The Shooter (and Kicker) Saftey Thread

[Rob]

I think it is a very good idea to have this discussion. There will be lots of kicker devices that have components modified or used in ways other than they were designed for. In most safety situations you can use PPE or read the instructions and if used properly you can avoid unsafe situations.

When you modify things or use them outside of their design scope AND you are putting them under great stress there is a huge potential for bad things to happen.

Another area to watch out for not mentioned above is what your kicker is going to do after it impacts the ball. It will likely be going very fast and will have to stop abruptly to avoid extending over 2" outside the frame. Some kind of spring device to slow it down after ball impact could make it safer as well as lengthen it's lifespan. Imagine pounding into a hard stop 100-200 times over the course of the season! We have made several wooden prototypes that battered themselves apart after 30-40 shots.

let's all have a safe 2010 FRC season!

Rob