Legality of stepstool

[Sperkowsky]

This may not be a bad idea. I (Our one and only driver this year) am very short standing at a daunting 5'4". A stepstool would be slightly demeaning but very helpful. Although, we will probably just stick to watching our gopro live feed which will be seeing the match from 6 feet over the driver station .

[EricH]

Originally Posted by gpetilli

I did send an email to frcteams@frcinspire.com to ask for a more definitive team update. I don't think it is fair to leave it to the local refs.

That is a good idea.

For the record, if someone isn't obviously "vertically challenged", then I would oppose their using a stool. And if a team brought in a stool for a "vertically challenged" team member, and someone else was using it who WASN'T "vertically challenged", I think that would be grounds for a T26-1 violation.

But if someone was obviously a little short, I don't think there would be a problem.


Now, here's the thing: You have 2 options without resorting to a stepstool. They are the Spy, and the option of a camera up a pole as part of the driver's station. Either one could help.

[gpetilli]

Appropriate "stool theme" LOTR scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bawVQ7fkOfA

[Wayne Doenges]

I posted the same question years ago about one of our students.
Here's the thread:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=83639

[Libby K]

I think if a team brings something like this, and FIRST is really leaving it up to the refs, then the team needs to talk about it with the Head Ref beforehand, and that Head Ref needs to brief all the refs about it so there's consistency.

A team near us went through an entire season with a box for their driver to stand on, cleared by the head refs at all events... Only to have it pulled away during the autonomous segment of one of their last qualifying matches at the DCMP. That wasn't cool.

If you're going to try something like this with your drive team, get it OK'ed early (maybe after the first driver's meeting?) and if they say no, accept gracefully.

Those of you who know me, know I'm not tall (5' 4" on a good day) - our driver is shorter than I am and he's reported no issues other than mild inconveniences. If you're concerned about directing your robot effectively, I'd suggest you use a camera & avoid the back-and-forth with volunteers/staff.