Control System, Joystick mod?

[Jordan A.]

Ive sent to FRC twice now and havnt gotten an awnser, perhaps the question isnt deemed worthy of an awsner or they just havnt gotten to it, either way. We are looking to make a control system thats pretty simple, tank steering with a single joystick. However not the one on the IF web site (its got some issues)

To use our system and avoid trig we would need to rotate the handle of the joystick 45 degrees on its base, it would be reattached and in no way be electrically altered. I read the rules that said alterations to the joystick was not allowed. I was fine with that but then I saw this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/pics/bin/..._robot_arm.jpg

Does that not count as a joystick mod? and would ours? Or was this is violation of the rules? Some solid awnsers would be nice.

-Jordan