How do you organize your team?

[RbtGal1351]

Originally Posted by dubious elise

I'm happy beyond belief that someone started this thread, thank you so much NoodleKnight for bringing this to light.

Exactly my thoughts!!

My team is having trouble getting organized too. since last year we were rookies there still arent many people on our team, and those who are on it are indeed interested in robotics. but we're not reali sure how to organize ourselves, and have an official leader or something. as of now we're split into 4 or 5 groups to work on programming, pneumatics, etc, so that we actually have some idea what we're doing during build period. the whole idea was to educate ourselves, and its been working out fine in our groups of 3 or 4. but when we go have a whole 'group meeting' everyone's suddenly, i guess, shy or something, and no one volunteers to do anything. i suppose when build period comes, they will, but what if they dont?

also how do the hierarchy of your teams go?
our rookie year last year, we never reali had anything, cept teachers, parents and alumni at the top obviously, and then we had one official student leader, and then everyone else underneath.

but not only is the job of leading us way too much for one student leader, our team has increased in size by about 50% (yay! we actually have members.. but what to do w/ em...) so how would you suggest our team be lead?

thanks!

<edit> also, last year we seeded 11th in our regional (SVR) and got ourselves into the semifinals as alliance leaders. then in the cal games, which WRRF hosts here, we placed 1st with our allies (who picked us). the returning members from last year (including me) are worried what will happen when we do do poorly. it will be quite the shock because we've just gotten reali lucky. </edit>

[NoodleKnight]

Originally Posted by RbtGal1351

also how do the hierarchy of your teams go?
our rookie year last year, we never reali had anything, cept teachers, parents and alumni at the top obviously, and then we had one official student leader, and then everyone else underneath.

Normally we'd create sub-groups (drivetrain, mechanics, electronics, programming, etc...) which usually turn out ineffective, people limit themselves by their capabilities, which could be one reason why we have so many organization problems, because one person keeps jumping from one group to another, changing things around and so forth. Ideally, if you are going to have sub-groups, split them up into: mechanical, electrical, and programming, plus any other additional ones that you might want (like animation, chairmans).

Originally Posted by RbtGal1351

<edit> also, last year we seeded 11th in our regional (SVR) and got ourselves into the semifinals as alliance leaders. then in the cal games, which WRRF hosts here, we placed 1st with our allies (who picked us). the returning members from last year (including me) are worried what will happen when we do do poorly. it will be quite the shock because we've just gotten reali lucky. </edit>

Don't worry about it, FIRST all isn't about winning, there's much more to it. Our team has been around since 1995 and we don't always get an award every year.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by RbtGal1351

Exactly my thoughts!!

My team is having trouble getting organized too. since last year we were rookies there still arent many people on our team, and those who are on it are indeed interested in robotics. but we're not reali sure how to organize ourselves, and have an official leader or something. as of now we're split into 4 or 5 groups to work on programming, pneumatics, etc, so that we actually have some idea what we're doing during build period. the whole idea was to educate ourselves, and its been working out fine in our groups of 3 or 4. but when we go have a whole 'group meeting' everyone's suddenly, i guess, shy or something, and no one volunteers to do anything. i suppose when build period comes, they will, but what if they dont?

also how do the hierarchy of your teams go?
our rookie year last year, we never reali had anything, cept teachers, parents and alumni at the top obviously, and then we had one official student leader, and then everyone else underneath.

but not only is the job of leading us way too much for one student leader, our team has increased in size by about 50% (yay! we actually have members.. but what to do w/ em...) so how would you suggest our team be lead?

thanks!

<edit> also, last year we seeded 11th in our regional (SVR) and got ourselves into the semifinals as alliance leaders. then in the cal games, which WRRF hosts here, we placed 1st with our allies (who picked us). the returning members from last year (including me) are worried what will happen when we do do poorly. it will be quite the shock because we've just gotten reali lucky. </edit>

In our 14 years of existence we've never won a regional. It hasn't caused us to fall apart yet. Don't let your trophy case dictate your level of commitment.

[RbtGal1351]

Originally Posted by RbtGal1351

<edit> also, last year we seeded 11th in our regional (SVR) and got ourselves into the semifinals as alliance leaders. then in the cal games, which WRRF hosts here, we placed 1st with our allies (who picked us). the returning members from last year (including me) are worried what will happen when we do do poorly. it will be quite the shock because we've just gotten reali lucky. </edit>

i guess more of what i meant was that after being so lucky not everyone realizes how much it was purely luck, and when we dont win it'll be such a shocker cuz thats never happened before.

[Bharat Nain]

I would highly recommend you check out Team 25's Handbook. It is derived from Chiefdelphis handbook so check that out too. A lot of teams go through what you are going through, its hard, but very very possible to get the things right in the team. We let anyone join the robotics "club" freely but we have certain rules to be on the team.

