In reference to the 25 lb. limit of parts brought into the venue:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.G
The parts weight rule has been in for a couple years and never enforced.
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Inspectors have regularly scrutinized and weighed Team 1114's spare parts since this rule was introduced. Perhaps this isn't the case at all regionals.
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Back to the topic of fix-it-windows, I am completely in favour of eliminating the rule entirely, allowing to teams do whatever work they wish after ship. In general I detest unenforceable rules, as they usually end up punishing those who obey them. There is no way to know if a team has stopped working after ship. The teams who obey the fix-it windows are thereby punished for being honest, as the teams who blatantly ignore the rules obtain a competitive advantage. What's the punishment for violating the fix-it window?
What would happen if an inspector discovered that a team broke the rule? Last year there was a team who posted on CD, saying that they took part of their arm to their shop during an evening of their regional to repair it. (They were unaware of the rule prohibiting this.) Clearly this is illegal, but how would they be punished? (They were no reprecussions for this incident, and rightfully so. You can't just makeup a punishment if there isn't one listed. )
Being a team who firmly believes in the honour code, it's frustrating to know that teams regularly get away with breaking these types of rules. Along with the reasoning that Mike put forth, I would be ecstatic to see the rule disappear.