[JaneYoung]

I have a couple of thoughts regarding the manual discussion.

First of all, this is a discussion and opinions are being expressed here in CD. Members of FIRST teams are participating in the discussion but this isn't FIRST. That said, in my opinion, following each competition season, FIRST listens to and pays attention to constructive ways to improve the program. By presenting some of the rules pre-Kick Off, this helps teams be aware of areas they would want to look at such as the crate - before the crunch of build. I found this to be pro-active in helping all of the teams, including the rookies. No one wants to see rookie teams or any teams fail. Ever.

At the same time, I wouldn't want to start thinking we have to save the rookies from themselves. That isn't our job. Everyone is presented the 2007 manual. Rookie team leaders know or soon learn that the manual is very important to the success of the team's participation in competition. If a rookie team or any team struggles with that and are aware as they struggle, that it is something they can improve on for next season, they will. Individuals within the team, the team leaders, and the team - make the decisions on how to follow the rules and to learn the rules and how to make use of the Q & A forums in the FIRST website. That can not be done for rookies or for any team.