[Greg Hainsworth]

I would suggest you have the Chairman's team start work in September when school begins and have it finished before kickoff. You have a lot on the plates of the mechanical team in week 1. I recommend assigning other people (possibly freeing up some of the award submitters) to building field elements and do that during the first weeks of build season while the other members study the game and rules. Or if the award members are not mechanically inclined, have them do the book work while the mechanical team does the hands on building of field elements. Then the award members explain the game rules to the rest of the team.

We found this year it was helpful for the team to see the field elements in person when they were brainstorming the drive system and strategizing which points to score.

I can sympathize with your lead mentor not wanting to be involved outside of build season. The reality is FRC is a 12 month commitment and prep for FRC build season starts in September (which coincides with the kickoff for FTC unfortunately). You may want to look at your senior members to take over lead roles on the awards and work independantly while providing updates to the lead mentor weekly or bi-weekly. The submission period opens in November. Imagine the pressure you could relieve during build season it that work was done before kickoff. It would be like adding 3 members to your roster for build season.

Hope this is helpful. Good Luck.