They can and will be a joke IF those "officials" do not conduct the checking of them. Sure. On the other hand, I've seen many officials that took it seriously BECAUSE OF REAL INCIDENCES OF ATTEMPTS TO CIRCUMVENT THE RULES (I've seen it happen/or the attempt anyway). Point is, the structure is there to protect against violations. True, it has to be properly used, but at least it is/would be there as a tool.
Oh yeah, THAT would go over well, following a kid or group of kids with a video camera. Might assist, but doubt that would work well in practice.
