go pros?

[RedLeader342]

will small cameras such as go pros be allowed at the driver station during matches? we would like to be able to review the match from drivers stand point in addition to from the stands for coaching and strategy purposes. couldnt find anything in rules that says its not allowed. so as a competitor in nascar, if theres no rule on it, to me its ok until a rule is added. lol

[pmattin5459]

Should be, as a lot of teams seem to offer on the field footage.

[protoserge]

Don't attach it to the field (includes the polycarbonate).

[GeeTwo]

If it's recording internally and not transmitting, it should be OK.

Rule H12, section F is the primary rule applying in this case (note that the arabic numerals below are actually lower case roman in the rules):

Originally Posted by Rule H12

You can’t bring/use anything you want. The only equipment that may be brought to the ARENA and used by DRIVE TEAMS during a MATCH is listed below...

F. devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy provided they meet all of the following conditions:

1. do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
2. do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
3. do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
4. do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
5. do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, Wi-Fi, etc.)
6. do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing PLAYERS to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other ALLIANCE members.

..
Violation: MATCH will not start until situation remedied. If discovered or used inappropriately during a MATCH, TECH FOUL.

[RedLeader342]

Thanks for the help everyone!

[dmaggio744]

For anyone new to GoPros:
If your going to use a GoPro, make sure the WiFi is off! I personally prefer to use mine with the WiFi, and will usually forego using my GoPro entirely if I don't have my phone on me(outside of FRC). However, we all Know using your own WiFi on the field is a BIG NO NO!

[Zack-5421]

Gopros are fine if they ask questions say its for a team video

[JPBlacksmiths]

They are definitely legal in the drive station (a lot of teams actually do wear them), and they are even legal on the robot. Last year we mounted one on the robot and got some really cool footage!

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Zack-5421

Gopros are fine if they ask questions say its for a team video

That sort of answer may land the GoPro back in the "team media" area. Under H12, ONLY (my emphasis) items listed under H12 are allowed to be used by the drive teams in the Arena. So let's see if a GoPro actually fits under H12.

A: Operator Console. That's an option--but it'll need to somehow be connected to said Operator Console. See Section 8.10.
B: Banners. Nope.
C: Non-powered signalling devices. It's got power. Nope.
D: Reasonable decorative items. It's...not decorative. Most likely. Not here either.
E: Special equipment needed for disability. Let's go with I can't see a way to get that working, but can't rule it out.
G: Non-powered PPE. I'd really like to see a team try to argue this one...

So that leaves H12F and its myriad restrictions.
F: Devices used solely for planning or tracking strategy, under the following conditions. Hmm. Well, that is a valid purpose, and the one the OP asked about. Let's check the restrictions.
i-iii: Doesn't connect or attach to operator console, field, arena, or another alliance member. Passes, presumably.
iv: Doesn't communicate outside the arena. If wireless is off, you're all set.
v: No enabled wireless communication. See iv. You should be good if the wireless is off.
vi: Doesn't affect outcome other than communicating strategy. Should be good.


So, putting a GoPro as part of the Operator Console might work; using it as a strategy tracking device* would almost certainly work if the wireless was off. Claiming it as "team video"? Not covered under H12.


*And the odds of getting any meaningful strategy from it? Well, depends on if you look at the video before your next match!

[ldsedam]

If they give you any trouble there are other options. What my team usually does is have our person with the media pass film our matches from the side. This allows you to get a better perspective of the field and the robots.