Quote:
Originally Posted by Oblarg
I will state again that if the pragmatic effect of this rule is that functionally-equivalent products from different brands have differing legality, and so teams who didn't happen to purchase the right brand of velcro are in violation of the rule, then it is a bad rule and should be changed.
There are lots of products where it's probably nearly impossible to ascertain the legality under the current ruling, as well.
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As with all items not explicitly mentioned in the rules, it is up to the team to prove to the Robot Inspectors that the item is legal. This is best done by showing a product sheet describing the product in terms that agree with the rules. So if you are using a hook and loop fastener product on your robot, perhaps you should bring a product sheet from that particular manufacturer with the same model number that appears on the invoice you have for its purchase. If that product sheet meets the description of a FIRST compliant rope, and doesn't violate any of the legal descriptions ( a WOVEN stainless steel rope would not be legal, just because it's woven), then you have a much better chance of making the LRI happy.
If, however, you have just any old hook and loop, and try to use Velcro's description of a very particular product which is woven, then expect some careful and pointed questioning. At my events, you will need to show that you, in fact, are using the product described in the product sheet.