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Originally Posted by sw293
Likewise, inspectors make mistakes during inspection. Sometimes they overlook things. Sometimes they make a mistake because they don't fully know and understand the rules, just as our drivers did when they challenged the other team's batteries, and just as the ref did when he said they couldn't use the batteries.
A side note: There is a fundamental difference between the roles of referee and inspector.
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Bill,
My point was that most Lead Inspectors are not newcomers or people who have not built a robot. In fact they are either on a team or have served as inspector in the past. Yes, we do not catch everything but we do know the best way to handle a problem when it arises and on particulalrly difficult problems will consult with the head ref, First Tech Advisor, or even make a call to FIRST when needed. Lead inspectors are trained and participate in a conference call once each week during the season to discuss past issues and new rulings. There is a variety of training douments for all inspectors and a KOP to show major components to inspectors in training. We depend on the eyes of the refs, field people, FTA, and other team members to point out what may have been missed and they walk the pits to catch whatever might have fallen through the cracks.
Eric, thanks for the GP when approaching the team about lights. If the refs hadn't said something to them the inspector would have caught it as it is a specific question on the inspection form. It is very easy when you are looking over a robot when a team has asked for assistance to say "Did you check that with the inspector? I seem to think it might be a violation." However, in some situations, a team may take offense to such an approach and that is why it is better handled by the inspection team working with the head ref.