"Spare Parts" Rules Are Broken

[Jack Jones]

Originally Posted by MikeDubreuil

They are not draconian they are suprsingly simple. It's only those looking to beat the rules that create an eviroment in their mind that they somehow don't understand them and can circumvent them.

The rules in a nut shell:
1. If you didn't ship it, you can't bring it. Unless you have the EXACT same part on your robot.
2. Any team manafactured part you do bring must be as dissasembled as possible.

Not wanting to get into a debate - but I did not say what they have is Draconian - meant only that I fear they will become that way.

Another point: It is impossible to create "EXACT" same parts. Thus, if taken literally, no replacment parts can pass the test.

So, all of this has us playing lawyer, which is not my idea of a good time!

[Katie Reynolds]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

Another point: It is impossible to create "EXACT" same parts. Thus, if taken literally, no replacment parts can pass the test.

Ok. This thread was started to discuss teams bringing practice bots to competitions and using them during their practice matches, and/or swapping out upgraded parts on the practice bot for those on their competing robot. The point of the thread was to figure out a way to better enforce, or make the rules about spare parts clearer.

And now it's turned into a debate not being able to fabricate "exact parts", cause the only "exact" part is the original? Wow.

There are plenty of other threads about wanting more time, changing/eliminating FIRST rules, etc etc. If you've got something to say that doesn't 'go' with this thread, find a better fit or start a new one. Please.

Oh, for those confused on the exact parts point, you can make a COPY of the part on the robot. Meaning all the dimensions, materials, etc. etc. are the same. The replacement parts don't have to be the EXACT SAME part, but a REPLICA of that part.