[martin417]

One of the issues that I have noticed that slows the inspection process is uninformed inspectors. Our team always carefully combs through the rules and makes every effort to understand the letter and intent of each rule. If we have any question as to the legality of a feature or design, we always ask on the Q&A. Yet, the inspectors often find something that they don't like. This requires that the process come to a complete halt while the head inspector is summoned to make a ruling (the ruling has always been in our favor). A prime example this year was follower wheels for traction control. Our robot used Vex omni wheels in contact with the floor to drive encoders to get true velocity information. This configuration was thoroughly hashed out in the Q&A and the exact configuration we used was described as being legal. The inspector interpreted the rules as saying nothing could touch the floor except the rover wheels (this happened at more than one event). So, at one event, even though we were first in line for inspection Thursday morning, we couldn't get signed off until late Thursday evening because the head inpector was busy.

I realize that the Q&A are not rules, and do not make or change rules, but the inspectors should be familiar with all of the Q&A so that everyone is on the same page about rule interpretation.

(Edit) I want to be sure to say that this post is not an indictment of inspectors! These volunteers do a difficult job in a tough environment, and, in general, do it well. I am just suggesting that they could do a little reading prior to the event to become familiar with rule discussions and interpretations that have already taken place.