Being an engineering mentor for three rookie schools in New Orleans , I have performed countless searches on the forum and have found a lot of good advice for new teams, however it is spread out across the entire site. I have started this thread to try to consolidate this valuable information. Being the beginning of the 2005 season with a fresh batch of rookies, making the information easier to locate will be a tremendous time saver.
Team organization tips
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=395
Competition tips/What to expect
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=394
C Programming and Autonomous Modes for Newbies
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=396
Electrical Tips Handout
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=377
Mechanical tips hand out
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=376
“18 Hints for Rookie Teams from NEMO”
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php?s=&action=single&paperid=373
Rookie Question (Edurobotics kit)
Rookie question about planning your schedule
Rookie Question (Shipping weights, etc)
Rookie help (Programming)
I am in the middle of compiling a handout for a workshop at the Chesapeake kickoff, listing these helpful links and topics. I will post in white papers when I am done, probably on Jan. 7 
So keep posting.
I love Chief Delphi!
The only advice I can strongly recommend for any new team is to make sure you have enough committed students willing to do the work. The students must be dedicated, not only the students but also teachers, college mentors (me), professors, parents, WHATEVER!
I would say for any team to start off is to do alot of fundraising. Fundraising can easily train your new students (recruits) for getting the name out in the FIRST community and their own town. Even if your team may not need the money, it is always a good idea to get out there and do something!
Another suggestion for a rookie team team is to host several meetings before the kick off. Meetings are highly important and with those you are able to open new news to the rest of the team.
GOOD LUCK!
Another good item would be the travel tips by NEMO … I liked it and it really comes in handy to the mentors when they are getting their team ready to travel to competitions.
I guess it also depends on your team’s circumstances. But here it is: Travel Tips
Good Luck to your teams!! 
If you have a mentor who handles the non-technical side of the team (such as fundraising, travel, team organization, etc.) have him/her join NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization). NEMOs share ideas and tips with each other…
To join NEMO just PM me, Robomom or Redhead Jokes with your name, team name and number, role on team and we’ll sign you up!
Make a drawing of your electrical wiring and components and keep it on the cart for emergency reference. Mark all wiring harnesses with unique tags and mark the component that they go to with the identical tag. It is very easy to dislodge a terminal or connector when changing batteries or searching for problems on the component board.
Use a splice cable and remotely locate the connection for the tether on the outside of the robot. It needs to be easily accessed and protected from possible damage. It will come in very handy while in the pits and on the practice game field to work out problems. I recommend a 20 ft long tether.
A cart to haul the robot from the pits to the game field is an absolute necessity. It also makes a wonderful working surface in the pits or in the cue before matches. The cart should be able to fit through a standard door. Just remember that a standard 36" wide door does not have 36" of clearance unless the door swing is a full 180 degrees. I recommend 33" wide. Doors vary from 6’-8" to 7’-0" high. If the robot Max height is 60" then the top of the cart needs to be 1’-6" inches high. This allows 2 inches of clearance on a 6’-8" door. I recommend that the cart have pneumatic tires and only two of the wheels swivel and the other two are fixed. Add a shelf to the bottom to keep tools and spare components. You will need some sort of stand or blocks to place the robot on to calibrate the joysticks. Fashing light are optional.