<SG6>

Using the Load Zone. Scoring Objects may be Loaded through the Load Zone during the Match, and must meet all of the following criteria.
• Red and blue Pins may only be Loaded into the Load Zone that matches the color of that Pin. Beams and/or orange Pins that leave the Field during a Match may be reintroduced at either Load Zone as described in rule <SG4>.
• The Scoring Object must be placed in contact with the VEX IQ beam attached to the Floor.
• The Loader may only put a Scoring Object into a Load Zone if no other Scoring Objects are in contact with that Load Zone.
• A Robot may not contact a Scoring Object in the Load Zone if that Scoring Object is being contacted by a human.
• Once a Scoring Object is Placed into a Load Zone and released, it may no longer be contacted by a Loader.
• If a Scoring Object is introduced improperly (e.g., while another Scoring Object is in contact with the Load Zone), it must be retrieved by the Loader and reintroduced.
• A Loaded Pin or Beam must be placed in a stationary position, and must remain in contact with the VEX IQ beam after it is released by the Loader until it is contacted by a Robot or another Scoring Object that is being manipulated by a Robot.
• Pins that begin the Match outside the Field cannot break the plane of the Field Perimeter until the Match begins. Note: Although it is not required, Robots are highly recommended to remain some distance away from the Scoring Object until the Loader’s hand has clearly been removed. This will make clauses d & e abundantly clear to Head Referees.

Violation Notes:
• Teams are responsible for their own actions. Violations that involve a Loader and Robot from opposite Teams will be given to both Teams.
• It is expected that most Violations of this rule will be accidental. In accidental cases that end up being Score Affecting (i.e., an illegally-Loaded Scoring Object is Connected to another Scoring Object), the first occurrence during a Qualification Match may be treated as a Minor Violation and a “final notice” that any future Violation will result in Disqualification for the Match.
• Any Score Affecting Violation during a Finals Match (accidental and intentional) must be treated as a Major Violation.
• Repeated, intentional, or egregious Violations may escalate to a Major Violation at the Head Referee’s discretion. One example of an egregious Violation would be placing a Scoring Object directly onto a Robot without ever contacting the Load Zone.

Significant Q&As:
• Q&A 2659 - Match Loads do not have to be placed in vertical positions
• Q&A 2726 - Scoring Objects must be Loaded one at a time
• Q&A 3020 - A human Loader can hold as many Pins as they like, and can rearrange Pins in the Driver Station; there’s no required layout for Pins in the Driver Station

Game Rules Index