U.S. Drone Soccer Association Coach Best Practices

Your team’s first season is the most important as it sets the stage for future competitions. Teams should consider attending events and competing at opportunities- even if they feel unsure or ill-prepared.  The ropes are picked up easily at events and fellow teams are encouraged to pitch-in to assist newcomers.  Competitions are the best place to learn everything about U.S. Drone Soccer.  Pit management, team strategy, gameplay timing, along with technical tips and tricks --- all are a regular part of learning that is only possible from competing.  

 

Preparing for the Season – Have a plan for the season including the following:

 

1. Safety – batteries & drone equipment

2. Equipment needs, spare parts, & ancillary supplies

3. Locate additional mentors

4. Regular team meetings

5. Team Building activities

6. Brainstorming procedures & strategy development

7. Design projects

8. Season event participation

9. Pit supplies & procedures

10. Outreach – promoting your team & growing neighboring teams

 

Event Best Practices

1. Take care of AMA memberships early.  Make sure your team members are all AMA Members with Membership numbers handy.  For teams that sign-up as AMA MASC’s, team coach membership is paid for and event insurance (for host teams) is available. 
    

2. Team Coach should sign-in for the team and receive all instructions and materials for the event, including Team Captain arm bands.
    

3. Team Pit should be planned and mapped out in advance.
   - From equipment placement to snacks and displays,
   - Share space as Pit areas are shared and typically tight.   Design your space to fit within the confines of a 6 ft. table and 2 chairs within a typical 8x8 space. 
    

4. Team supplies should be clearly marked and placed within the Pit.
   Use your Team numbers to mark your equipment (this is easier than attempting to write out long team names and organizations).
    

5. A Team binder is a great idea to keep organized

   1. Checklist of supplies and equipment going to the event.

   2. A list of team members and emergency contact information

      1. Team member task/assignments/responsibilities list

         1. A team member should be assigned to transporting batteries to and from the assigned battery charging station

      2. Gameplay ruleset & FAI Rules

      3. Battery list

         1. All batteries must be clearly marked with Team Number and first use date.

      4. Team Info sheet with photo, brief paragraph or bullet points describing your team, school/organization, city/town, contact information

      5. Have a team member or parent responsible for photos, video, and a team information sheet for media requests.  All attendees are subject to media rules set by the event organizers and venue and posted at the event entrance.

6. Team members should always notify the coach when leaving the Pit and never move through any venue alone.  

7. No team members should move through the event space alone. Employ a buddy system.

8. Be aware of formal and informal inspection times. Anticipate inspection of all drone balls and controllers at any time by event staff. 

9. Pilots’ Meeting is typically in the morning prior to matches.

10. Remind team members and team guests (spectators) about event etiquette and rules.

11. All teams should plan on staying for the Awards Ceremony and applauding other teams as a sign of good sportsmanship. Team coins and awards are for those teams that stay for the Awards Ceremony.  Do not expect to receive event items for those team members not in attendance.  
    
     

Team Gear for Competitions

1. Dedicated Laptop with Betaflight software preloaded

2. Tool Box

   1. Drone Sports, Inc. Tool Kit

   2. Spare parts – zip ties, props, motors, cage pieces

3. 30-40+ Batteries & Fireproof Battery Storage  

   1. New battery storage ammo box or LiPo safe bag

   2. Used / warm battery storage ammo box or LiPo safe bag

4. Team Shirts or badges – show your colors!

   1. Proudly display your team logo, name & number!

   2. Add logos of the school, mascot, and sponsors!

5. Team Pit Incidentals

   1. Cooler

   2. Cart

   3. Drone Storage

   4. Portable cart to assist in moving equipment

 

Ways to Promote Drone Soccer in Your District

 

1. Connect with State ISTE affiliated organizations to alert other technology educators.

2. Promote your organization’s new venture into U.S. Drone Soccer via social media & traditional media outlets.  

3. Connect with other teams via social media.

4. Demo at public events to gain volunteers and team interest – from those requested by your school to public fairs and expos.

5. Promote team camaraderie with unofficial events and Tech Meets.

6. Provide regular updates to activities via social media and website/page.