Need Clarification from 2008 Rule <R27>

[Ed Law]

We are a rookie team and we need help understanding this rule. Here is our situation. We bought a 2-speed AndyMark transmission with the original intent to put it together and "play" with it and maybe use it for 2009 season. Then I read this rule. My interpretation is that it can only be assembled during the build season or fix-it windows. I also understand that you can use it in future years as long as there is no modification and can still be considered a COTS item. I have read that teams reuse parts.

So this is what I don't understand. Does this mean that if a team buy something that is considered a COTS item during the off-season, assembled it and put it into their robot to learn how to do it, then they can not use this assembled COTS item on a competition robot? I thought we want to encourage students to learn.

Right now, our 2-speed AndyMark transmissions are sitting in a box not getting the attention they deserve. I guess I can not put it under the Christmas tree and open it to play with it until after Jan 3.

Ed


<R27>
Prior to the Kick-off: Before the formal start of the Robot Build Season, teams are encouraged to think as much as they please about their ROBOTS. They may develop prototypes, create proof-of-concept models, and conduct design exercises. Teams may gather all the raw stock materials and COTS COMPONENTS they want. But absolutely no fabrication or assembly of any elements intended for the final ROBOT is permitted prior to the Kick-off presentation.