[Matt C]

Generally, the rule against "hard" items against the floor is to prevent a popular practice "back in the day" of screwing drywall screws into skyway wheels to get cheap "cleats" that increased traction. (The carpet really didn't like that). Heck, I remember teams with full metal tracks back before this rule existed.

It came about after 2k2 with the "file card" anchor robots (plus a plethora of other carpet threatening devices). Anyone that took part in that year's competitions knows what the carpets looked like afterwards.

I think it comes down to:

Are there "hard" parts of the tread that are in contact with the carpet? ("hard" meaning anything but rubber or smooth slider-type plastic)

If so, I'd expect to have it thoroughly examined by inspectors on Thrusday.