Texting a coach during a match.

[The Ars-sassin]

Our mentor asked me to find out if we could utilize this kind of technology. The details are, are we allowed to have someone in the stands text message/ instant message our coach who is down on the field?

[Eugene Fang]

<T26> The only equipment that may be brought on to the ARENA is the OPERATOR CONSOLE, reasonable decorative items, and special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability. Other items, particularly those intended to provide a competitive advantage for the TEAM, are prohibited.

[sanddrag]

This would be strictly prohibited. Read the Tournament rules section.

[dag0620]

So heres a really stupid question from a rookie ....

Do Drivers/Coaches have to leave their phones/ipods/ etc. with someone, or as long as it stays in the pocket and is not being used is everything all set?

[scottydoh]

Originally Posted by dag0620

So heres a really stupid question from a rookie ....

Do Drivers/Coaches have to leave their phones/ipods/ etc. with someone, or as long as it stays in the pocket and is not being used is everything all set?

Ive been on the field as both a driver and a coach, in both cases having my phone on me with no trouble. I agree that as long as you keep it in your pocket, it shouldn't be an issue.

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by dag0620

Do Drivers/Coaches have to leave their phones/ipods/ etc. with someone, or as long as it stays in the pocket and is not being used is everything all set?

I've seen a couple of drivers listening to iPods while they drive. They generally have an earbud in the ear away from the coach so that they can still listen.

I'm not sure if it's legal or not, but I personally don't see an issue with the driver trying to calm his/her nerves during a match with a little Coldplay.

[Koko Ed]

If they catch you texting you will probably be disqualified.
I know that was the policy with using cell phones and such during matches so I can't see how this would be any different.
You are not allowed any coaching from the sidelines at all.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

From Section 3 At the Events...

• Robots may be operated via wireless control only on the competition fields; and
• Two-way radios or other form of wireless communications are not allowed (with the exception of the previous bullet).

As a rookie you have not experienced the frenzy of being in the drivers station during a match. Even the few seconds that it takes for you to check the text, are a lifetime in the length of a two minute match.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

From Section 3 At the Events...

• Robots may be operated via wireless control only on the competition fields; and
• Two-way radios or other form of wireless communications are not allowed (with the exception of the previous bullet).

Al, they updated that in Update #8. The last bullet now reads:

• Teams are not allowed to set up their own 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz or 5GHz) wireless communication (access points or ad-hoc networks) in the venue.

That said, getting a message from up in the stands could count as having an extra TEAM member outside the ARENA, which is a penalty (<G48> and/or <G50>).

Also, <T26> was quoted earlier. <T27> is even more explicit:

<T27> Devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy of game play are allowed inside the ALLIANCE STATION, if they meet ALL of the following conditions:
;;;
 Do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
 Do no include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, WiFi, etc.)
 Do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing team members to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other alliance members.

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

From Section 3 At the Events...

• Robots may be operated via wireless control only on the competition fields; and
• Two-way radios or other form of wireless communications are not allowed (with the exception of the previous bullet).

As a rookie you have not experienced the frenzy of being in the drivers station during a match. Even the few seconds that it takes for you to check the text, are a lifetime in the length of a two minute match.

Al,

You're 13 hours behind the times! See Team Update 8. The prohibition on two-way radios was stricken from the text of Section 3.

However, they are still banned by <T27>:

<T27> Devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy of game play are allowed inside the ALLIANCE STATION, if they meet ALL of the following conditions:
 Do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
 Do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
 Do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
 Do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
 Do no include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, WiFi, etc.)
 Do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing team members to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other alliance members.

(emphasis mine, typo theirs)

[NorviewsVeteran]

My mom called me in the middle of a match I was driving in a couple years ago. (I let it ring and checked later)

I think having a cell phone on you at the field isn't a big deal, as long as you don't use it.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by NorviewsVeteran

My mom called me in the middle of a match I was driving in a couple years ago. (I let it ring and checked later)

I think having a cell phone on you at the field isn't a big deal, as long as you don't use it.

If it were a big deal, it would be emphasized by now. Everyone has a cell phone nowadays. Using it is the problem, not having it.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

If it were a big deal, it would be emphasized by now. Everyone has a cell phone nowadays. Using it is the problem, not having it.

Exactly. If you do not use it, you are probably not violating any rules.

(This is my opinion. My opinion is not of any value at competition)

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by NorviewsVeteran

My mom called me in the middle of a match I was driving in a couple years ago. (I let it ring and checked later)

Our driver's mom texted him just before a match last year. He checked it. The MC noticed, and had the field video crew zoom in on the screen. I don't remember the exact spelling, but I think it was the text equivalent of an excited squeal.

[Homsar66]

They're pretty lax. Last year at Atlanta as human player I duct taped a video camera (did have bluetooth) to my hat, and nobody had a problem with it. Even if it was obvious, I doubt they would penalize you for it. But texting to get an advantage doesn't really follow the spirit of the rules.