. Test run slots will be 10 minutes long, no consecutive test runs may be booked.
Teams must be at the robot game Queuing Area 10 minutes prior to their game! Both to the left and the right of the official game tables, will be special Queuing Areas for teams waiting to do their robot games.
Coaches are permitted to join the team on the competition floor, but will have to stand outside the marked area. No active directing from coaches is permitted.
JUDGING SESSIONS
The OAC judging process will be the same as prescribed by FIRST. One 30 min session, will take place in 1 Judging room, where both the Innovation Project presentation and the Robot Design presentation will be done, according to the Judging Session Flowchart
- Two minutes will be allowed for setup and introductions.
- 5 minutes to Present their innovation project expanding on their research, experts consulted, solution, design of the prototype and improvements to it.
- Next 5 minutes - Q&A session about their innovation project.
- Then 5-minutes Robot design presentation during which the teams will explain their design and game strategy, attachments, and progression of their robot and attachments throughout the season.
- Next 5 minutes - Q&A session about their robot design and strategy.
- In the last few minutes, Judges may ask clarifying questions and Teams may choose to tell the judges something special about themselves. Judges can then provide verbal feedback, if time permitted.
Throughout both these presentation sessions, core values will be observed and assessed.
Judges will be using electronic tools to fill in the standard rubrics, as prescribed for the Submerged season. Judging Rubrics
The judging room will be a smallish room with a judging table where judges will be seated. There should be a table available for the teams to use for setting up their poster (if applicable), prototype, robot, and attachments.
Please note that the rooms might not be equipped with electricity for any devices. If a device is required, a team must supply their own. Teams need to ensure devices are charged and ready for use - and can be set up in the initial 2 minutes. NO additional set-up or take down time can be allowed for this.
CULTURAL NIGHT - Wednesday 7th May
To celebrate the diversity of our FIRST teams, we invite all teams to take part in this cultural exchange.
Teams will get a chance to share something of Cultural interest about their country - perhaps a Cultural song, a traditional/folk dance, some special craft/art that your country is known for, a traditional game or some food that is popular in your country - through an interactive experience with other teams. Or any other activity in which you can show us some culturally significant activity of your country.
All teams have the opportunity to sign up to present an interactive experience. Presenting is optional, but encouraged. Each team that signs up will get a 10 min slot to present their interactive experience, depending on the kind of activity your team wants to share, the slots can be made longer.
For the first part teams can share in the South African food culture, and then join other teams in smaller interactive experiences, at their pit areas or other display areas in the hall.
In the second part, teams will get a chance to display their cultural activities on a small stage, while engaging with other teams. Show off your traditional dance moves (perhaps teaching it to some other teams) or share a cultural song with others.
Keeping the best for last, teams will get the chance to rock the party and be part of bigger interactive celebrations performance.
Not all teams will be selected to perform, depending on the amount of teams who want to be part of this Cultural night activities, we will have to select the teams with more interesting activities. That is why we need good descriptions or good short explanation short videos, of your planned interactive activities.
We will supply a schedule of the Cultural Night activities closer to the competition, so teams can prepare for their activities.
If there are more than 1 team from a country that are attending the competition, they are welcome to put together a combined interactive experience for us.
If your team wants to present an interactive experience during the Cultural Night, please fill in this form, BEFORE 11 April 2025.
OAC Alliance Games
We are excited to introduce the OAC Alliance Games, a unique and strategic competition designed to encourage teamwork and innovation.
Game Format
- Each robot game will feature two Teams, randomly paired with another Team to form an Alliance - so two robots on 1 table.
- The paired Teams will compete together on the same table, working collaboratively to achieve the highest possible score.
- The two teams will get 2.5 mins for their one combined robot game.
Game Rules
- There is only two rules: If one Alliance Team rescues/grab their robot, the other Teams must also rescue/grab their robot) their (on the same table). And both robots must attempt missions.
- Beyond this, there are no rules and no penalties—allowing for maximum creativity and strategic game play. The normal games scores will be awarded for the missions.
- Missions can only be done by the robots.
Strategy & Teamwork
- Before the match begins, Teams should meet with their Alliance partner to discuss and develop an effective strategy for achieving the highest score.
Awards & Recognition
- The winning Teams will be honoured with the prestigious Alliance Winner Trophy.
Aquarium visit - 8 May
We plan to start our Aquarium visit, by walking from the CTICC, from around 17:00.
The idea of walking is that teams will experience the street view and street life first hand. Among other things we will walk through part of the Cape Town docks where the teams will see boats and ships up close.
Teams don’t have to worry about safety, because we will have extra security people around, and our Volunteers will be with the teams all the time.
For people who have difficulty with walking, a small shuttle will be organised.
We’re only permitted entry at the Aquarium at 18:00, and participants will be divided into smaller groups.
In the Aquarium, there will be guides, who will be able to give teams short info sessions about some exhibitions. There will also be a touch pool area, where physical touching of certain species will be allowed, under staff supervision.
Most likely it will be up to the teams, as to how long the visit will take, but we have permission to stay till 21:00,
their Cafeteria will be open.
After the Aquarium visit, there will be a small shuttle back to the CTICC, but not everyone can be transported with that. So teams will have to organise their own transport from the Aquarium or we can walk back to CTICC, there will be some volunteers who can accompany the teams.
Teams are then welcome to go to the V&A Waterfront Mall, where there are many restaurants and other shops, and it is only a short walk from the Aquarium. There will be patrol officers in the vicinity of the V&A Waterfront.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Safety at our venue:
The CTICC - our competition venue - works closely with the police and City of Cape Town, together with their own security services to take the best measures to ensure the venue is a safe environment for staff and all Convention Centre visitors.
