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Official Q&A: VRC 2020-2021: Change Up
646: Using field wall to maintain starting size
Relevant rule segments: <G4> Using Field Element, such as the field perimeter wall, to maintain starting size is only acceptable if the Robot would still satisfy the constraints of <R5> and pass inspection without the Field Element.
<R5> Robots must fit in a sizing box. At the beginning of any Match, Robots must be smaller than 18” (457.2 mm) long by 18” (457.2 mm) wide by 18” (457.2 mm) tall. a. Robots may expand beyond their starting size constraints after the start of a Match. b. Any restraints used to maintain starting size (i.e. zip ties, rubber bands, etc.) MUST remain attached to the Robot for the duration of the Match.
Would it be a correct interpretation of G4 to allow: A robot mechanism that needs the field perimeter to stay within the size constraints but can be temporarily constrained for inspection purposes with a mechanism assuming the mechanism will not be in place during a match. The temporary mechanism in this case would still be attached to the robot but not engaged at the beginning of the match, as the field perimeter would be holding the robot in size.
No, this would not be legal. This would be considered a possible violation of R3 parts "a" and "b", which state:
<R3> Robots must pass inspection. Every Robot will be required to pass a full inspection before being cleared to compete. This inspection will ensure that all robot rules and regulations are met. Initial inspections will take place during team registration/practice time.
a. Significant changes to a Robot, such as a partial or full swap of Subsystem 3, must be re-inspected before the Robot may compete again.
b. All possible functional Robot configurations must be inspected before being used in competition.
This hypothetical question represents a Robot with two functional configurations, one of which would pass inspection, and one of which would not.