[Jon Stratis]

Note that in the rules, there is no definition for "members of the team". FIRST only requires two mentors to register via TIMS - the primary and secondary contacts. FIRST only requires signed release forms (either paper or digital) from mentors that attend a FIRST event (regional, district, champs, kickoff). It is entirely possible to be a mentor for a team without doing any of this!. In fact, my team has had a mentor for a couple of years now that never bothered to register in TIMS, as it's not required, and has never filled out a release form as he's never attended an event (work conflict she can't get out of). He still followed all required rules and procedures to join the team, though!

The way the rule can and should be unforced is through spot checking at the competition. If an inspector sees something that was beautifully designed and CNC'd, they can ask the students where they had it made - the answer should clearly define what appears on the BOM.