OK, I read some of the rules, and it looks like FIRST is trying to encourage the use of Commercially available Off-The-Shelf technology (COTS), while at the same time limiting the amount anyone can spend on such equipment to make things fair.
From the 2007 rules, here are the sections I found useful:
Section 8: The Robot
8.2: Definitions.
Our shock logger falls under the category of COTS
As a company, MadgeTech can be considered a VENDOR
8.3.4.2: Additional Parts and Materials Rules
Quote:
Part of the purpose of the FIRST Robotics Competition is to provide team members with the
experience of conceptualizing, designing and constructing their own solution to the challenge
posed by the game. This must be a consideration when obtaining MECHANISMS and COTS
items as additional parts to use on the ROBOT.
This intent is clearly met when a team obtains a MECHANISM or COTS items that was designed
for non-FIRST other than robotic competition purposes, and then modifies or alters it to provide
functionality for the ROBOT.
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R51: The total cost of all non-Kit Of Parts items must not exceed $3,500.00 USD. No individual item shall have a value of over $400.00. The total cost of components purchased in bulk
may exceed $400.00 USD as long as the cost of an individual component does not exceed
$400.00.
The list price of a stock Shock101 is $599; we have in the past offered an educational discount of 25% off list which brings the price down to $449.25. Bulk discounts apply to purchases of 5 or more units, and we can also lease the loggers for a smaller fee.