Update #16

[Bongle]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Not only do we pay for the privilege of participating in these events, but we're also expected to volunteer our time to our teams, at the events and, with respect to FIRST-approved shops, carry our own liability insurance. There's some upper limit to how much we'll all give before we start demanding some visibility and input into the decision-making process.

Actually, I can completely understand the shops needing to carry insurance, now that I think about it. If someone slices their arm off because of a poorly-maintained band saw in some team's trailer, someone is liable. Who is that someone? It's definetely not FIRST from FIRST's perspective, but since it occurred at a competition held by them through tool-sharing that they certainly encourage, a jury might find them liable.

Hopefully the steps required to become FIRST-approved are reasonable. Perhaps on practice day you'll just have to have it inspected, show your liability policy, and have your shop crew tested.