Preparing for National Championships

Transportation

DOTS charter buses

DOTS has charter buses available for rates significantly below those of commercial bus companies. These buses are equipped with outlets and WiFi Internet access. DOTS buses are popular, so they should be reserved as early as possible.

Air travel

For some locations, air travel is either necessary or cheaper than hiring a bus. In general, taxis should be reserved or cars should be hired to transport the team from the airport to the hotel if public transit is not available. When choosing a flight, keep in mind baggage fees, and whether the airline considers fencing bags oversize. To keep costs down, all weapons can be transported in communal bags.

Funding

Because we have gone to nationals every year since we were first invited, our budget requests for the year can include funds intended for use for nationals. CRS has a championships fund, from which we can request money for nationals specifically as the trip draws near.

Requesting approval

CRS policy requires that we request approval for the trip a month ahead of time. For it to count as national championships, we have to qualify. CRS considers us to do so because teams must be invited to compete in USACFC.

Itinerary

Because traveling to national championships often involves several legs of travel, during any of which team members might get separated from the group, the trip can be made smoother by drawing up a printable itinerary to be distributed to everyone going on the trip. This can include:

• A schedule of the trip
• Details about all modes of transportation
• Rosters
• Costs
• Baggage policies
• Lodging information
• Maps and directions