<GG17>
No Holding for more than a 3-count. A Robot may not Hold an opposing Robot for more than a 3-count during the Driver Controlled Period. For the purposes of this rule, a “count” is defined as an interval of time that is approximately one second in duration, and “counted out” by Head Referees verbally. A Holding count should begin immediately once the Head Referee observes a suspected Holding interaction. The Holding count should pause when at least one of the following conditions is met:
• The two Robots are separated by at least two (2) feet (approximately one foam tile).
• Either Robot has moved at least two (2) feet away (approximately one tile) from the location where the Trapping or Pinning count began. In the case of Lifting, this location is measured from where the Lifted Robot is released, not from where the Lifting began.
• The Holding Robot becomes Trapped or Pinned by a different Robot. In this case, the original count would end, and a new count would begin for the newly Trapped or Pinned Robot.
• In the case of Trapping, if an avenue of escape becomes available due to changing circumstances in the Match. After a Holding count ends, a Robot may not resume Holding the same Robot again for a 5-count. If a Team resumes Holding the same Robot within that 5-count, the original Holding count will resume from where it ended. A Head Referee should use fingers to display the 5-count that occurs after the end of a Holding count, and “wave it off” after the Holding interaction has been cleared. If the Head Referee determines that a Robot is not attempting to escape, then it is not considered Pinned or Trapped. This commonly occurs when the Robot has malfunctioned and lost the ability to move, or when the Robot is defending a Field Element. This criteria is not required for Lifting; the Holding status begins as soon as the opponent becomes Lifted. Holding is a standard and legal part of Head-to-Head game play, and only becomes a Violation if it exceeds the guidelines in this rule. By beginning a Holding count immediately after noticing a Holding interaction, and providing a visual signal when a Holding interaction has been cleared, Head Referees can help Teams avoid penalties.
Significant Q&As:
• Q&A 2743 - The Park Zone is not an avenue of escape from Pinning, but generally is an avenue of escape from Trapping
• Q&A 2744 - “Under the Long Goal” is not an avenue of escape from Pinning, but generally is an avenue of escape from Trapping
• Q&A 2744 - If two Robots are working together to Trap an opponent simultaneously, the Holding count can be applied to both Robots; it’s possible for them to legally take turns trapping, but it’s risky
• Q&A 2775 - More guidance on when and how to count Holding
• Q&A 2827 - Things to consider when deciding whether a Violation is Minor or Major
• Q&A 2969 - A Robot that is Holding another Robot is probably acting more Defensively than a Robot that is attempting to move Blocks
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