Training New Drivers

[Samwaldo]

I personally have been our Driver 1 (Chassis) for 3 seasons and 4 years of off seasons. My first year trying out there were many requirements before you could try out. Such as knowledge of rules and plenty of hours put into the season. Then tryouts were done as pairs (Driver 1 + 2).Driving was based on 50% talent and 50% communication.

Our Adult coach believed that drivers skill can be taught through practice. Its alot harder to teach communcication and how to work together as drivers.

I Eventually won and ever since have had a different driver 2 every year, but continue to be the best driver we have. Driver 2 is based a bit more on team dedication and how well they work with Driver 1.

Coach (student) is decided by communication skills, how well they understand game, and how they work with drive team. A new qualification is how well they keep calm in match. Human player used to be on skill level. It has now become 40% skill, 60% dedication

This year due to district format, we wanted to get more people on the field so we switched driver 2, between districts. And then put our best in at NE Champs.

Off season is another thing! Due to my experience as driver, Im usually coach and then anybody that has driven the robot in the shop or at a demonstration, is dedicated to the team, and knows the rules can drive. We usually have 6-10 people rotate. We believe that getting kids on the field and putting a smile on their face is better than winning an offseason event which is why we let anyone drive. Also its sometimes funny to watch some people!