[Justin]

I think there are good points on both sides of this issue. I think it also varies widely from regional to regional in terms of pit logistics but obviously FIRST can't make the call on that basis. In some cases it is a safety issue in others it isn't. Frankly though I don't see the problem of brining a mobile machine shop if you are willing to be gracious about it and allow others to use it, within reason. Also I think there is a fairness here when you use a FIRST machine shop it is up to the person operating the machine, which as I understand it is not the team, so when that part comes out wrong then what??? I worry as well that so much of FIRST has become all about "cover your but" if you look at all the disclaimers, waivers, etc, etc, etc. you need to sign just to be a part of FIRST or volunteer at a regional it is really getting a little out of control, but I don't know how to fix that but it does take some of the fun out of it.

What about this idea...no "civilians" in the pit? Your engineers, your pit crew, that's it. It seems like this might solve a lot of safety issues in the pit. I know walking through the pits at BAE you can barely move and likely 1/2 the people (myself included) didn't need to be there. It would make things on easier on teams, easier to get robots through, room to work without rubbing elbows with every passer by. I know logistics doesn't make this practical at every regional but what do people think about it as a potential solution?

-Justin