Why only one ball?

[Alan2338]

Okay, so a few of us on 2338 think we are either missing something or we found something interesting.

First off, a few things.

Is there anything that explicitly states a ball is on the pedestal to begin the match? We haven't found any...

Next

3.1.2 MATCH LOGISTICS
Although an ALLIANCE may start a MATCH with up to three (3) BALLS, the PEDESTAL will only be illuminated when the last BALL that started the MATCH is SCORED, effectively reducing the number of BALLS in play per ALLIANCE to one (1).

Are there 3 or 4 balls total available to be put in the rotation of cycles?


Also

G5
For ROBOTS starting in their GOALIE ZONE the TEAM may decide if the BALL is: staged between the TRUSS and the ZONE LINE and not contacting an ALLIANCE partner, or removed from the FIELD for the MATCH.

With the definition of a match as the full 2:30, if it's removed from the FIELD for the MATCH, is that ball permanently out of the rotation of Red or Blue's Match balls?

G5
For ROBOTS starting in the white ZONE, the TEAM may preload one (1) of their ALLIANCE’s BALLS such that the BALL is touching their ROBOT.

Even more with the auto balls, do you have to take one if not in the goalie zone? And if you can choose to opt out, and leave it out of auto, is it out of the FIELD for the MATCH?

-------------

If we are correct about this whole limited number of balls in a rotation, and there is not a stockpile, do you lose out by choosing for a goalie or choosing for someone not to take a ball? If this is true, you could end up with only two balls. I am already worried about the speed of the field worker being a variable to worry about, but if you only end up with 2 balls, it becomes even worse.