[Mike Betts]

I have to agree that I am very happy when a driver is chosen from our controls team. They come back from the arena with much more detailed information regarding the problem (example: LED status) and not just "it broke".

At the same time, when a student becomes a driver, they must move aside and let the other control team members pick up the baton. At the competitions, the drivers should be spending their time between matches discussing strategy, meeting with alliance partners and looking over the competition.

Many students have a hard time letting go. This is especially true if they are the "lead" in some key role such as programming. However, the other team members can and will pick up the slack and do a fine job if given the opportunity.

This is just another aspect of teamwork and individual maturity that FIRST forces on us.

JMHO.

Mike