Having read the last several posts about programmers, I find that programmers can have multiple roles for the team, or do things related to
FIRST that isn't exclusive to programming, like strategy, scouting or programming software like scouting apps (or try to get
Sundial working for your team)
Also, having mechanical knowledge of the robot can help because it can be of use when you are deciding how to place the electronics or sensors on the robot.
Despite the glut of leisure programmers may get, it's still very easy to get off-task.