We emphasize in the CRO course that good CROs arrive at the stage they are working with a basic toolkit. But after working a few major matches recently, I am thinking we need to remind all CROs and ROs working a stage. Always show up ready to maintain your stage!
We provide an extensive list of items for a CRO toolkit in the course, but here are the bare essentials all staff should bring to a match: stapler, staple puller, wrenches to adjust poppers, and a good multitool. If you are driving to the match, also bring a small sledge hammer for pounding stakes, duct tape, a tape measure, extra staples, and zip ties. If I fly, I bring the essentials and source duct tape, zip ties, and staples at the hardware store if they aren’t provided by the match. I also have a sharpie or two in case I need to witness mark targets. Even if you fly, you should bring the bare essentials. Carbon fiber staplers are super lightweight and won’t weigh down your suitcase.
What I have noticed at matches, is that some CROs are not bringing any tools because they assume that the match will provide everything because their club does. Don’t make that assumption! And even if they match provides one stapler and one staple puller, having multiples makes target changes go much faster. And even when I RO, I bring basic tools because I don’t know if the CRO will be prepared or what the match will provide.
If you commit to working a major match, remember to pack your stapler, staple puller, wrenches, and multitool! It will make the stage run smoother because you will have what you need to efficiently work.