Al's 2016 Inspection Thread

[jspatz1]

Al, will completed inspection be required for Wednesday practice matches?

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by jspatz1

Al, will completed inspection be required for Wednesday practice matches?

I am not Al.

For all the years I have been inspecting, our goal has been to get teams playing by the rules as soon as they can. I think this is the intent of section 5.5.2, third paragraph:

Originally Posted by Manual

5.5.2 Eligibility and Inspection

This section describes the rules governing MATCH participation. A Team has participated in a MATCH if any member of their DRIVE TEAM is in the CASTLE or the SPY BOX, with or without the ROBOT on the FIELD, at the start of the MATCH.

At each event, the Lead ROBOT Inspector (LRI) has final authority on the legality of any COMPONENT, MECHANISM, or ROBOT. Inspectors may re-Inspect ROBOTS to ensure compliance with the rules.

ROBOTS are permitted to participate in scheduled Practice MATCHES prior to passing Inspection. However, the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA), LRI or Head REFEREE may determine at any time that the ROBOT is unsafe, per Section 3 (3.4.1 Safety Rules), and may prohibit further participation in Practice MATCHES until the condition is corrected and the ROBOT passes Inspection.

If I am assigned to inspect your robot at CMP and, during the inspection, time comes for your team to queue for a practice match, I will stay with the team in queue and continue the inspection -- UNLESS (1) I have seen a potential safety issue that should be brought to the attention of my LRI, or (2) my LRI tells me that the inspection must be completed in the team's pit.

[rich2202]

I am not Al either, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night ....

Given the schedule, it looks like each team gets ONE practice match. A primary goal being to make sure that all robots are connecting to the field before Qualification Matches start in the morning.

Like Richard said, you don't have to pass inspection to participate in the Practice Matches (assuming that a field person doesn't disqualify you for safety reasons). But, if you want to be in the filler line for practice matches (if there is one), then you do have to have passed inspection.

If I am inspecting a robot, and they are called to Que, I would send them off, and finish the inspection when they get back. If no other teams are waiting to be inspected, it would make sense to continue the inspection in the que.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Please remember that you do not need to be inspected to practice. You do have to have bumpers attached to practice.

[orangemoore]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Please remember that you do not need to be inspected to practice. You do have to have bumpers attached to practice.

Do you need the correct bumper color for practice?

If you ran out of time to change them?

[Nyxyxylyth]

Originally Posted by orangemoore

Do you need the correct bumper color for practice?

If you ran out of time to change them?

I saw a practice match with 6 red bumpers at one district. Got a little confusing in the neutral zone!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I don't know how the rule will be enforced during practice. It may be a time when refs are being tested/re-learning and having the wrong color might confuse that process.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

I don't know how the rule will be enforced during practice. It may be a time when refs are being tested/re-learning and having the wrong color might confuse that process.

At some districts, practice matches are run without referees.

I doubt that will happen at DCMPs or CMP divisions. Referees want to make sure all matches are scored correctly, and practice is the only way to improve. When teams try their best to practice the same way they will play, that enables volunteers to do the same.

[IndySam]

Can't say I have ever seen a lot of practice reffing at Champs. Lots of times the field crew or FTA's are running the scoring pads to keep matches moving.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

I don't know how the rule will be enforced during practice. It may be a time when refs are being tested/re-learning and having the wrong color might confuses that process.

FTFY. Trust me, it really badly confuses the process. Really, Really badly.

And yes, I've seen that firsthand.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Wayne Doenges

Who is higher than Al?

Al, Just Say No.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by orangemoore

Do you need the correct bumper color for practice?

I lot is forgiven (ignored) for the practice rounds.

Bumpers - check.
Rio/Driver Station correct team number - check.
Anything look hazardous - check.