Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz Smith
I also don't think this is really "flip flopping" on FIRST's part. The relevent Q&A response only pointed out that there was no rule against it. Now there is a rule against it.
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Liz,
There is currently no rule against using sprockets, gears, COTS transmissions, etc. Specifically in the Q&As, the GDC has said:
There is no rule limiting the number of spike relays
There is no rule against using IR LEDs on the OI
The set containing all rules for a given season is far, far smaller than the set of all rules not for a given season. Do you think it would be right for the GDC to then, in the middle of the competition season, declare a rule that outlaws sprockets, gears, or COTS transmissions? Limits the number of spikes you may use to 3? Outlaw your nifty IR OI system? Outlaws the use of black paint? Decrees that sans serif fonts are unacceptable for robot team numbers? Mandates that 2 wheel robots suck and won't pass inspection?
Just because there wasn't a rule against something shouldn't give the GDC license to make up a rule that could seriously impact a team's robot and strategy in the middle of the competition season 5+ weeks after a teams has finished building their robot.