Dangerous precedent set by Q&A 461: Loaning Parts/Assemblies to other teams

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Cory

I can understand if FIRST wanted to avoid a situation where a third partner on an eliminations alliance is asked to sit in a corner with a ramp tethered to them...but the answer they gave seems far too draconian and will only serve to further widen the gap between struggling teams and high performing teams. At the same time, FIRST also should not have created a game which basically encourages two high performing teams to either turn their third partner into a paperweight or take them off the field entirely.

Not only is it mildly draconian, I'd argue that the Q&A response is BARELY supported by the rules. Saying it's a violation of R1 is pretty much invoking the "I'll know it when I see it" defense.

What draws the line? — "Well, the other team's student put in a rivet on this part, so they helped build it AT the event." It's unenforceable and can only lead to more stupid calls.

If FIRST doesn't like the fact that their game encourages bad behavior like that... well, I hope they learn their lesson for next year.



Edit: How will I lend those items to other teams without breaking the rule? I won't, I'll just break the rule and clear it with the LRI prior doing it.