[MARS_James]

We started small as well and grew drastically our 4th year (from 18 to 42) had a huge drop off the next year (13) and now have grown to a confirmed 41 an expected 52

The biggest issue we have has been stated, make sure everyone is doing something, though also make sure everyone feels they are important and what they are doing contributes to the greater good. What I mean by that is sometimes rookies have been regulated to sorting nuts and bolts to proper containers and felt like they were being under utilized.

With a lot of incoming rookies like our team had for the last 3 seasons the best thing to do is make sure the more experienced members are teaching them, the older ones feel smarter while the younger members feel like they are being trained to take a meaningful position.

A few other issues highlighted are the travel arrangements, which becomes harder with a bigger team and you thought to wonder is it better to rent cars (or ask parents) or rent a bus? Also going out to eat, at the Orlando regional this year when of our parents said she called ahead to Panera Bread and got the ok when I walked in and she asked about my shirt and I said that 50 more people were about to walk in wearing them she looked like she was going to cry.

The one thing that I feel hasn't been spoken about is that the more people involved the more likely personalities will clash. When your team is small everyone feels like a family, when you get bigger more people means more opinions. Sometimes even in our FIRST culture people will just not get along and it is important for leadership to notice as quickly as possible. The best way to avoid this is make sure everyone's opinion is heard and appreciated sometimes that is enough

The final thing that I can not stress enough and I noticed this in my team this year and with a lot of bigger teams over the years, it is imperative that every member knows what FIRST and your team is about, it only takes one person on a team to "not get it" to ruin a reputation or a competition. Make sure yo stress that it is more than just a robot, that we believe in Coopertition not just Competition, and regardless of bias be happy for those around you.