[Jeff Pahl]

I personally do not trust any sort of "software interlock" to prevent a dry fire of a robot mechanism. We all know that programmers are allowed to tinker with the code after inspection, and there is no sort of control in place to prevent the removal of a software interlock, either intentionally or accidentally.

I realize that the ball being present changes the physics of many shooters. However, it is my opinion that stored energy mechanisms should be designed to withstand the additional stresses of potentially being fired without the ball being present.

These are my opinions. You may not agree with them. However, be aware that I am the individual that presented this section of the rules during LRI training, and these are the opinions regarding this subject that were given during that presentation. There was discussion, but no disagreement on the subject. And I know all the Championship division LRI's are in agreement on the subject.