pic: Team 3129, The Green MacHHHHine, at CalGames 2009

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

I think they're bringing four mentors previously on 971...

I don't see that having a mentor or two from another team is a bad thing; if anything it should be encouraged! One of the most helpful things a team can provide for a rookie is help in the way of mentorship. Team 1675, who was a significant part of 1714's first year or so (to the point where they were listed as a "sponsor" in our team's name) shared mentors with us (all I know off the top of my head is Kevin Kolodziej, who served as field coach for both teams for two years). I believe former rookie 2826 had a shared mentor or two with 93.

I think there has to be a line somewhere as to what "rookie" is defined by, and FIRST has a nice one. If I started a team tomorrow, would you really call that not a rookie team? Perhaps 3129 toes near it, but I wouldn't call them "non rookie" just yet.

4 students and a couple mentors are a decent approximation of the core group of workers on many smaller teams.

Not to mention, these are from a team that went undefeated (and was #1 seed) at San Jose last year, had a great robot, and oh yeah, won the world champs last year.

More competitive teams and helping others is always nice, I just think it's unfair to label them as rookies. Now, if they only have 4 students, it isn't their fault, as they're just following the rules. But still, one has to point out it's kind of ridiculous.

If myself and a few other cal poly mentors started a new team tomorrow, with not experienced students, I would personally feel bad about claiming to be rookies.