[Steve W]

Last post on this topic for me (I hope). As a volunteer and mentor I am glad to see this implemented. Before this process was even mentioned I had gotten a check done and submitted to the team. This is good for the team, the parents and me. The system may not be perfect and definitely won't pick up first time offenders but it does cover a lot of potential problems. It may be for my protection more than the students. It shows that I am not afraid to have a check done, that I am willing to be watched and that I want to be accountable for my actions.

Yes some people may not be allowed to be mentors because of their past and that may seem unfair BUT is it not better to err on the safe side. Remember it is not a right to be a mentor on a FIRST team but a privilege. I think we should be willing to help FIRST and support their decisions all the way. Do people think that this is just a whim by FIRST. Much thought and background work has gone into this implementation. FIRST has increased its workload by doing this. WHY?

As for students that are 18 or 19, you are still students and not mentors. Once you are no longer a student at the school and you return to help THEN you become a mentor. This is common sense. I see people on this thread being soooo legalistic without using common sense. It's almost like picking the rules apart to find any small way to beat them. Lets try to boost FIRST and help them at this time rather than pick them apart for trying to do what's best for everyone. FIRST is one GREAT organization and I am proud to be associated with it. Lets stand behind and support them as they move forward.

Enough ranting,

EDIT: I have just read Daves remarks and maybe I don't know all of the facts. I do live in Canada ( EH ! ) and my background check is done by the Police. I must go in fill out forms and submit to them. When the background check is done I receive the results in the mail saying if I passed or not. I then submit to the team. To have an outside source do the check and have all my info then I would also have to think twice. Thanks Dave for the insight.