Your job: help every team pass inspection fairly. All teams must pass inspection before competing — and your goal is not to fail teams; it's to help them become legal.
What inspectors check
You work from the official VEX IQ Inspection Checklist (on the tablet at our events), which gathers the key size, build, and safety requirements from the current Game Manual. You verify:
- Size limits
- Parts legality
- Safety — sharp edges, loose parts, wires
- Motor and electronics rules
- License plates attached
- The robot won't damage the field or people
If you're unsure about anything → ask the Lead Inspector or Head Referee.
The inspection flow
- Greet the team.
- Ask them to power off the robot.
- Measure size.
- Check parts and electronics.
- Safety check.
- Record on the tablet.
- Explain any fixes needed.
- Pass — or invite them back for re-inspection after changes.
Efficiency tips: inspect while they explain their robot, start with size (saves everyone time), follow the checklist order rather than hunting for problems, and work in pairs — one talks, one records. Consistency keeps inspection fair.
Common fixes
Most failures are simple: robot too large, missing license plates, illegal rubber bands or parts, unsafe wires, a loose battery. Tell the team exactly what must change — they can return for re-inspection.
The rules
You do: interpret checklist items, help teams fix problems, mark pass/fail on the tablet.
You do not: invent new rules, allow unsafe robots, or argue with teams. Judgment calls go to the Lead Inspector or Head Referee.
The inspector philosophy
We are not robot police. We are coaches for legality. Instead of "your robot is illegal," say "to compete, we need to fix this part — here's how."
And always speak to the students, not the parents or coaches. Good openers: "Show me how this works." "Let's make this competition-legal." "You're very close — just one fix." You check rules, not robot quality — no debates, no lectures, no strategy coaching.
Final rule: we don't stop teams from competing. We show them how to compete legally.