So the question TaRDIS has is if leaving skid marks on the field is legal. We found no specific example of this in the sections 4.2 and 4.3, but we are concerned.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
In the past, visual blemishes that did not affect the play-ability of the field were not an issue. 2008’s field comes to mind: the U-turns at each end of the field had tire marks all over them.
However, if you want an answer that will hold up in a court you’ll need to ask in FIRST Q&A.
See Q587
- Q. If a robot has grey or black tires which leave grey or black marks on the field carpet, is that considered damage to the field? If a robot has grey or black tires and leaves grey or black marks on the field elements’ polycarbonate, is that considered damage to the field? (note - the colors in this question are not fully inclusive of all available wheels, but appear to be the most common for tires)
- A. It is expected that the FIELD will get marked up by tires during play, so no.
I don’t think so. Our pneumatic wheels have definitely already marked up our carpet. Maybe it’s because we did a few donuts maybe not.
Like the Q&A answer said, leaving marks on the field is going to happen. Just the nature of the beast.
Burning holes in the carpet (once the carpet is laid for the field, we shouldn’t be able to see the backing again until field tear-down) or pulling up the yarn in long strings … that is where you are going to have a conversation with the LRI about how to correct the situation.