According to the rules only one ball can be possessed and be 3" inside the robot frame.
But, can more then one ball be inside the 3" restriction if still only 1 ball is possessed?, or this is also forbidden?
POSSESSION: Controlling the position and movement of a BALL. A BALL shall be considered in POSSESSION if, as the ROBOT moves or changes orientation (e.g. backs up or spins in place), the BALL remains in approximately the same position relative to the ROBOT.
i would say that intentionally having a 2nd ball within 3inches of your frame perimeter would be considered possession. like if u have 2, kick the first one then kick the second… u controlled the position of the 2nd one while in possesion of the 1st… incedental contact inside of the frame perimeter should be allowed however. like ur holding one and another rolls into ur frame perimeter… but just like bounces off or moves away when u turn or back up then ur fine.
BALL POSSESSION is independent of the 3" rule.
POSSESSION: Controlling the position and movement of a BALL. A BALL shall be considered in POSSESSION if, as the ROBOT moves or changes orientation (e.g. backs up or spins in place), the BALL remains in approximately the same position relative to the ROBOT.
<G43> ROBOT BALL POSSESSION - ROBOTS may POSSESS only one BALL at a time. Violation: PENALTY.
<G46> BALL Penetration Restriction – The BALL must not extend more than 3 inches inside the FRAME PERIMETER as defined in Rule <R19>. Violation: PENALTY for a basic infraction, plus a YELLOW CARD if no immediate attempt to remedy.
You could violate <G46> without POSSESSING the BALL. Or you could violate <G43> without violating <G46>. <G46> is about location, not POSSESSION.
I believe Mr. Voshol is correct. If you have like 5 balls under your robot, and all five are only 3" into the robot perimeter, but you are only controlling the position of one of those balls, say through a roller or suction, then only one of those balls is in your “possession” and you’re 100% legal.