[ExTexan]

though I don't remember having to step away from the drive team until they actually went to place the robot on the field.

I'm sure it is enforced differently from time to time and place to place. The intent of that rule is to discourage teams from giving media passes to "coaches/mentors" who stay with the team until the last minute, participate in the strategy sessions with the alliances, and generally turn their 4 person drive team into a 5 person drive team which is unfair to those that don't.

I have asked many people with media passes where their cameras are. I do understand the desire and usually "no harm done" by the extra student hanging around but I try to enforce it fairly for all.