A Captian and Driver Issue

[RyanN]

For Team Fusion, the teacher will choose whoever steps up to do the job. I was technically never called captain until January when build season started. However, in the Fall, I was the one responsible to have everyone show up at our community events and to prepare for the build season. I was also the one responsible for stocking up on common parts like aluminum and wire for the build season. I stepped up and took the position. You don't want the captain of the team to be one who knows everything, but won't contact people. Fortunately for me, I did know a lot of stuff, but was also good at contacting people.

As for the drivers, it's on the basis of the years game and who is available to drive. We don't put people on the drive team that will not work well together. We tried that in 2007 and I ended up getting angry at the base driver (I was the arm driver). Anyway... that's some dirty laundry from our team that doesn't need to be expressed here. I think a driver should be calm under pressure, a quick decision maker, and be able to communicate. Communication is the most essential trait of a driver. I have good communication skills in emails and text messages, but when it comes to verbal communication, I usually suck unless I'm mad. When I got mad at the driver, he knew I was mad. Of course the person on the drive team needs to know all the rules, but that is expected for everyone on the team to understand.

For both a driver and a captain, communication is essential. A captain should also be friendly. Don't pick a captain that's a dictator or that dislikes numerous people on the team even if he/she has the most experience. I feel like I was a good captain, and I feel that most Fusioneers would say the same. I had no enemies, and all were good friends. Our team was like family, and now, at college, I'm spending a lot of time with some of those people as they are becoming closer friends.

One last thought... If you have a member that is not from the school, but seems the most qualified for the position, then it is very possibly a good decision to pick him/her. I was from a school about 15 miles away from Team Fusion's host school. I was one of three members on the team from my school. I think even though I was a good distance away from the school that it all worked out very well for me.