[rees2001]

I have no problem with the idea that it needs to be obvious that your robot is in or even touching the LZ. That can be done in many ways. The problem I see is when did the 28x38 base come into play. 4 weeks in is waaaaaay tooooooo far to make that kind of change. Many teams are done with their robots by then and others are way too far in to make that kind of change. All along we went with the premise that if we made it obvious that we are in the loading zone & we have some part of our robot make contact with the HDPE we would be considered in the LZ. We have been patient about the rules changes. All of them seem to be for the better of the game. But you cannot expect a team to redesign their robot because the robot base needs STAY 28x38. If your teams robot is designed to tip to create a 38x60 base and you completely and entirely cover the LZ when acquiring scoring objects, should you not be considered in?

Andy,
I know you have been a head referee at many FIRST events. Is this a letter of the law or an interpretation of the law? If it is obvious we are in the loading zone/completely covering the loading zone will you throw a flag? I shouldn't put you on the spot like this so, who among us would throw the flag and who wouldn't?

I just asked because I heard YOU will be the Ref at the Finger Lakes Regional next week here in Rochester. And how you deal with it in the first week sets a precedence for the entire season.