[jvriezen]

I don't see where in the rules it states that the pits MUST be open during ceremonies. The pit hours are not stated in the rules. The volunteers running the event determine the pit hours. Yes, if the pits do happen to be open during ceremonies, there are rules regarding tool noise and national anthems. But the rules also strongly encourage teams to attend the ceremonies, for very good reasons.

If a volunteer states that the pit is closed and instructs you to leave, then you need to respect that decision of the regional/district leadership. You may not agree, and you may state your position and appeal to a higher authority, but at that point in time, if Pit Admin or an inspector or other volunteer announces the pits are closed, then the pits are closed-- respect that.

I do agree that the rules could provide more guidance here -- I would prefer it says that any team who has not passed inspection may have some number of people in their pit during ceremonies (people from any team working on the non-passing bot), and that its up to the discretion of regional leadership regarding whether the pits are closed to others, or open to a limited number per team.

Students on a team with an inspected robot will have the best experience by participating in the opening ceremonies -- they will have plenty of robot/pit time during the regional. Students with bots not passing inspection will have the best experience by having a few miss the ceremonies but not miss their first one or two matches.

If the rules stay as they are now, then the pits are closed if event leadership says they are closed. If you would like them open during ceremonies, then, when you are eligible, start volunteering until you are chosen as a lead volunteer in a position to decide the pits are open during ceremonies-- and explain your decision to the volunteers that are on your crew that have to stay in the pits and have less 'down' time.