#betthefarm2016 Sponsor Spotlight: Fort Payne Improvement Authority

We are pleased to have Fort Payne Improvement Authority on board as a bronze sponsor again this year. FPIA has been a solid supporter of BEST since 2013 and we appreciate all they do for the community and for Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics.

#betthefarm2016 Sponsor Spotlight: Source 4 Manufacturing

We are pleased that Source 4 Manufacturing, of Scottsboro, has joined Northeast Alabama BEST as a Silver Sponsor this year. A BEST sponsor since 2013, Source 4 Manufacturing is a local, family-owned company that is deeply involved in the community.

We thank them for being part of the Northeast Alabama BEST family!

Sponsor Spotlight: Tennessee Valley Authority

Thanks to the Tennessee Valley Authority for being a sponsor of Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics. TVA has been a sponsor since the inception of Northeast Alabama BEST in 2012.

This year TVA is providing $100 per team to help with expenses. They will also provide $500 for each of the teams advancing to South's BEST in Auburn.

Beyond the direct support to teams, TVA has provided funds each year to help us build the field, purchase kits, and provide training opportunities. We appreciate their sponsorship of BEST!

Clarification on Live Animals and Food

It has come to our attention that the rules this year indicate that no food may be given out at exhibit booths. We are interpreting this to include candy. Therefore, please refrain from giving out candy at your exhibit booth. 

A news post on our website answered the question regarding having live animals in exhibit booths. While this is not specifically forbidden by BEST rules, we strongly discourage the use of live animals in your booth. The cost, in our view, definitely outweighs the benefit. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. 

Please address any questions regarding these issues to Dr. Mike Kennamer (kennamerm@nacc.edu).

TVA Provides Funding for Teams

Good news! The Tennessee Valley Authority has agreed to provide $100 to each Northeast Alabama BEST team again this year to help with expenses. Checks will be issued at Practice Day. You may also choose to apply the $100 toward the cost of purchasing your returnable kit.

In addition, TVA will provide $500 to each of the teams who advance to South's BEST this year to assist with travel expenses. These checks will be issued on game day or soon thereafter. We are tremendously appreciative to TVA for their support of Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics and BEST Robotics across the TVA service area. 

Game Day Questions

Some teams have asked questions about exhibit booths on game day.

Question: Is it allowable to pass out candy at our exhibit booths?
Answer: As long as it is not prohibited by the rules or causes a potential safety hazard, you may give out candy. We would recommend that it be aligned with the theme. Otherwise, one might question the purpose.

Question: May we have live animals in our exhibit booth?
Answer: There is nothing in the rules that prohibits your having live animals in your exhibit booth. However, the following needs to be addressed:

1. Safety is paramount. - Precautions against cross contamination must be taken. Also, the animal(s) must be treated humanely. 
2. Containment. - All items in your booth must be contained within an 8' x 8' x 8' cube at all times. So no 9-foot giraffes will be allowed. 
3. Clean up. - You are responsible for cleaning and removing any messes made in and around your booth. 
4. Is it worth it? - Is a live chicken more effective than a drawing of a chicken to tell your story? That's for you to decide, but consider this as you make decisions regarding your booth. 

Reminder: Rosters and Release Forms Due No Later Than October 5

Reminder to all BEST teams that rosters (with T shirt sizes) and liability release forms are due no later than Wednesday, October 5. We need sizes so that we can get Tshirts ordered in time for game day. Please be sure to submit your rosters and forms to Hannah Crawford no later than Wednesday.