[Andrew Schreiber]

Perhaps showing the students examples of non-GP behavior would help. I would look around the internet for videos of sports players fighting with each other because a goal was scored. Make sure to point out that these players lost millions of dollars in endorsement deals as a direct result of jerks and exhibiting the winning is everything philosophy.

Also, make sure that your students understand that you could have the most incredible robot but if you try to win at all costs I will NOT pick you to be on an alliance. And I know judges won't give you awards. If they can't accept that FIRST is not about winning awards then they shouldn't be here. Until they can mature and realize that winning isn't everything (A fact many people in FIRST would do well to learn as well) they do not belong here, FIRST is not like America. It doesn't want the poor, and the broken, or the dregs of society. It wants passionate individuals who are committed to the goals of FIRST. I realize that statement seems elitist but, if there is a team who will willingly damage the robot that my kids worked so hard on I do not want them on the field, they do not deserve to be there. Winning should NEVER take precedence over being a decent human being.

That being said, kudos on wanting to help them mature.