[Joe Johnson]

I really think this is just one that got past FIRST.

While we here on the Chief Delphi Forums were worrying our hearts out about the M11 rule, FIRST folks had many other fires they deemed more urgent.

By the time it got through to the right people, FIRST felt too much time had passed to make a such a significant change.

All I can say is it was not for lack of effort on the part of the folks on the Chief Delphi Forums that this one fell through the cracks.

We did our best, it will just have to wait for next year for relief.

I really think this issue makes a strong case for FIRST to publish a "beta" set of (game independent) rules prior to the competition kickoff. This would allow for a comment period which would give FIRST time to make clarifications and changes before any official rules were out there causing confusion and heartburn.

Perhaps in the future...

Joe J.