[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by EricH

Depends on the team. ...

I agree. I'm a technical mentor and an event volunteer.

My team is fortunate to have several technically strong sponsors and mentors, and an excellent core group of technically oriented teachers. Our students probably get more technical guidance and suggestions than they really need (or want?) during the build period. By the time we get to regional competitions, they are ready to handle what comes their way in the pit and on the field.

I started volunteering as a robot inspector in 2003. I enjoy seeing other robots up close. Sometimes I offer our scouts some advice, but more often they have already seen whatever I point out.

This year, another mentor on our team also volunteered as an inspector on Thursday at St. Louis, then was asked to serve as a referee on Friday and Saturday.

IMHO, mentors make excellent volunteers at FRC events because we have already committed several weeks effort to understanding the specific objectives, strategies, and rules for that year's challenge. FIRST always needs more volunteers. Mentors who anticipate having time available at an event should consider volunteering, particularly in areas where their detailed knowledge of the rules would be of greatest help; e.g., as referees and inspectors.

This year I served as lead robot inspector at St. Louis. I also helped with robot inspections at Buckeye. And I will be inspecting robots again at the Championship, where I hope to see many other team mentors who have time to volunteer.