[JaneYoung]

There is a lot of preparation that you and your drive team can do in advance of the competition, itself.

Come up with a game plan in how you are going to work with your scouts (and scouts on other teams) and with your strategists. This means things like scheduled drive team/scouting/strategy meetings in the evenings. The more organized you are in advance of the competition, the more prepared you are to compete.

This word of advice is for you, your drive team, and for the team you represent that is supporting you in the stands. Based on your preparation and the job you have at hand during the competition, your team has to trust your decisions. That means they can't second guess you. Not in the stands, not in a restaurant, not in a hotel elevator. They have given the job to you and your drive team and their criticism and second guessing is not necessary. Their support is. We have this discussion every year, helping the team understand the value of team support, inspiration, and respect for each other.

Jane