[Doug G]

We need a ruling from FIRST on this issue SOON. My robotics class, and hence team, became an ROP class this year and I was given an opportunity to buy lots of stuff last Oct. I bought mostly tools and such, but I also thought it'd be good to stock up on COTS items such as raw materials, Victors, and yes some different type of wheels. I felt safe that no matter what the game was, we'd need some wheels. Are wheels a mechanism or a component? The IFI wheels come in pieces and can be interpreted an MECHANISM, correct? And now I can't use them and I have to use the kit wheels?

We bought AM shifters for last year's competition, especially since last year's rule noted that items from previous competitions could be re-used if they're still COTS items. While I don't think we have to have them for this year's competition, we'd like to. We cannot afford to purchase them a second time. But another team in our situation may have more money and they can purchase them. Another rule that seems to favor the financially well off teams and hinder us public school folks that are making the expensive FIRST program work in creative ways. Perhaps I should be more creative in how I interpret the rules.