Too Many People In The Pit

[Jay05]

Every year at competition one thing always bugs me... (besides the fact the the robot never works)... why do people see the pit as a social area? The pit is a place to work NOT to have 15 people with team tee-shirts standing around doing nothing. I realize that people do want to be a part of the action, but it is ridiculous to have 15 people in such a little pit.

We had several expensive pieces of our robot broken by people just standing around and goofing off. Next time you see one of your team members just chilling in the pits let them know nicely that they are in the way.

If anyone or everyone feels different please respond because I am going to meet with my team Monday and raise hell about it.

[sanddrag]

Here is our first set of rules:

1) No more than 4 students in the pit at once---The two students assigned, the pit manager, and one other. This is due to the fact that last year, we were working in close quarters and there were way too many people.
2) Tools used must be put back.
3) Students that sign up to be in the pits need to be...we need to be staffed and before the previous members leave, their relacements better be on station.
4) Always wear safety glasses..common sense, but WE WILL GET BUSTED IF WE DON'T DO THIS!!
5) No rude behavior--this is the time we showcase ourselves to other teams.
6) Always yeild space, etc. to the students who have work to do.
7) Our pit area isn't your locker! Keep your stuff out of the way.

And here's some more I added:

1. It is really important that everyone know what to say to judges and/or inspectors. They may come to our pit at any time to inspect the robot or ask about our team for the possibility of getting an award. We should schedule a meeting so everyone can be informed of what to tell judges and inspectors. The more you know the more they are impressed.
2. We need to keep a running list of what parts or tools we lend or give other teams and what other teams lend or give us.
3. Whenever the Operator interface is plugged in or the robot is turned on in the pits, the radios MUST be disconnected. This is the graciously professional thing to do as to not cause interference during matches. The robot may only be operated by a tether.
4. Please keep cell phones off as much as you can. They only lead to more glithcing with the signal during matches.
5. Be proud of our robot. Let scouts from other teams know what it can do as this may help with us being picked for finals.

[Ben Mitchell]

I like that "Pit Rules" list. I think it has a lot of good, important points, and teams should adher to them: particularly the "4 students in the pit rule."


Do you mind if I print it out and post it in our pit area? It was an excellent post.

[Yan Wang]

Our team this year is requiring people who work in the pits to stay in the pits the whole time and DO WORK. Otherwise, they'll be asked to leave. The only exception is to go see matches with our team in it, but you must be back before the robot gets back to be ready to fix anything that may have gone wrong. Hopefully, it'll work out to be a better system as the dedicated and useful people will be there and those who just find it to be a place to hang out won't.

[sanddrag]

Originally posted by Ben Mitchell
I like that "Pit Rules" list. I think it has a lot of good, important points, and teams should adher to them: particularly the "4 students in the pit rule."


Do you mind if I print it out and post it in our pit area? It was an excellent post.

I'm glad you like it. You are more than welcome to do whatever you want with the list. If you'd like to see the Excel spreadsheet pit schedule we made for the "4 students in the pit" send me a PM.

[skrussel]

Sounds like your team needs better supervision, not exclusion from the pit.

I do however, like the 'pit rules' posted, and will post them in our pit, too!

[Jeff Waegelin]

We don't really have "pit rules", except one: if people are working, help or get out of the way. The rest of the time, if you want to hang around the pit, we're fine with that. We don't have a huge team, and about half of our people are in the stands, so it's not a big problem to have half the team in the pit.

[sevisehda]

Many teams have a pit crew and only allow them inside the pit similar to your 4 students. Set up an area in the stands for your team to "hang out." Parents are good sentrys to leave behind so you can leave your stuff them and noone invades your area.