[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Richard

<R17> says, among other things, that any MECHANISMS (COTS or custom) that were purchased before kickoff cannot be used on the final robot.

Originally Posted by JoshuaFreier

Can someone point me to the rule or ruling that says COTs have to be purchased during the season?

Thanks
Joshua

Originally Posted by JoshuaFreier

The version of R17 that I have printed says:
"Prior to kick-off: Before the formal start of the Robot Build Season, teams are encouraged... Teams may gather all the raw stock and COTS COMPONENTS they want. .... Any MECHANISMS purchased or assembled prior to the kick-off presentation may be used for...."

Unless this was changed in update #2 I don't know where you are seeing what you are seeing and if the AM Transmission is a COTS item why wouldn't a team be allowed to pre-order?

Joshua

Originally Posted by DeepWater

Read the whole rule:

<R17> Prior to the Kick-off: Before the formal start of the Robot Build Season, teams are
encouraged to think as much as they please about their ROBOTS. They may develop
prototypes, create proof-of-concept models, and conduct design exercises. Teams may
gather all the raw stock materials and COTS COMPONENTS they want. But absolutely no
fabrication or assembly of any elements intended for the final ROBOT is permitted prior to
the Kick-off presentation. Any MECHANISMS purchased or assembled prior to the Kick-off
presentation may be used for prototyping or educational purposes, but CAN NOT be used
on the final ROBOT.

Note that this got flipped around in Team Update #2 (PDF link).