Keeping the Pits Streamlined

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by Schnabel

We TechnoKats set a schedule every year and if you aren't on the schedule, then you are in the stands. The scouting group has a similar schedule as to make sure we have scouts at all times, yet no one person scouts all day.



Actually I disagree with this and every year i try my best to kick all TechnoKats in front of the pit out if they aren't susposed to be there. Imagine this, you are at BoilerMaker regional, and your team, and every other team has 3-5 people standing outside of the pit. Since BMR has very limited space in the aisles, there is no room to get through. This is bad if you are running late and need to get the robot through, or if the people outside of the pits are messing around and they block judges. If I had one thing to ask of all teams, please don't stand in front of your pit.

I agree 1000%. DO NOT STAND in front of your pits! You are a safety hazard to put it politely, and a majorly annoying distraction to put it bluntly. You're a hinderance if any judges come by, and you'll slow down the process of strategizing with other teams drive-teams.

We assign 5 team members to the pits. 2 mechanical, 2 electrical, and one 'whoever'. I am never afraid to send team members away if there are too many. They know that if I see them standing with nothing to do that it's pretty likely they're going to get something to do (and generally it won't be much fun) - things like going to set up the lunch trailer, or going to relieve someone who's scouting, or going to scout other teams.

Don't be afraid to ask people to leave. The first time you don't and someone gets hurt, you'll feel horrible that you didn't.

Get those extra people out of the pits. They don't belong there.