Shorts?

[Alan2338]

Going to championships, I know many students on our team are planning to bring/wear shorts. It is hot in the arena, and personally, being on the drive team, I wouldn't mind wearing them. The controversy on our team is, are they safe?

For a few years, we have always said no shorts, and had always said it was a FIRST rule. Looking through the safety manual, I so no mention to pants vs. shorts.

I know our driver wore shorts to Midwest, and there was no problem, but we didn't know what is actually allowed.

We want to be as safe as possible, and I would like your thoughts on the matter, and/or what the actual ruling is.

Thank You!

-Alan
2338

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Alan2338

Going to championships, I know many students on our team are planning to bring/wear shorts. It is hot in the arena, and personally, being on the drive team, I wouldn't mind wearing them. The controversy on our team is, are they safe?

For a few years, we have always said no shorts, and had always said it was a FIRST rule. Looking through the safety manual, I so no mention to pants vs. shorts.

I know our driver wore shorts to Midwest, and there was no problem, but we didn't know what is actually allowed.

We want to be as safe as possible, and I would like your thoughts on the matter, and/or what the actual ruling is.

Thank You!

-Alan
2338

In the volunteer manual it says not to wear shorts but I see several volunteers wear them and it is not enforced. If it makes you comfortable I say go ahead and wear them.

[CENTURION]

Honestly, if you're not in a machine shop where 300+ degree steel chips are flying around, I don't see any reason why shorts would be a safety issue.

I say go for it.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by CENTURION

Honestly, if you're not in a machine shop where 300+ degree steel chips are flying around, I don't see any reason why shorts would be a safety issue.

If you're just standing, I'd say that's fine. But there are all sorts of metal chips and other things on the floor of the pits, and I'd hate to kneel on a metal chip if I'm in a hurry.

I know a lot of people are comfortable wearing shorts around robots, but I'm personally not and try to wear jeans when I can (exceptions being IRI and MARC, because I sweat in those gyms just from standing still).

[CENTURION]

Originally Posted by Karibou

If you're just standing, I'd say that's fine. But there are all sorts of metal chips and other things on the floor of the pits, and I'd hate to kneel on a metal chip if I'm in a hurry.

Fair point.

[Jay O'Donnell]

I've always worn shorts to FIRST competitions (even the cold ones because I'm stubborn) and I've never had a problem. I can understand thinking it might be safer with pants, but it does get pretty hot in the pits, and overheating is just as much as a problem.

[Camren]

If they are going to enforce long pants then they must enforce sleeves. In the pits it always seems like forearm injuries are more common.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Camren

If they are going to enforce long pants then they must enforce sleeves. In the pits it always seems like forearm injuries are more common.

They'd rather enforce glasses and shoes more than what pants you are wearing.

[Jimmy Nichols]

Our team policy has always been long pants for those working in the pits, drive and pit crews. Those cheering, scouting, or occasionally in the pits are welcome to wear shorts.

I don't like long sleeve rules because of the danger of getting caught up in a machine or power tool.

[blayde5]

I haven't seen anyone faulted for wearing shorts at a competition. I would just make sure that they went below your knees so that when you do kneel down, they are protected from whatever's on the ground

[ice.berg]

Me being from Minnesota anything warmer than 40 F is shorts weather! So I wear shorts all the time at events. I have never been asked to change into pants by any of the event staff at regionals or at worlds so I assume it is fine. But of course have to follow the team dress code... ZUBAZ!!

[Joe Ross]

Here's what 358's drive team wears:
http://www.team358.org/history/2010/...i/IMG_7517.jpg
http://www.team358.org/history/2012/...i/P1010884.jpg

[CENTURION]

Originally Posted by Camren

If they are going to enforce long pants then they must enforce sleeves. In the pits it always seems like forearm injuries are more common.

Long sleeves are a big no-no when working with machinery. If your arm brushes up against a moving chain (which it shouldn't because your hands should not be in the robot while it is on), the chain might scratch you a bit. But a sleeve can get caught in the chain, and pull your arm (and the rest of you) in.

That sounds bad enough, but think about doing that on an engine lathe

[dtengineering]

It would seem that as far as "safety" is concerned, the weight of the fabric is likely more important than the length of the fabric.

There are many "pants" that although they cover your skin to your ankles offer essentially no protection because of their light weight cloth.

Then there are shorts made of sturdy denim that offer a reasonable amount of protection against nicks, abrasion and minor cuts all the way down to your knees...

Jason

[gabrielau23]

In general if you're working in the pit, I would say wear jeans. This is especially true if you have machine tools in the pits, i.e., band saws, drill press, or belt sanders. But if you're on drive team or just in the stands, I would say go for it, although it would unfortunate if something flying hit your legs while walking through the pit area.