[Mike Betts]

Al,

I have to disagree with you (at least partially) on this one.

If the safety lock, when removed, will cause deployment of a mechanism, I agree.

If we are talking about making a trigger mechanism for a stored energy device absolutely foolproof safe but it's removal does not cause deployment, I not only think it legal but almost mandatory.

We do not want accidental deployment of a mechanism when putting a robot onto or off of the field.

Let's use a theoretical kicker for an example. It has a deflected spring and/or pre-charged pneumatic piston and a trigger that makes it fire. A pin in the trigger, removed after the robot is placed on the field, will prevent accidental firing while the robot is handled.

The pin is never part of the robot during a match. It is in a team member's pocket.

I would call this legal and almost mandatory.

JMHO,

Mike