Events set specific time frames, published on the event’s schedule, in which teams are invited to load their ROBOT and equipment into their pit areas before pits officially open. At a typical District qualifier, events have pits open and load in marked as the same time on the public agenda and thus some of these rules will not apply. At most District Championships and most Regionals, there are typically load in periods without pits being opened and thus these rules do apply.
Load-In can be stressful for teams and volunteers, which can be mitigated by preparation and planning. Unanticipated factors, like traffic or weather, can change a team’s scheduled arrival time, making the process difficult. The most important things a team should remember are to be safe, gracious, and professional.