I too am very frustrated by this ruling. It is very unfortunate that lawyers run our society these days!
FIRST touts safety as a foundation for how we conduct ourselves at our own build sites and all official events, but unfortunately sometimes accidents do happen.
The liability thing is really getting out of hand, didn't we all sign waivers?
Anyhow the new rule states ..."FIRST does not allow non-FIRST approved mobile machine shops ..." OK, define "mobile machine shop" ... we all use portable (corded or cordless drills/saws, etc.) power tools. Further clarification of this new rule is necessary. Definition of "FIRST approved mobile machine shops" is not clear.
I forsee the FIRST provided machine shops will be swamped.
How do we as graciously-professional teams setup these additional "FIRST approved" resources to help ourselves and our teammates within the constraints of this new rule?
