A structure tester is needed to test structures. It is allowed for the Coach or parent to construct or to have constructed the structure tester. Information on constructing a structure tester is available here: How To Build a Tester. If you are unable to build a Tester then check with the state Problem Captain. They may have an extra tester that you can borrow for testing. They may also be able to refer you to structure teams who have a tester you can borrow or have access to. Please do not let your team come to tournament without having practiced with a structure tester at least once.
At tournament, structures are tested using Olympic style weights. These are metal weights that have a 2″ diameter hole. Teams that have worked structure for many years typically acquire their own weights. It can be difficult for new teams to come up with enough Olympic style weights to test their structure. One suggestion is to talk to the coaches at a local junior high or high school and ask if you can borrow weights. If they will not let you borrow the weights then they might allow the team to bring their structure tester to the school weight room and test the structures in the weight room. Your State Problem Captain might be able to direct you to seasoned structure team managers who have weights you can use.
One adult assistant is allowed to assist Elementary or Middle Level teams in placement of weights and their only job in this is to provide muscle. Selection of weights and how the weights are positioned and placed are the responsibility of the team. Refer to the rules of the problem for additional information on this topic. A good general rule for the adult assistant to remember is that their hands should never be holding a majority of the weight or in a position to appear as if they are.
Cost saving ideas
Teams may Initially want to visit local Hobby Shops to purchase a variety of woods to experiment, test and build with. Hobby stores tend to be more expensive than online suppliers, so when ordering bulk wood its a good idea to order it online.
Check out the Additional Links page for links to various on-line suppliers of balsa wood.
A trip to home improvement centers can also expose them to different woods.
Teams using single edge razors should consider buying bulk razor blades. At most home improvement centers a box of ten razors cost $3.00 and a box of one hundred (100) razors cost $6.00.
Teams using CA glue can buy a one ounce bottle of de-bonder (recommended for any teams using CA Glues) for around $3.00. You can buy a quart of acetone (same product) for from $6.00 to $7.00
For scales you can check with your Junior High or High School Tech departments and see if they have gram scales that the team can borrow. Another source is to check with your local police department (many schools have site reps that you could contact) and see if they have confiscated gram scales that they could let the team use or have. Small battery operated pocket size gram scales can also be purchased on ebay for as low as $1.00 although you may pay $15 or more for shipping.
