Drivers

[Winged Wonder]

Originally Posted by Kyle45

As always...45 will have one driver and one operator. Both of the positions are still unfilled at this time since we haven't had try outs yet. What other team(s) have driver/operator tryouts?

we have driver/operator and human player tryouts. Tryouts consist of taking tests on the rules (so we dont have to worry about our drivers getting penaltys for breaking rules they "didnt know about") and of actual hands-on driving/tetra carrying tests, where we time how long it takes to do different tasks, like stack 3 tetras on a goal or someonething, or to pick up a tetra, place it on the bot, and run back and stop at the pressure sensor pad thing. (sorry for lack of formal names on field parts; i'm tired ^^; )

we just had our priliminary test on the rules which all driver/arm operator/human player wanna-be's took, which was easy and only 22 questions long about basic rules, dimensions, penalties, ways to score, etc. in a week or so we will have a much longer and detailed test on every aspect of the game that will really determine the people truly capable of being drivers. there (of course) will be a hands-on test as well, but if two drivers/human players/ect. are about the same in the hands-on test, their written test scores will determine who will become the official driver or arm operator or human player, and who will become the alternate.

team 233 uses 2 drivers, one person to drive the base of the robot, and the other to operate the arm(s) or any other accessory of the robot. This promotes teamwork between students and their driving coach, and forces the burden of the success or failure of a team on the field across a few people, instead of just one. (although i'd rather not think of it as "success" or "failure" but more along the lines of, "we did this well" or "we shouldnt do that again" or more importantly "lets just keep in mind that this is a learning experience") Personally i believe two drivers would be ideal, for it forces teamwork and allows each driver to focus on a certain aspect of the game, excelling at their specific task, rather than having one person have to focus on everything, even if they have two coaches to help them along. Yet if you have a superior driver who is used to driving individally and can do it effectively, then by all means, go with that single driver, and use the second "driver" as another coach or as a timekeeper or whatever you wish. its really up to you.