Low weight we can bring to the event

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by Bob Steele

I think you missed his point. a NO WITHHOLDING RULE would even up the regionals.... That way everyone plays with what they "brung" in the crate or bag... or fixes it on Thursday...

No it wouldn't. In fact, it would have the exact opposite effect.

Teams like 71, could (and have) built an entirely new robot in the pits on Thursday using only raw materials, while most other teams could maybe fix something and that's about it. With the withholding allowance, any team can work on their spare/upgrade parts at their own pace, in their own facilities, which makes it much easier for regular teams to make performance upgrades. At the same time, teams who have literally entire machine shops in their pits, had a much easier time fixing parts or making upgrades, while those with hand drills and files struggled. The entire reason they began allowing the withholding allowance was because of the reuse of the control system and to make it easier for low- and mid-tier teams to compete with the capability of top-tier teams.

Back under the old non-withholding allowance rules, I remember a lot of fabricating in our pits of "questionable" safety, mostly due to too many people and not enough space in the pits. The worst was when we were at NJ Regional in 2004, where we probably built half our robot there. The whole thing was like playing Twister with cordless drill/hole saws, a drill press, band saw, and heat gun. I never want to do that again. Withholding allowance allows us to fabricate parts in much safer conditions in our school's shop. In fact, due to the withholding allowance, we've drastically cut down on the number of tools and equipment we bring to competitions now, and overall have a much less cluttered pit.

Besides, if you look back on anything you've already made and can't find any flaws that can be improved, you're doing it wrong.