[FRC Blog] Software Downloads and Administrative Manual Release

[Bryan Herbst]

Originally Posted by Knufire

Can you please show us where FIRST states that Regional Competitions have the authority to create their own rules?

There is no such rule. However, most of the rules are written such that volunteers in certain key roles have power over how they are executed. For example, the game section typically specifically states that the final decision on all game rules falls with the head ref, and the robot section states that the final decision on all robot rules falls with the LRI.

Similarly, note the following from the section on people being in the pit during ceremonies (emphasis mine):

Should a team need to remain in their pit to continue work on their robot during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, the team should follow the rules below.

What is not clear here is the same as in previous years- who determines whether or not a team needs to remain in the pit? At some regionals, the team gets to opt in or out freely. At the regionals I have been at, it is typically a decision made by key volunteers discussing the matter with specific teams.

Finally, I encourage everyone to consider section 4.9.1:

4.9.1 All Teams Should Attend

We encourage all team members to attend the ceremonies, on time, to show appreciation for the event and those people involved who are volunteering their time and efforts.

FIRST now has clearly stated that if a team needs to continue working in their pit (presumably to have a robot that is operable) they can have no more than 5 people in their pit. However, they have very explicitly stated that "all teams should attend" and clearly want everyone to be there.

Out of respect for those who coordinate the ceremonies, those presenting in the ceremonies, your mentors and parents, the volunteers at the event, and FIRST's wishes, I hope that every team member makes an effort to attend the ceremonies.