Your first combat robot tournament: a team checklist from registration to the final
What to pack for your first combat robot tournament, how to pass the tech check, what happens in the pits and how a day in the arena goes. A CCRL-based checklist.
Short answer: you will get through your first tournament if you arrive with a robot that passes the tech check (weight, size, external switch, failsafe, locked weapon), two or three charged batteries in a LiPo bag, a spare motor and wheels, and tools to retighten screws. Everything else – nerves, the draw and the first loss – is part of it. This checklist is based on the Czech Combat Robot League rules and on what organisers deal with most often when newcomers arrive.
Before the tournament: registration and preparation
- Register. Every tournament on the Tournaments page lists the date, venue, categories and a registration link. Sign up early; capacity is limited.
- Read the rules. The current wording for antweight and beetleweight, especially points 5.1–5.4 (safety) and 6.1 (what is checked).
- Do a home tech check. Weigh the robot in fighting configuration including the battery, switch the transmitter off with the drive running, check the switch and the weapon lock. The most common problems are in 10 most common mistakes when building a combat robot.
- Print spare parts. A second wedge, cover and mounts – there is no printer at the tournament.
- Charge the batteries the day before and confirm with the tester that every cell reads 4.2 V.
- Practise driving. Two hours between boxes on the floor: reversing, turning on the spot, sliding the wedge under an object.
What to pack: the bag checklist
| Category | Exactly what | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Robot | the robot, spare wedge/panels, spare blade or disc, weapon lock (2 pcs) | the rules allow interchangeable panels; locks get lost |
| Power | 2–3 batteries, charger, LiPo bag, tester, extension lead | charging only in a bag and under supervision (rule 3.3) |
| Spares | N20 motor, wheels, JST connectors, M2/M3 screws, threaded inserts | motors and wheels break most often |
| Tools | screwdrivers, hex keys, pliers, tweezers, soldering iron (if you have one), hot glue gun, cable ties, tape, superglue | most repairs are mechanical |
| Control | transmitter, charged AA cells for it, spare receiver antenna | a flat transmitter is a loss without a fight |
| Documents | for beetleweight the weapon energy calculation (Bristol Bot Builders calculator) | required by rule 4.3 of the beetleweight rules |
| For the team | water, snacks, a cap, a power bank, a notebook | it is a long day |
Tournament day: how it goes
Details differ from event to event, but the skeleton is always the same: arrival and claiming a spot in the pits, tech check, the draw, fights with repairs in between, then the knockout stage and the final. At big events such as Maker Faire add spectators and exhibition fights. How fights run, who judges and how they are scored is explained in How combat robot tournaments work.
Arrive early. There is a queue at the check, and whoever arrives last drives the first fight without having fixed what the organiser found.
The tech check step by step
Under rule 6.1 the organiser checks every robot for:
- Weight – on the organiser’s scale, in the configuration that goes into the arena. The limit is 150 g (antweight) or 1.5 kg (beetleweight), with exceptions for non-traditional movement.
- Size – an antweight must fit a 15 × 15 cm square; a beetleweight must fit through the arena door.
- Switch – accessible from outside, positions marked.
- Failsafe – transmitter off, the robot must stop, weapon included.
- Weapon lock – you show the lock and demonstrate that the weapon holds.
- For beetleweight also the power indicator light and the weapon energy calculation.
If something fails, you get precise feedback, fix it in the pits and come back. Nobody sends you home for it – you only lose time.
In the pits: safety and etiquette
- The robot is switched on only in the arena or the test box. In the pits it is off and the weapon is locked.
- Batteries outside the robot stay in a LiPo bag; charge only where you can see them.
- Cover sharp edges (rule 4.7) so nobody gets cut while handling the robot.
- The organiser and the referee have the final say; if you do not know something, ask.
- The community lends parts, tools and advice. Do the same – half of us started thanks to a motor someone lent us in the pits.
In the arena: the first fight
- Carry the robot into the arena with the weapon locked, switch it on, and only then remove the lock. After the fight the other way round: lock the weapon first, then switch off (rule 5.3).
- Drive simply. For the first minute keep the robot close, watch how the opponent drives, and attack with the wedge, not with speed.
- If the robot stops responding, leave it and tell the referee. Never reach into the arena with your hand.
- Switch the robot off and leave the arena only when the referee says so.
After the tournament
Inspect the robot, write down what broke and why, and share photos with the community – on Discord or our social channels. Most good second-season robots grew out of notes taken after the first tournament. And the next date is on the Tournaments page.
Every spare part from the checklist is in stock in the e-shop; before a tournament order at least a week ahead or pick up in person in Pilsen.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entry fee and how do I register?
It varies by event – registration, price and categories are always listed on the page of the specific tournament in the Tournaments section. Register early; places are limited by the capacity of the arena and the pits.
Do I need a team or can I come alone?
You can come alone. Two people are practical though: one drives, the other repairs, charges and watches the schedule between fights. For kids' teams we expect an accompanying adult.
How many fights will I get?
It depends on the number of robots entered and the format (groups, bracket, repechage). Expect several fights and plan batteries and spares accordingly – better one battery too many than one fight too few.
What if I fail the tech check?
The organiser tells you exactly what is wrong – most often the failsafe, the switch or the weight. You fix it in the pits and come back. That is why it pays to arrive early and bring tools as well as a lighter set of panels.
Can I come just to watch?
Most of our tournaments take place at public events such as Maker Faire or in open venues – you can come and cheer without a robot. Admission details are listed with each event.
Where do I find tournament dates?
Tournaments organised by FLS Battlebots are on the Tournaments page, and an overview of all combat robot tournaments including those abroad is on All tournaments. We also send news by newsletter.
