Can we use duck tape?

[hihihiflcl81pig]

I've been reading through the manual, and I can't find anything against using any adhesives. So does this mean that they will allow duck tape this year? Or has someone found a clause that states that we can't use duct tape?

[EricH]

I have not seen any rules on tape this year.
However, someone will probably ask on Q&A pretty soon and we will know for sure.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by EricH

I have not seen any rules on tape this year.
However, someone will probably ask on Q&A pretty soon and we will know for sure.

Nowhere does it say that the Q&A can make new rules. So they'd better clarify that issue, before they use it to make a tape rule for 2009.

Given that teams don't read the Q&A nearly as often as they ought to, and the fact that it doesn't highlight important statements (in the way that an update does), it would be a bad idea to expect all teams to comply with the things that are said there. Every year, many teams miss (or occasionally, deliberately ignore) Q&A clarifications of existing rules.

As a matter of fact, FIRST has neglected to publicly state the order of precedence for rules, updates, Q&As, etc. for the last couple of years. Especially with sources of information like the Director's Blog, it's time that they put something in writing for the teams.

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

As a matter of fact, FIRST has neglected to publicly state the order of precedence for rules, updates, Q&As, etc. for the last couple of years. Especially with sources of information like the Director's Blog, it's time that they put something in writing for the teams.

You make a very good point with this. I know it sounds contradictory, but could you ask this in the Q&A? You might get an answer.


Also, in past years I've seen questions in the Q&A bring up important issues, and the resulting answers/clarifications/rules changes show up in subsequent Team Updates, so important updates do get highlighted.

[Kims Robot]

Originally Posted by hihihiflcl81pig

I've been reading through the manual, and I can't find anything against using any adhesives. So does this mean that they will allow duck tape this year? Or has someone found a clause that states that we can't use duct tape?

Duct Tape Bandits would be happy if it stayed this way... I would LOVE to see the first ever robot made nearly entirely out of duct tape, controls & wheels! lol

[Cow Bell Solo]

Originally Posted by Kims Robot

\I would LOVE to see the first ever robot made nearly entirely out of duct tape, controls & wheels! lol

Sorry to dissapoint you but I can tell you already that the wheels, no duct tape, only the rover wheels, but that would add sweet traction. And remember this isn't red green this is FIRST!

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by Cow Bell Solo

Sorry to dissapoint you but I can tell you already that the wheels, no duct tape, only the rover wheels, but that would add sweet traction. And remember this isn't red green this is FIRST!

I think what Kim meant was a robot made out of the mandatory wheels, controls, and the rest duct tape.

[Cow Bell Solo]

Originally Posted by smurfgirl

I think what Kim meant was a robot made out of the mandatory wheels, controls, and the rest duct tape.

Yeah I guess rereading it, that does make sense, hehe whoops

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

Nowhere does it say that the Q&A can make new rules. So they'd better clarify that issue, before they use it to make a tape rule for 2009.

Given that teams don't read the Q&A nearly as often as they ought to, and the fact that it doesn't highlight important statements (in the way that an update does), it would be a bad idea to expect all teams to comply with the things that are said there. Every year, many teams miss (or occasionally, deliberately ignore) Q&A clarifications of existing rules.

As a matter of fact, FIRST has neglected to publicly state the order of precedence for rules, updates, Q&As, etc. for the last couple of years. Especially with sources of information like the Director's Blog, it's time that they put something in writing for the teams.

Please ask what the order of precedence is in Q&A.

FLL is years ahead of FRC in that they have a defined order of precedence. FRC needs to get their act together on this.

[Woody1458]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

As a matter of fact, FIRST has neglected to publicly state the order of precedence for rules, updates, Q&As, etc. for the last couple of years. Especially with sources of information like the Director's Blog, it's time that they put something in writing for the teams.

The way i think of it is like the three branches of the America government (sorry non Yankees) Q&A being the Judicial Branch, Updates being Legislative, and Referees being Executive. If you don't understand this,consult wikipedia or your 8th grade history textbook

[iwanttodunk]

there is a statement that says you cant use ducktape which was that you wernt allowed to use adhesives.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by iwanttodunk

there is a statement that says you cant use ducktape which was that you wernt allowed to use adhesives.

Find it this year and quote the rule.

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by EricH

Find it this year and quote the rule.

He's gonna be searching for a reallllly long time

[EricH]

Originally Posted by smurfgirl

He's gonna be searching for a reallllly long time

Which is why I sent him to the manual. He may as well become a rules expert too.

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by EricH

Which is why I sent him to the manual. He may as well become a rules expert too.

You just might succeed in your genius plan to make everyone read the manual.

(What a happy place FIRST would be if everyone could just complete that simple task.)