[wireties]

There is another angle on the mentor role that isn't mentioned often in this thread. Most (but not all) of the first tier teams have been around for a while. Why is that? I think that mentors and teachers help keep the "corporate" memory of the team. Older students pass on many things to younger students but the teachers and mentors are direct links to the past. And the past has value...

New students make the same mistakes again every year (as do young engineers). It is not a bad thing but an expected and reasonable occurrence. There is no stronger response from a mentor (or older student) than telling the student theirs is a great idea but we tried it in 200X and failed miserably and let us tell you why.

I've been with FRC1296 nine years now along side the same awesome teacher/sponsor. The continuity is valuable. Our "memory" is being reinforced with students (now with engineering & CS degrees) returning as mentors. I've had a lot of fun with the younger mentors this year.

Our students make all decisions but we mentors endeavor to make sure the decisions are based on solid science and math, analyzed and modeled where possible, and executed safely and productively. Sure, the mentors could make a more competitive robot but what fun would that be? It is great to to see the students innovate, master the design process, apply math and science and learn to use the tools. It works for us.