Answered: Field setup and skills challenges

Oliver_W · February 27, 2014, 11:32am

Karthik:

Vex Mundi:

Hi Karthik,

I have a rules question.

When setting up the field, it’s possible for the position of the weight at the bottom of the big ball to vary quite a bit. Where the weight is placed can affect gameplay quite substantially, as in this image:

http://i.imgur.com/6yOA4F2.png

Now, the field specifications in appendix A don’t show the weight, they just show the large balls as solid spheres.

Does this mean that the weight can be placed anywhere, or does the ±1" tolerance rule apply? If the ±1" rule applies, where should the weight be ±1" from?

Thanks,
OliverHi Oliver,

You are correct, there is no specification of where the weight is. However, the most common placement is to have the weight directly at the bottom of the large ball, as this helps keep it balanced in it’s starting position.

Cheers,

Karthik

Can event organisers place the large balls with the weight off-centre in order to give teams an advantage in skills challenges? The advantage that can be gained this way is very significant. I realise this question opens a can of worms regarding using field tolerances to help home teams, but I’m asking more in the hope that you will rule it illegal. If it’s allowed, though, we will be making use of it.

And it may be a can of worms that needed to be opened.

Thanks again for all your help, Karthik.

Karthik · February 27, 2014, 11:52am

No, the weight should be placed as close to the bottom of the Large Ball as possible when on the Barrier. This ensures that the Large Ball won’t accidentally fall off the Barrier prior to the Match starting.

You’re welcome!