[Joe Johnson]

I have spoken with anyone who would listen at FIRST, trying to convince them of the case for changing the M11 rule concerning spring energy.

After a lot of soul searching, FIRST has decided to keep the rule as is.

At this point, I cannot disagree with them. They have been clear on what the rule is from the beginning. We may not like it, but it has been a clear answer. To change things now would put teams that tried to follow the rule at a disadvantage.

So... ...put your spring winding plans in action or live without effective counter balance.

As to where gracious professionalism leads, I think that teams that do not meet the rule should be forced to remove their counter balance -- it is no different than not making weight or not fitting in the box. The rule is clear: If it powers a mechanism of your robot, you can store no more than 20 ft-lbs of energy in it at the beginning of the match, PERIOD.

It is not fair to the teams that expended weight and time and energy complying with the rules to have to compete with folks that are in violation (through ignorance or through deception).

It it not gracious professionalism to look the other way. I don't think folks should get rude or ugly about it, but I think that FIRST officials should be notified and that FIRST should review the case and enforce the rule if needed.

Calling 'em as I see 'em.

Joe J.