Answered: SG8 and the field perimeter

[meng]

Hi Karthik,

I am quite concerned with the latest ruling regarding SG 8.

https://vexforum.com/t/answered-sg8-and-the-fence/35352/1

Specifically, I am referring to the ruling regarding the robot touching one side of the fence and the field perimeter at the same time - it is ruled as illegal.

My concern is that I can foresee there will be quite a bit of tussle going on at the fence area, eg. One side trying to score and the other side trying to block, etc.

In the process that the robot is trying to block the opponent (at the edge of the fence, or next to the field perimeter) from dumping stars over, the front of the robot is touching one side of the fence, and at the same time, the side or one corner of the robot is touching the field perimeter - will this be considered as illegal then?

The robot will be touching the fence and the field perimeter at the same time, and since it is in a tussle with the opponent, the robot is, in a way, anchoring itself.

Going by the previous ruling, this will be ruled as illegal, but I am looking at the practicability of enforcing this rule and also it sounds draconian to DQ a team that is just trying to block the opponent from scoring.

[Karthik]

@meng

In the process that the robot is trying to block the opponent (at the edge of the fence, or next to the field perimeter) from dumping stars over, the front of the robot is touching one side of the fence, and at the same time, the side or one corner of the robot is touching the field perimeter - will this be considered as illegal then?

We ask you to please thoroughly read the VEX Robotics Comeptition Starstruck Game Manual and to please review the Q&A Usage Guidelines before posting in this forum. Specifically, please quote the rule or definition that your question is referring to.

Let’s take a look at <SG8>from the VEX Robotics Comeptition Starstruck Game Manual. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis:

@VEX Robotics Competition Starstruck Game Manual

<SG8> Robots may not intentionally grasp, grapple or attach to any Field Elements. Strategies with mechanisms that react against multiple sides of a field element in an effort to latch onto said field element are prohibited. The intent of this rule is to prevent teams from both unintentionally damaging the field, and from anchoring themselves to the field. Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the match will result in a warning. Egregious (match affecting) offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the head referee’s discretion.

What you’ve described is clearly not a strategy to anchor to the field. This would not be a violation of <SG8>.