Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckDickerson
Would you please explain your context here a little further? I can read this statement and interpret your intent different ways.
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Closer to A, definitely not B. To paraphrase the instructions to the Inspectors: the robots made it this far, our role is to help them compete. Let's just say that if a robot looked close to violating the frame perimeter in its starting configuration, not much effort would be put into investigating. If the BOM was written on a paper napkin, that was good enough for me.
There was one team that, at reinspection before eliminations, they had non-compliant tape on their bumpers (not red or blue). I told them to remove it, and it was discovered that the tape was being used to assist in the holding on of the bumpers, and not just to temporarily cover holes in the fabric (the allowed use of tape). If they had been picked, I am guessing they would have been allowed to compete, even if no compliant solution was found.
I am not saying that FRC be legalistic. Sometimes there are reasons for violating a rule. For instance, I heard the Israeli teams used 1/2 inch plywood for their bumpers. When asked about it, they said all the 3/4 inch plywood was used to protect buildings. I would let that team compete in the eliminations.
Due to budget constraints, at a Regional, a rookie team made motor controllers from custom circuits. From a Safety stand point, that was fine, but I don't think the team should be allowed to advance. Now, if they get other teams to give them some motor controllers and they pass compliance inspection prior to Alliance Selection, then that is fine.
My team spends a lot of time making sure the robot is compliant. What should I tell them next time they are building and are close, but a little out of compliance? Don't worry about it, they will let you compete anyway? Isn't that exactly the opposite of the speech from the NASA guy about the relevance of FIRST to the real world: "At NASA, we stay within the constraints and don't miss deadlines".
What is this teaching the kids? That it is ok to stretch the rules?
Participation is an earned reward. Build any robot (safe or not), and you can participate in the practice matches (do not have to be inspected to participate in practice matches). Build a safe robot, and you earn the right to participate in the Qualification matches. Build a safe and compliant robot, and you have earned the additional right to be eligible for the Elimination Rounds.