Quote:
Originally Posted by Nirvash
So when we see a superior blatantly breaking written safety rules, we should just shrug and look the other way because that is life?
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Recently at a FIRSTWA district event our judging team approached a pit area to ask questions about the team's robot. The team safety captain politely stopped us before we got there, "We'd be happy to answer your questions, but first I'm going to have to ask you to put on your safety glasses, sir." she said to one of the judges who, although wearing prescription glasses had forgotten his over-glasses in the judging room.
We were more than happy to wait and talk with the team while he went and got his safety glasses and the discussion carried on from there.
Moral of the story: the student spoke up to a judge, politely but firmly insisted that he get his glasses, the team got additional time talking to the judging team, the judging team went away impressed with both the robot and the team's professionalism, and afterwards I went and tracked down a safety advisor to put in a good word for the team.
So, no. While there are times in life when it appropriate to keep your mouth shut, at an FRC event you should always -- politely -- feel free to advocate for FRC principles. If you see someone with inappropriate safety glasses, you can politely mention it to them, offer to loan them a pair of approved glasses, or -- if you are uncomfortable with that -- bring it to the attention of a safety advisor. If that upsets anyone, it's them that is doing it wrong... not you.
Jason