The CTICC have on-site a medical facility that is equipped to provide first-rate medical assistance and the closest hospital - is 500 meters away, the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, is at the Cnr DF Malan Street and Rua Bartholomeu Dias Plain, Foreshore, Cape Town.
Cape Town Central Business District
The Cape Town Central Business District (CBD), a popular tourist area, is generally considered safe, during the day, with visible safety presence and proactive security measures, There will be public safety officers(with green safety jackets) who patrol the streets 24/7, to assist visitors, please feel welcome to ask them for assistance.
Emergency Numbers in Cape Town
- Emergencies from a mobile: 112
- Emergencies from a landline: 107
- Ambulance: 10177
- South African Police Service: 10111
- Medical & Fire Emergencies: +27 21 535 1100
- Table Mountain NP Emergencies: +27 (0)86 110 6417
- Sea & Mountain Rescue: 021 937 0300
- National Sea Rescue Institute: 082 911
Emergency contacts and Foreign Consulate contact numbers
General Safety Tips for visiting Cape Town:
- We recommend not to have too much cash on you. Most places accept credit cards for payment. If you need cash, you can withdraw cash with your credit card at most ATM’s - Automated Teller machines. If you have cash that you want to exchange, the airport is the best place.
- Do not let strangers assist you at ATM’s, rather go into the bank when you struggle to withdraw cash.
- Do not walk around with your cell phones or other valuables, in your hand, or publicly displayed, keep it close to your body, and out of sight from other people, to prevent falling target to pick pockets.
- Always try to move in groups, when you walk around, for your own safety, and avoid dark areas at night.
Health
High-quality tap (faucet) water is available across the city and it is both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap. The quality of the food is excellent, and Cape Town has some of the top restaurants in the world.
Weather
Cape Town can experience all 4 seasons in one day. The month of May is Autumn and the start of the rainy winter season, but it is not as cold as winter yet. The wind can blow very strong in Cape Town, and it usually is accompanied by rain, so we want to advise not to bring an umbrella, rather bring a rain jacket. When you are outdoors, and the sun is shining, be advised to wear a ahat and sunscreen, particular between 10:00 -14:00 pm.
Here is some weather info: Cape Town weather Please assure that you bring along clothing for all seasons.
OAC FIRST LEGO League Challenge Awards!
Awards for OAC are divided into two categories: Required Awards and Optional Awards
Required Awards
These awards represent thecore pillarsof the FIRST LEGO League Challenge experience and will be presented at the competition:
- Champion's Award:
- Purpose: Celebrates the team that best embodies the overall FIRST LEGO League experience, excelling in the Innovation Project, Robot Design, Robot Performance, and demonstrating strong Core Values. This is the top award.
- Quantity: 1 Winner and 3 Finalists
- Core Values Award:
- Purpose: Recognizes a team showing extraordinary enthusiasm, spirit, respect, and teamwork throughout the competition.
- Quantity: 1 Winner and 3 Finalists
- Innovation Project Award:
- Purpose: Awarded to the team with an outstanding project, demonstrating in-depth research, a creative and well-explained solution, and effective communication.
- Quantity: 1 Winner and 3 Finalists
- Robot Design Award:
- Purpose: Celebrates a team applying excellent engineering principles and programming practices to create a mechanically sound, efficient, and high-performing robot.
- Quantity: 1 Winner and 3 Finalists
- Robot Performance Award:
- Purpose: Recognizes the team whose robot scores the most points during the Robot Game matches.
- Quantity: 1 Winner (highest score), with Finalists recognized for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place scores
- Coach/Mentor Award:
- Purpose: Honors coaches and mentors whose leadership and guidance clearly inspire their teams and exemplify the FIRST Core Values.
- Quantity: 3 Winners
Optional Awards
OAC will also award the followingOptionalAwards:
- Breakthrough Award:
- Purpose: Celebrates a team showing significant growth and progress in confidence and capability in the Robot Game and Innovation Project, while demonstrating strong Core Values.
- Quantity: 3 Winners.
- Engineering Excellence Award:
- Purpose: Recognizes a team with an efficiently designed robot, an innovative project, and strong Core Values evident in their work.
- Quantity: 3 Winners.
- Rising All-Star Award:
- Purpose: Awarded to a team that the judges notice for their potential and expect great things from in the future.
- Quantity: 3 Winners.
- Motivate Award:
- Purpose: Celebrates a team that embraces the culture of FIRST LEGO League through outstanding team building, team spirit, and enthusiasm.
- Quantity: 3 Winners.
- Winning Alliance Award:
- Purpose:Recognised the 2 teams that won the highest combined score in the Alliance Games
- Quantity:1 Winner - Both Alliance Teams receives an award
Good luck to all teams! Remember that the FLL experience is about learning, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism®, no matter which awards are presented.
Food at the competition
Teams are responsible for their own food, there will be food suppliers in the venue, so teams can buy the meals right there.
Just a reminder, that we are not supposed to bring food and drinks into the venue. If you do buy food from stores outside of the CTICC, then you can not bring it in and eat it inside, you must eat it outside.
If you do bring sweets or any other edible stuff to give to other teams, please don't put handsfull on your pit area table, just a few at a time, the rest you can store under your pit table, till when you need it. Also try to conceal the food you are bringing in. Don't display or carry your food openly, because they can charge you extra fees if they see you bringing it in.
The only meal we will supply is the light dinner at Cultural night.
Also remember that there will be water coolers inside the venue, and we will be giving a reusable water bottle to all team members, Coaches and Supporter, which you can refill anytime at the water coolers.