Problem 4: Shock Waves
Before its scheduled competition time, the team or
a team member must report to the weigh-in site,
where the structure and spacers will be measured,
weighed, and checked for rule infractions.
If time permits the team may make corrections of any
infractions. After filling out the weigh-in checklist, a
Weigh-in Judge will seal, mark and store the structure and
spacers in a team-supplied container or paper bag.
Approximately 25 minutes before their scheduled competition
time, a team member must pick up the structure
and take it to the competition site. The
coach and other team members will report to
the competition site 20 minutes before the
team's scheduled time with the props, membership
sign, and anything else needed for the longterm
problem solution.
At the Staging Area, the Staging Area Judge will
remove the weigh-in checklist. The required paperwork
and any team clarifications will be collected and given to
the Problem Judges. The team informs them whether
Style will continue after the structure breaks. The coach
and all seven team members should be present in the
Staging Area while the judge goes through a list of
procedures and answers any questions from the
team. After this is completed, the coach and nonperforming
team members, if any, will be directed
to leave the Staging Area and informed if any special
seating has been arranged for them.
If an adult assistant is used in Division I or II, he/she
must be identified in the Staging Area and will remain
with the team throughout the Long-Term solution. It
must be apparent to the judges that when the adult
is assisting in weight placement a team member
is supporting at least 50 percent of each
weight being handled.
The only people allowed inside the testing area
during the long-term solution are the team members,
judges, and adult assistants, if used. Style may take
place at any time during the 8-minute competition.
When the long-term solution is completed, all wood from
the crushed structure, or the whole structure if it does
not break, must be placed in a paper bag and returned
to the weigh-in site by a designated judge.
The judges will want to talk to the team members
to discuss the problem solution and clear up any
questions. The structure may be inspected again
at the weigh-in site.
International Problem Captain
~ Dan Semenza