Answered: Moving Cones

[scotsman17]

Are we allowed to move the cones without picking them up, in order to create more room on the playing field?

[VEX_GDC]

The short answer is: “sometimes”.

Let’s take a look at rule SG9 from the VRC In the Zone Game Manual:

Robots may not Possess more than one (1) Cone at a time.

Note: The intent of this rule is not to punish Robots for pushing Cones that are in their way; that is, Robots are free to incidentally drive through Cones on the field while Possessing a Cone. However, Teams are not allowed to employ Cone hoarding strategies. Cone “hoarding” refers to the act of intentionally plowing multiple Cones to a specific location of the field, even with a flat/convex portion of a Robot, such that they are kept away from the opposing Alliance.

This rule refers to Possession of a Cone, so let’s look at that definition as well:

Possessing – A Robot is considered to be Possessing a Cone if it is carrying, holding, or controlling the movement of a Cone in the Robot. Pushing/plowing Cones is not considered Possession, however using concave portions of your Robot to control the movement of Cones is considered Possession.

You can also take a look at this year’s Referee Training videos for further clarification on the distinction between Possession, hoarding, and incidental “plowing” of Cones around the field (link).

Incidentally driving through or plowing Cones that are in your way is perfectly legal. Possessing multiple Cones with a concave portion of your robot, even if they are not picked up off of the playing field, is not legal.