Need for Inspections Rules Changes

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Here are a few 'statistics' that seem to be normal for all regionals and even the Champs...
If you see a team before 10 o'clock in the inspection area, they have never weighed or sized the robot or they don't know where the practice cue is.
Some teams will start to inspect after their second practice and either just before or just after lunch, starting about 11.
Business picks up by 3PM and hits a peak by 4-5 o'clock.
LRIs start visiting teams in the pit by 4 if they are following the recommended practice.
By 6 o'clock, LRIs are instructed to start visiting the teams with a "mad mom face" and most of the stragglers will start to come in.
It is way out of the ordinary for a team to not inspect on Thursday except for those that choose to go home early or come in late.
By Friday morning, the majority of teams without a sticker are bringing in the BOM or signing the inspection sheet.
An LRI takes it personally if all teams do not have a sticker by opening ceremonies.
There is always at least one veteran team who waits until the last minute to inspect.
There is always several teams who will completely tear down their robot on Thursday for any of a variety of reasons especially if it is their first regional.
Rookies are not the only late comers nor are they always the greater number of the problem teams.
There are some regionals each year that will report that a number of teams are not inspected or even started by Friday morning. (Not always the same regional)
Inspections are complicated by changes in the KOP particularly the control system, issues arising from field control, and volunteers doing double duty, i.e. judges and refs inspecting on Thursday.
Average inspection times run 20 minutes or less. Consistent 45 minute or longer inspections indicate an issue with the inspection team.
Partial inspections take longer overall than a full, one visit, inspection. A request for a partial indicates the team is not ready to be inspected.
The rule that allowed more practice matches for teams already inspected brought experienced teams in earlier for inspection, at some regionals.
There are some teams that refuse help no matter how much you try. It takes a strong and forceful LRI to take matters in hand and layout a step by step approach to compliance.
Teams will continue to modify and build throughout the weekend and won't think about reinspection. Inspection areas near the cue make things easier to see by those manning the inspection area on Friday and Saturday.