Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

Perhaps taken from a pool of the top scorers on the hypothetical test?

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

The problem is teams might not know who is available for volunteering until you get to the competition, so maybe the actual volunteers are inspectors and the volunteers from teams at the regional become replacements and extras for field reset to allow for more inspectors. Thus avoiding the test and achieving the goal of more volunteers to inspect and to clear field to move matches along.

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

That's the other thing. Inspectors are needed mainly on Thursday, Friday morning, and Saturday around noon. When they aren't needed, they're on the field or wandering around helping teams. So you've already got spare personnel.

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

FiM rules required every team to supply 2 full-time volunteers at every competition. Most of these were what we could call semi-skilled labor. But there were a host of volunteers for important positions, many of whom had done it in prior years without being "mandatory volunteers". For example, Mike Martus was an inspector, all 6 weeks if I remember correctly. Other experienced volunteers filled positions that formerly might have been supplied by FIRST, such as FTA.

We did get a few new people in positions like referees; if the game had been played with 6 or 8 refs instead of 4 this year we would have needed a lot more. Most of the official scorers were newer volunteers. And we had some new people in important but less-glamorous positions like lead queue.

Regarding field entrance and exit patterns, often one of the gates can't be used because there isn't enough room in an arena. The teams have to exit to only one end, because the score table would be in the way of robots and carts if the other gate was used. And since in this year's game there was no red or blue "end" for robot placement, that led to many crossing patterns as the robots entered the field.

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

Bob,
I'm wondering if it would be helpful to start a thread that is just for the list and additions to it.

This thread continues to have thoughtful input and is being followed and discussed outside of CD. I had a discussion regarding it with our lead mentor, Mr. Bertucci, today after BEST build. There's some good stuff here.

At the same time, your list doesn't want to get lost or drowned out in the discussion.

Just a thought.
Jane

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

Ok, I've only skimmed this thread - 9 pages is a lot. Please forgive if I repeat something already brought up.

Tasks expand to the time allowed. If we had matches start in the middle of Saturday, there would be teams still "almost ready" to be inspected on Saturday morning.

Set a new inspection deadline and stick to it. It may take a regional or two (or a season), but teams will adjust. Many don't like that we are not getting a control system this year with our registration, but we will adjust. Many don't like this rule or that, but in the end, we comply.

The problem with teams not being ready for inspection is really best dealt with before Thursday.

I like an on-line Pre-Ship Self Inspection due prior to ship date, with an "electronic signature". Teams with problems could be identified and get help ASAP on Thursday.

Just my thoughts.

-Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

Jane this is an excellent thought.
I will figure out how to do just that... So that others can add their ideas...
Do you have any suggestions how we might do this... I don't want to have two parallel threads going.... any suggestions from moderators?
????

Re: Need for Inspections Rules Changes
 

Bob,
I would suggest that you start a new thread with a very specific title addressing this list.

Then in your opening post, state what this list is and what its purpose is. Copy/paste your list in your post. You can include a link to this thread stating that the list has developed from the discussion in this thread. That simple. Clarify that the new thread is for list suggestions/additions only and if anyone wants to continue the discussion, to move to the original thread - this one.

Also, I think you have had some responses to the list in this thread so make sure that they are added to the list.

If you have any questions about my suggestion, send me a pm or perhaps the mods can better address it.

Jane