[KenWittlief]

so then by your definition, if any part of my robot extends out of the field in my first match, then I get the release ball with that same part in the second match, I get the penalty, because that part extended at some point in the past, so my robot 'has violated the rule'

so everytime I get the release ball in every match after match 1, i get a 25 point penalty, even if i reach through the opening.

it should say, if the party of the first part builds a machine, mechanism, device.....

I think this thread has gone to the lawyers- as the game was demo'd at the kickoff the intent was clear, you have to reach through, you cant reach around.