Answered: Replacing a broken rubber band in autonomous

[JoseSantos]

A robot uses rubber bands in order to properly intake and release game objects. If these rubber bands were to snap, would it be legal as per rule <SG5> and/or <SG6> to replace these rubber bands?

<SG5> During the Autonomous Period, Drivers and Coaches may handle their own Robot while the
Robot is in contact with their own Alliance Starting Tile. During contact with the Robot, the Drivers or
Coaches may not intentionally manipulate or modify the position of any Scoring Objects (aside from any
which are being loaded into the Robot), either by direct hand contact or indirect contact via the Robot.
Drivers or Coaches also may not change the configuration of the Robot other than in the act of fixing the
Robot (i.e. it is okay to reposition the robot relative to the field, but it is not okay to manually lift up the
Robot’s arm).
The intent of this rule is to allow teams to fix Robots that are unable to move, to load Match Loads into
the Robot, to reposition and/or reorient Robots, and to activate additional autonomous modes by
interacting with the Robot via sensors or buttons.
The intent of this rule is not to allow teams to manipulate their Robot in such a way that they are
controlling the Robot via human contact or creating motions that lead to scoring.
Violations of this rule will result in warning for the first offense. Subsequent offenses or an egregious first
offense will result in a Disqualification
**<SG6> **During the Driver Controlled Period, Drivers and Coaches may handle their own Robot as long as
the robot has never left the Alliance Starting Tile. The intent of this rule is to allow teams to fix Robots
which were unable to move at the start of the Match.
Violations of this rule will result in warning for the first offense. Subsequent offenses or an egregious first
offense will result in a Disqualification.

Thanks in advance!

[Karthik]

A robot uses rubber bands in order to properly intake and release game objects. If these rubber bands were to snap, would it be legal as per rule <SG5> and/or <SG6> to replace these rubber bands?

No, this would not be legal. Team members may not introduce anything other than Match Loads to the playing field. Thus, bringing a rubber band onto the field would be illegal.

[JoseSantos]

No, this would not be legal. Team members may not introduce anything other than Match Loads to the playing field. Thus, bringing a rubber band onto the field would be illegal.

Thanks for answering my question! Although I do have some follow up questions now.

1. Would it be legal to repair the existing rubber bands by tying a knott?

2. Is it legal to introduce new batteries (7.2V Robot Batteries or 9V Backup Batteries) if those on the robot are uncharged or if the batteries are nonexistant?

[Karthik]

Thanks for answering my question! Although I do have some follow up questions now.

1. Would it be legal to repair the existing rubber bands by tying a knott?

2. Is it legal to introduce new batteries (7.2V Robot Batteries or 9V Backup Batteries) if those on the robot are uncharged or if the batteries are nonexistant?

1. Yes.
2. No, you cannot introduce new items to the field.

[JoseSantos]

Okay. Thanks, Karthik!

[Karthik]

Okay. Thanks, Karthik!

You’re welcome!