[Al Skierkiewicz]

Ike,
Let me go through the simple process and then I will elaborate a little. I would invite other inspectors and leads to add to this as well.

The simple answer is to sign up for inspecting as you would any volunteer position, through VIMS on the First website. You won't be able to sign up for an individual event until the site is updated for all the FRC events. You have to show a preference for each event you wish to volunteer. Event Volunteer coordinators will choose among all those that sign up and assign positions accordingly.
You can complete the registration process though, when VIMS is open. You will be asked to supply sign on and password so you can reenter the site later. You will be asked for personal info and a few references. FIRST will contact your references so be sure to ask them before submitting their name.

As to requirements, we have discussed some in the past but I don't know if any have been put into place. I have suggested the following:
Inspectors should have served on an FRC team in a position that puts them in direct contact with the robot and the robot manual. Those wishing to inspect should have served in that capacity for at least two recent years. Lead inspectors should have served at least three years and have inspected at at least two events during that time. The time commitment for inspectors should be all day Thursday (or the first day of the event in MI) and at least most of the inspectors need to be present for final inspections late morning on Saturday. A few inspectors should assist in the inspection area during the entire weekend if possible. You will be asked to fill in what days you are available for each event on VIMS. Lead inspectors need to be present through the entire event up to the completion of the finals on the last day. Inspectors and Leads in particular are part of the front line in making sure teams have a great weekend. It is our responsibility to help teams get and stay ready to compete while insuring that the students are having a great experience. This is especially true in the case of rookie teams. Inspectors and Leads will keep rookies apprised of what is taking place on a given day and explain things we all take for granted like cueing, inspections, pit open and close, awards and judging.

I know that there are documents that further explain the inspector and Lead duties and there is a To Do list for each day of an event.