سؤال و: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Override
3260: Match loading - momentary contact SG11c
<SG11> Does momentary contact allow a team to hold a pin steady in place while the robot grabs it, where they time their release so it is "momentary", assuming this could be completed safely and without extending any part of the hand below the edge of the loader. For example, could a team hold a pin suspended off the surface inside the original volume of the match loader so they are positioning it at the correct height for their robot mechanism, and then release it as the robot essentially grabs it out of their hand? Or, can the team member push the pin/cup into the waiting robot's loading mechanism below the raised loader? Additionally, if these are not legal, could you clarify a type situation in which momentary contact could legally occur?
For example, could a team hold a pin suspended off the surface inside the original volume of the match loader so they are positioning it at the correct height for their robot mechanism, and then release it as the robot essentially grabs it out of their hand?
Yes, that is a perfect example of allowed momentary contact.
Or, can the team member push the pin/cup into the waiting robot's loading mechanism below the raised loader?
If the team member is lowering the Pin/Cup down into the Loader and waits until the Pin/Cup makes contact with the Robot before releasing the Pin/Cup, that would be another perfect example of allowed momentary contact.
If instead the team member is taking time during the Match Loading process to position the Pin/Cup within the Robot (e.g., pushing the Pin/Cup fully within an intake mechanism, repositioning the Pin/Cup within the Robot, or holding the Pin/Cup until securely held within a claw's grip), this would likely involve more than momentary contact, which would result in an <SG11> Violation.
We ask that Teams and Head Referees use common sense (<G3>) when interpreting "momentary contact", and we would advise Teams to be reasonable and avoid pushing the bounds of this interpretation. It is in everyone's best interest if Head Referees are allowed to spend most of the Match watching for more significant rule violations (e.g., <SG9> and <SG10>), rather than watching for minor Match Loading violations.