Swinging hammer shooter question

[jalmos]

A little late in the season to ask this.....

Our teams robot has a swinging hammer that hits the ball to launch it. Works pretty well but we are wondering about rules/safety.

Our arm is all within the frame except when it swings to hit the ball near the back of the robot. When it swings down it is outside the frame, but still within the 20" rule. I am concerned about the rules and safety. Seems a little dangerous but from what we have read it is within the rules. I am wondering what an inspector will think....

The arm on comes out in a small slot on the back of the robot and the sides are guarded but the back isn't guarded. If we were to guard the back of the swinging are it would be greater than the 20" rule. Do you think this will still be ok, legal, and allowed.