[Mike Martus]

A Team sent me this question?

At the start of the match we understand that the 16" ball must be touching the robot or loaded in the robot. What happens if we load the ball into the robot and now the robot extends outside the "Box" meaning it is no longer in legal size configuration?

Answer:
The robot must at the starting time meet all size requirements regardless of whether a ball is loaded or not.

Design your robot accordingly.

NOTE: The ball may extend outside the starting envelop without penalty.

The penalty for being outside the box at starting is you will not be allowed to compete in that match.