[daniel_dsouza]

If you were in Arizona, I'd invite him to join our team!

Back to the OP's question. Our club is based out of our school, and we therefore have to abide by school rules (like the school is completely closed on Sundays). The main rule is that, unlike school sports, "[our club] cannot cut anybody from the club based on qualifiers or tryouts." Our teacher/sponsor can ask people to leave and never come back, but only if he as a compelling reason (damage of property, danger to himself and others, etc.)

Club rules aside, I(club president) would never put restrictions on who could join our team. I have found that some of our best members have varied interests, and are often called away because of band, sports, or volunteer work. Anyone can apply to be an officer, or be part of the drive team. And despite being a lower budget club, we don't demand any payment. Although we do ask that club members take advantage of Arizona's school-friendly tax credit laws. (you give us $400, and get your money back from taxes.) While our nonexistent sieve for new members might hinder our chances of building the best robot, the important thing is that our members benefit from the FIRST experience and take something away that will help them in their future lives.

I hope your friend finds a team.

Disclaimer: the situation for our team is that we are understaffed, even with two schools feeding our team.