Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

I suppose that, although not an enforced rule, shorts should not be worn in the pits if the team wearing them wants to win a safety award. If they don't care about looking good to the judges for safety, then they won't follow every letter of the unwritten law. (also that statement self-refutes, so...)

Shorts are allowed, i know that for certain. (I may or may not have worn them before)
they are not [i]suggested[i], however.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

I don't see why this would be an issue.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

because many teams have their own rule about it, such as ours.
so many teams do, in fact, that it becomes a question on how legitimate the rule actually is, and whether or not it originated as an FRC requirement or as a team safety award dedicational action.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

What is the actual safety issue with shorts though

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

Exposed skin that can end up getting injured. Exposed knees that get covered in metal shavings when you kneel down to work on the robot.

I frequently discover new cuts and scrapes that have mysteriously appeared on my hands and forearms after a day working with the robot.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

For 1923 it's a little bit of the safety reasoning, but mostly 'none of the above'.

It's about looking professional and put-together. At official events, your options are pants, pants, and pants. Those pants should be clean & free of holes, rips, tears or patches. There's just no reason to look sloppy.

We'll occasionally make exceptions for especially-hot-load-in-days, but if you're there representing the team in an official capacity, your legs are covered. Offseasons are fair game to wear shorts, especially if they're in the summer.

During the regulation season, however, it's pants or nothin'.
(As in, you're not coming to the event with us ... not that you're allowed to forgo pants!)

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

I always wear shorts, and I always will. I might get some scratches on my legs/knees, but I'd rather be comfortable. :rolleyes:

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

When capes and huge mascot costumes aren't allowed in the pits for safety reasons I might be able to understand the reasoning behind not allowing shorts in the pits.

Until then I'll keep shaking my head.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

Just gonna state if this is the safty hazard with wearing shorts why don't we ensure long sleeves and gloves also be used cause there is exposed skin there.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

Your legs are typically not next to moving chains, saw blades, etc.

Long sleeves and gloves can get caught in those.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

Seconded. Long sleeves and gloves are far more often a safety hazard than a safety solution. If you are in my shop you have your sleeves at or above the elbow and the only time you get to use gloves is for moving sheet metal and cleaning chips off the machines at the end of the day. I work in a shop and own NO shorts, at all, even on days it's 110F out. I don't like getting chip burns on my legs or in my boots(this is the worst).

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

If it's warm in Kokomo next weekend I will be wearing shorts. No AC in the gym.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

So I can't wear my shorts and boat shoes?

BUT I'M FROM NEW ENGLAND!

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

I have been a Safety Adviser for 10 years and never had a problem about shorts. For some people wearing pants in a warm environment is a serious safety hazard. I for one like to wear shorts even when it is below 60 degrees out. What bothers me most about this thread is that some people think shorts are bad but they have not mention skirts and dresses. This seems to be a double standard.

Re: Shorts in the pits?
 

I don't think I can name even one of the girls on the team for the past 4 years at least that has worn a skirt or dress(I am ignoring the business/media group who don't do any work on the robot or in the pit area). The only exception is one of our team captains/operator that would wear a skirt about 3/4 thigh length but she wore leggings as well. When you are at a meeting or competition people seem to have the common sense to wear work clothing, a skirt or a dress isn't real something you work(in the context of being in a shop or pits) in. The thread is really less about shorts specifically and more the lack of full leg protection.