These has probably been asked before, but I couldn’t find it anywhere, so here goes:
First of all, what is defined as “non-functional”? If a side panel (i.e. lexan or paper) is covering up wires and protecting them from other robots, is it considered non-functional? Does it affect the decision if it’s paper or lexan?
Second, is it allowed to use extra lexan (not cut out of the 12"x24") for a solely non-functional purpose?
This sort of determination will be made by the inspector at your event. A good rule of thumb is the following: guards, decals or side panels should be backed by VEX legal materials which provide the same level of functionality.
Yes, you may use extra lexan if it is solely for non-functional purposes.