Trackball scoring

Competition Rules/Strategy
#1

I need help in figuring out if you gain points for keeping (possessing) the trackball and crossing the finish line. Please help me out! :confused:

#2

Your alliance will score 2 points for the robot crossing the finish line; the trackball will not score UNLESS a) you drop it as you cross or b) the trackball is in contact with another alliance’s robot (see <G10>). If either a or b occurs, your alliance will gain another 2 points.

#3

The way I read <G10>, “not in contact,” could mean one of a few things. What if you’re arms just sort of…incase the sides of the ball. The bottom, grazing the floor. Then, technically you’re “in possession” according to this definition:

POSSESSION: Controlling the position and movement of a TRACKBALL while the TRACKBALL is supported or captured by an ALLIANCE shall be considered POSSESSION of the TRACKBALL. … A TRACKBALL shall be considered “captured” by a ROBOT if, as the ROBOT moves or changes orientation (e.g. backs up or spins in place), the TRACKBALL remains in approximately the same
position relative to the ROBOT. Both the “supported” and “captured” conditions include the case where the TRACKBALL is also in contact with the floor.

BUT, you’re not actually “IN CONTACT.” Would you get 2 points, or not?

#4

If you back up, will the trackball follow? If so, you’re in possession. If not, happy scoring.
I would guess the referee would err on the side of contact.

#5

But <G10> says, and I quote:

<G10> Each TRACKBALL that has CROSSED its own FINISH LINE while **not in contact **with a ROBOT of the same ALLIANCE will earn 2 points. A TRACKBALL that has CROSSED its own FINISH LINE which contacts ROBOTS of both ALLIANCES while CROSSING will earn 2 points.

It doesn’t say anything about possession of it.

#6

Yeah, I’m pretty sure that means that pushing, herding etc. is out. When the ball crosses NO PART of your robot may touch it. Hence no contact. :stuck_out_tongue:

#7

It’s going to have to be apparent that there is no contact. If you’re relying on the ref seeing a millimeter of air between your robot and the ball, maybe you might want to think again.