According to Q&A 1019 you can use a mechanism to release match loads on to the field assuming no other rules are violated.
question #2, is it legal to use a mechanism to release match load rings on the field? we made a way to place 4 match load rings on the field at the same time (and legally placed) by squeezing the handle. nothing in the rules says that match load rings must be set down by a drive team member/ without the help of a mechanism, so does that mean that this is legal? i know a rule making this illegal was included in past manuals, but this year it is not.
There are no rules prohibiting this; therefore, it is legal.
In the context of < SG8 > c. it seems that you could use use a mechanism to place match load rings contacting a robot.
c. Match Load Rings may not be placed such that they are contacting a Robot (from either Alliance)while still in contact with a Drive Team Member.
So who wants to ask the Q&A this question. As the rules are currently written it would be legal because there is nothing that defines transitive contact between a drive team member, but I have my doubts that it is intended to be legal.
My next question is a bit more open for debate. What does “introduced” mean in < SG8 > e.
e. Match Load Rings may only be introduced during the Autonomous Period or the Driver ControlledPeriod, i.e. they may not be introduced during the pause between the two periods, or prior to the Match.
Can this mean hovering over the field with a ring not touching the foam field tile before the match starts or between periods? Or does it mean the drive team member has let go of the ring(the ring would be contacting the field tile) and before they do its not placed or introduced?
f. It is expected that Drive Team Members may momentarily break the plane of the field perimeter while legally introducing Match Load Rings. This action should be kept as brief as possible, and Teams from both Alliances should be very mindful of when Match Load Rings are being entered into the field.
i. Any human contact with Robots from either Alliance during this interaction may be considered a violation of and / or at the Head Referee’s discretion.
And how does < SG8 > f. play into hovering you hand or mechanism during the pause between periods?
Have a fun discussion.
