In accordance with FLL's Global Standards, all qualifiers must advance teams based on Champion's Award criteria, including the 40% Robot Performance hurdle. Note that if more than 20% of teams will advance from a qualifier, the hurdle rate may be adjusted in advance of the event to reflect up to twice the percentage of advancing teams. For example, if 30% of teams will advance, the Robot Performance hurdle rate may be changed to include the top 60% of teams.
Sometimes this policy may mean that even award winning teams will not advance to Championship if they are not well-rounded. Alternately, a team that did not win any awards may advance if they performed reasonably well across all areas. It is important whenever possible to help teams and spectators understand how these decisions are made. It is recommended that events consider ceremony recognition strategies that may help educate all regarding advancement decisions. For example, in Oregon they plan to distribute an "ACE" award (Advancement to Championship Event) to all advancers. Others may choose to acknowledge throughout the ceremony all teams nominated for awards with Honorable Mentions so strong teams will be more visible.
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