[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by gpetilli

Unfortunately, it is against the rules.

G12

An ALLIANCE may not POSSESS their opponent’s BALLS. The following criteria define POSSESSION:
1. “carrying” (moving while supporting BALLS in or on the ROBOT),
2. “herding” (repeated pushing or bumping),
3. “launching” (impelling BALLS to a desired location or direction via a MECHANISM in motion relative to the ROBOT),
4. “trapping” (overt isolation or holding one or more BALLS against a FIELD element or ROBOT in an attempt to shield them).

If the post is sliding left/right, this would only be "impelling the ball to a desired location" if the ball were to be deflected significantly left or right. Yes, while an off-center bounce would send the ball off to the side, The major (>>95%) "impulsion" would be caused by a deflection rather than a launch.

I would invoke the "grandmother clause" in this situation. A move like this is pretty clearly a "block" more than anything else (blocking being a deflection).

I think people are way over-thinking the "possession vs defense" side of this game, especially when it comes to goalie. IMHO a robot like this is quite obviously legal, especially because the intent of the device is clear (to move the defense device in front of, not "impel" the ball)