[Bob Steele]

We have a drive team... that consists of a driver an operator a coach and a human player.
The only position that is allowed to be an adult is the coach position.

Depending on what the alliance determines, our human player may be throwing tubes this year, or being the "analyst"

On our team I act as the Coach... I am a mentor.
This is what brings us the most success and allows me to direct our actions if necessary. It also allows me to remind our team members to act in gracious ways and to assist other teams (whether they are in OUR alliance or the OPPOSING alliance) Normally I don't have to say anything... except act as an extra pair of eyes and look at the greater strategy.

I may wander across the entire back of the driving area and help other teams or adjust strategy on the fly....

This works for our team... it works for many teams. I learned from some of the very best, back in the Midwest. I got to see teams like 111, 71, 217, 45 and many others in action. I got to coach with them behind the glass. I saw many really great things happening.... I adopted this method..

You can certainly decide what your team wants to do but please don't put your value judgements on other teams.

Our team has seen several teams "stretch" the rules on the field... we discuss this... we learn from our actions...we simply won't do that.

We play by the rules and we act in as gracious and professional manner as we can.

My heart is still moved when my drive team mates are the first across the field to congratulate the team that just beat us ...

Sometimes mentors lead in order to provide the example for their team members.... sometimes we get to watch the students lead....

It is interesting to see just how much teams are like their mentors.... As mentors we have a great duty.... like it or not... we are role models... our teams will emulate us...good or bad....

This is a big lesson to learn

We all have lessons to learn...
students AND mentors...

Good luck on the field!!