Proctoring

[nxtscholar]

I will be proctoring this event at a regional tournament in NJ.

I had a question with regards to accuracy of measurement since I don't recall it specifically stated in the rules. What is the maximum acceptable margin of error on the PARTICIPANT'S end? What I mean by this is, for example, rule 3a states the bridge can be "no higher than 2 cm" perpendicular to the test base in that bearing zone.

I intend to use a caliper and if it reads 2.005 cm for instance, is that grounds to tier a team based on strict interpretation? Most teams don't use calipers and thus are more prone to (acceptable, imho) measurement errors...

[Unome]

I will be proctoring this event at a regional tournament in NJ.

I had a question with regards to accuracy of measurement since I don't recall it specifically stated in the rules. What is the maximum acceptable margin of error on the PARTICIPANT'S end? What I mean by this is, for example, rule 3a states the bridge can be "no higher than 2 cm" perpendicular to the test base in that bearing zone.

I intend to use a caliper and if it reads 2.005 cm for instance, is that grounds to tier a team based on strict interpretation? Most teams don't use calipers and thus are more prone to (acceptable, imho) measurement errors...

How would you use a caliper to measure a bridge as a proctor without risking damaging the bridge?

[nxtscholar]

1. Get the students to do it themselves while watching.
2. Line up the caliper next to the bridge, which isn't really different from how you would do it with rulers anyways.

The question still stands. If a small margin of error is acceptable anyways, there's no need to use calipers and I won't bother

[chalker]

1. Get the students to do it themselves while watching.
2. Line up the caliper next to the bridge, which isn't really different from how you would do it with rulers anyways.

The question still stands. If a small margin of error is acceptable anyways, there's no need to use calipers and I won't bother

In situations where it's not specified, it's really up to the individual event supervisor how to handle this. The key thing is to treat all teams equally.

[Phys1cs]

I will be proctoring this event at a regional tournament in NJ.

I had a question with regards to accuracy of measurement since I don't recall it specifically stated in the rules. What is the maximum acceptable margin of error on the PARTICIPANT'S end? What I mean by this is, for example, rule 3a states the bridge can be "no higher than 2 cm" perpendicular to the test base in that bearing zone.

I intend to use a caliper and if it reads 2.005 cm for instance, is that grounds to tier a team based on strict interpretation? Most teams don't use calipers and thus are more prone to (acceptable, imho) measurement errors...

The tournament I was in this past weekend used a fairly good method, I think. They had a bar that looked like an upside down U. The height was 2cm, and when we out our bridge on the testing apparatus, they put it over the test end, and then checked to see "if they could see daylight" when placed on the table. Obviously, if the bar doesn't even make it to the table, the bridge is too tall and doesn't meet the specifications.

[Unome]

Another question: does the most recent FAQ mean that the loading block must be centered between the test support and the lower bearing zone, or between the two longer sides of the bridge? I interpreted it as the former, but I'm not sure.

[bernard]

Another question: does the most recent FAQ mean that the loading block must be centered between the test support and the lower bearing zone, or between the two longer sides of the bridge? I interpreted it as the former, but I'm not sure.

I would also interpret it as the former. Locating the Centerline on the diagram in the rules helps clarify it.

(section: 3 / paragraph: e / sub-paragraph: N/A / line: N/A)
2015-10-29 13:14 Does this mean that the loading block shall be aligned with the centerline of the test base, or is it acceptable for the loading block location to be off to one side as long as it allows for the chain pass through the 20cmx20cm opening of the test?
The loading block is to be aligned with the centerline of the test base which would be the center of the Bridge span when it is placed on the Test Support on one side and the Bearing Zone of the Test Base on the other side.

[DoctaDave]

As I will also be proctoring at an invite next week, I would like your opinions on interpreting the centering of the loading block. (I have already submitted an FAQ but incase it isn't answered in time, I would want to know how everyone else interprets the rules.)

Section 3 e. "The bridge must accommodate a Loading Block Assembly placed in the center of the Bridge span.

and Section 5. b. iv. Team members will place the Loading Block APPROXIMATELY at the center of the test base opening.

My question is what amount of error should be allowed for centering the loading block? My interpretation is that as long as any part of the loading block intersects with the centerline and the center of the bridge, it should be fine. So even if the loading block is 2.49cm off center, the edge of the loading block will still cross through the center of the test base and the center of the bridge, and is technically on the center.

What do you guys think?

[bernard]

As I will also be proctoring at an invite next week, I would like your opinions on interpreting the centering of the loading block. (I have already submitted an FAQ but incase it isn't answered in time, I would want to know how everyone else interprets the rules.)

Section 3 e. "The bridge must accommodate a Loading Block Assembly placed in the center of the Bridge span.

and Section 5. b. iv. Team members will place the Loading Block APPROXIMATELY at the center of the test base opening.

My question is what amount of error should be allowed for centering the loading block? My interpretation is that as long as any part of the loading block intersects with the centerline and the center of the bridge, it should be fine. So even if the loading block is 2.49cm off center, the edge of the loading block will a still cross through the center of the test base and the center of the bridge, and is technically on the center.

What do you guys think?

"Approximately" isn't specific, so it'd be up to you, as event supervisor, at least in my opinion. Your interpretation seems valid, as long you apply it to all teams the same way.

And as a competitor, it'd be wise to construct a bridge that centers the loading block as much as possible, since your supervisor on tournament day could happen to be very particular about the centering.

[JonB]

As I will also be proctoring at an invite next week, I would like your opinions on interpreting the centering of the loading block. (I have already submitted an FAQ but incase it isn't answered in time, I would want to know how everyone else interprets the rules.)

Section 3 e. "The bridge must accommodate a Loading Block Assembly placed in the center of the Bridge span.

and Section 5. b. iv. Team members will place the Loading Block APPROXIMATELY at the center of the test base opening.

My question is what amount of error should be allowed for centering the loading block? My interpretation is that as long as any part of the loading block intersects with the centerline and the center of the bridge, it should be fine. So even if the loading block is 2.49cm off center, the edge of the loading block will a still cross through the center of the test base and the center of the bridge, and is technically on the center.

What do you guys think?

"Approximately" isn't specific, so it'd be up to you, as event supervisor, at least in my opinion. Your interpretation seems valid, as long you apply it to all teams the same way.

And as a competitor, it'd be wise to construct a bridge that centers the loading block as much as possible, since your supervisor on tournament day could happen to be very particular about the centering.

I would agree with this. As long as you are consistent with your interpretation then you are good to go.