Important Rules - 2007 Season

[TubaMorg]

Originally Posted by Steve W

I believe that internal networks are OK. I know that at the GTR we had internet access provided by one of the sponsors. I believe that the rule is that teams are not allowed to order in internet access. I do know that many venues did have access but that was on a regional by regional basis. FIRST did know that we had access at our event and we did ask for permission.

It seems difficult for me to misinterpret "Do not arrange for Internet access on the site or attempt to connect to the Internet. " I agree that internal networks are a different matter. I also don't understand how FIRST would give permission to break its own rule. Personally I would just as soon see the rule changed to allow internet access if it is available to all teams at a venue.

[ThomasP]

Originally Posted by Joe Matt

I agree, IN THE PIT. Now, when you're oustide and stuff (like one team did in ATL) and play music, I think that's fine. As they said, no music, not no speakers.

Originally Posted by Rules

Carts must remain in the team pit area when not in use for robot transportation.

No music on cart in pit area + cart always in pit area = no music coming from carts at competition

I think the no music on carts rule is good... everyone has different tastes in music and if I blared my personal favorite, over half the people in the pit would be annoyed with me..

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by TubaMorg

It seems difficult for me to misinterpret "Do not arrange for Internet access on the site or attempt to connect to the Internet. " I agree that internal networks are a different matter. I also don't understand how FIRST would give permission to break its own rule. Personally I would just as soon see the rule changed to allow internet access if it is available to all teams at a venue.

I agree.

It is easier for FIRST to say no internet and then allow those that can provide than have 6 teams attempting to get their own internet in or having to make the field level and provide to all venues.

[hallk]

Last year FIRST asked us to try to get internet at one of the regionals because a lot of teams messed up and had forget to vote for the Autodesk award. After we did that we were allowed to use the internet for scouting systems.

[KTorak]

As for internet, there has always been a rule about not setting up a phone line or any type of connection for private internet use. However, I have never been to a religion where there was an issue with internal networks (such as scouting). As for not being on the internet at all during the competition...thats kinda hard since most people have internet enabled Cell phones and places such as the GWCC have public computer terminals...

As for the rule regarding wood size on crates...am I right to assume that a team with 3/4" wood will be required to rebuild their crate? Or would it be acceptable because it exceeds the (minimal) standards. I think FIRST is just trying to get people away from using 1/4" wood and getting a nice flat crate when they get to competition. However, our 3/4" has been overweight before, but we have never disputed paying it or anything of that nature...

[y2d2]

At SVR, SJSU gave teams a piece of paper when we registered with a specific user/pw to their wireless internet. My team was pretty surprised. Useful for getting rule updates - SVR was weekend of the 17th and they updated it the 14th (and made life a tad bit easier for us!)

[Cyberguy34000]

The rule about no internet is flat-out ridiculous and I would argue goes against some of the fundamental principles of FIRST. Kind of difficult to get people excited about science and technology when you make a rule that would cut-off tens of thousands of poor helpless nerds from using their lifeline to technology, learning, and the world outside. Starving them of the information and knowledge that they so desperately crave. These people weren't meant to live without the internet, it's cruel and heartless to even hint that they might lose it for any long, extended period of time, especially at an event that is supposed to celebrate the importance of science and technology in their everyday lives!

In all seriousness though, it was probably just put in so FIRST could reach some agreement with some venue somewhere. It's not really an issue right now, most people realize how ridiculous the rule is and are selectively ignoring it. Kind of silent protest. As long it stays this way, we should be OK.

-Chris