Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber
If the rules say they can do it then it is the inspector's job to pass them. Causing teams problems just because you don't like what they did within the spirit of the rules is wrong.
In my opinion (inspector at more than a number of events) our job is to inspect for adherence to the rules. Failing that, we inspect for adherence to the spirit of the rules. We ensure safety and fairness. Every team had the option to strap 10lbs of steel to their bumpers so it's completely fair.
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While I certainly agree with the fact that inspectors should actively seek to pass robots that are in compliance with the rules, I do want to take a bit of issue with the final sentence.
Teams did not have the option to strap 10lbs of steel to their bumpers. Teams did have the option to design ridiculously heavy bumper mounts... but unless that mass is somehow involved in connecting the bumpers to the robot, it is not allowed under the bumper rules. It is a subtle difference, but not an insignificant one. To allow a team to just come along mid-competition and bolt ten pounds of steel onto their bumpers might be unfair to those teams who took the time to read the rules, assess their design options and then integrate heavy bumper mounts as a design choice.
I tend to agree that inspectors should interpret the rules to the team's benefit as much as possible... but there are limits.
Jason