[BrendanB]

In the fall of 2011 our team went from our low row rookie machine to a top row scorer. We balanced our arm using surgical tubing and we kept it down using some small magnets. It was just enough to keep the arm down with a slight tap to release it from the stowed position. We loved how light, simple, and fool proof the system was with no latches or pins to get stuck, jammed, etc.

Another solution would be to use a latch to hold your arm down. At the beginning of the match you lower the arm allowing the latch to fall/release and your arm is free to move as it pleases.