Criteria for Membership on Raider Robotix Team

1. Members must maintain academic eligibility as per school policy-
   
   

Periodically through the year the roster will be checked with the main office for compliance. Positive learning habits are related to study skills, classroom assignments, grades, classroom / school involvement. A student’s current grades and past achievements are powerful statements about his or her learning habits.

Dropping grades and failure to meet eligibility requirements may jeopardize your spot on the team. All Team members will be expected to maintain at least a C+ average in all courses. Any Team member that falls behind in their studies will not be allowed to travel with the team until their grades are once again at or above a C+.

1. Members must fund raise a minimum of $300 for their travel expenses - Fund raising activities occur throughout the year and include shirt sales, car washes, events and others. Each member will have an individual team account to keep track of their fund raising.
   
   

1. Members must perform a minimal 10 hrs of community service before January 1. -This service must be approved and registered with the CS director. The director will keep a log book of all community service for members. Community service is defined as activities performed without pay for the good of others in the school or community.
   
   

1. Members must attend the Wednesday meetings and Team Functions- Attendance and punctuality are indicators of a students commitment to their education and future. A team member needs to be available and ready to participate as much as possible. When asked to participate, establishing a record of dependability and punctuality is essential to team organization and efficiency.
   
   

1. Parents of members are expected to participate in team activities and help in team operations
   
   

1. Members will take a course or workshop related to robotics per committee approval- either curricular or extra curricular – Most important of these is the shop safety orientation. No member can participate in shop or pit activities without taking this orientation.
   
   

1. Demonstration of Appropriate Behavior- The Raider Robotix Team is a unique team of students and adults. We all rely on each other for the success of the group. Everyone is expected to bring the best of their abilities to the group. The competition each year is both expensive and time consuming and it is expected that all involved will behave as motivated young adults with the greatest regard for others and integrity.
   
   

1. 1. Consistent Demonstration of Good Judgment and Positive Behavior: Each team member is an ambassador of our team. Team members need to be role models for other students to emulate and respect. Solid behavior choices should to be demonstrated at all times, in and out of school activities.
      

1. 1. Ability to Commit to a Project: Starting a project and following it through to the end is critical to team performance. Team members need to dedicate themselves and not to get side tracked or discouraged. Your word is very important. Don’t take responsibility you can’t perform and ask for help if you are having problems with a project. There is no excuse for a broken promise in this project.
      

1. 1. Ability to Work Both Independently and as a Team Member: Being able to be a team player, doing what is needed for the team is an asset to all. However, working independently with little or no direction shows dedication and willingness to learn.
      

1. 1. Interest in Science, Technology, Robotics and Related Fields: The team member needs to have an genuine interest and a overall goal related to these fields of study. Activities, classes and career choices demonstrate this.
      

1. 1. Demonstration of Honesty and Integrity: Honesty and integrity are looked upon as important attributes of a quality person.
      

1. 1. Time to Spend on Activities: This team requires many hours of a student’s free time. Careful planning and scheduling may be required to stay actively involved. In some cases, choices as to other activities may need to be made.
      

That will solve majority of your problems as long as you have a strong team leadership. We arrange our team into sub-groups and assign leaders. Just because they are assigned as a leader it doesn't mean they are the "real" leader. In the end, the members who put in real efforts and time into things are the ones you are the indirect leaders. The good thing about our team is our Coach, Wayne Cokeley does not limit the kids into anything, very few restrictions(as long as they're decent), so the team is highly productive. If you team head coach puts the leadership power in the hands of the right people, your team will be saved, even with the very little time that you have.

Regarding the problem with that kid that you have, if its real serious, your best bet is to not let him travel. You don't want someone on the airport to go yelling "I am not a terrorist, I am just a part of a robotics team" for no reason. In short, its a question of safety more than anything else. If you look at our handbook we are really focusing on good behavior in the team. For you its a question of safety, for us its a question of team reputation. Get your team right and if you need help post along...

[Yov]

kick people off the team

[c0m1ng3vil]

kick people off the team

NO, kicking is unjust and unfair. besides, they have needed talent.

Good thing is, this year we have added some new blood to our team.(such as myself) We are learning how to cooperate and to get along and this has influenced many of our senior members as well.

[chocolateluvrlr]

Originally Posted by c0m1ng3vil

NO, kicking is unjust and unfair. besides, they have needed talent.

Good thing is, this year we have added some new blood to our team.(such as myself) We are learning how to cooperate and to get along and this has influenced many of our senior members as well.

i disagree with you. i do think though that to kick people off the team you have to have preset qualifications. for example, you might say each team member must make $500 to go towards enterring competitions, going to competitions, etc. They either have to make it through fundraising or pay out of pocket. If they won't do either, theyre off the team.

regardless of someone's talent, its unjust and unfair for those who have talent AND are considerate to carry the slack of the lazy, inconsiderate, nondedicated people who don't do their duties as part of a team.