So according to event rules walkie talkies are not allowed but according to the game rules they are only not allowed in the arena. Our team was planning on using them just to communicate between scouting teams the pit and drive team but when we are in the arena. Would we get penalized for bringing them?
I wouldnât recommend doing that because typically event staff uses walkie talkies to communicate at the event across multiple channels.
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Do you have any alternatives as cell service usually is spotty at events
Likely. Walkie Talkies are used by event volunteers to coordinate teams getting to/from their matches (both in the pits and in the arena) along with alerting other field staff about potential issues during the event. It is likely the head ref will lean towards the event rules (though this year, i dont think specific penalties are listed?) and have you shut that down fully.
The discrepancy is probably worth a QA if you want a super definite answer since they do differ? but the answer will likely be no in both aspects.
Contact your eventâs manager / PDP about the specifics of your event - that would probably be the best route to get information.
Given that the event rules are intended to be evergreen (meaning game-year-irrelevant) I would err on the side of ânoâ, for the reasons folks have already listed.
If youâre really seeking a specific permission slip, consider using the Q&A system.
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I donât see H303 as limiting the scope of E109.
H303 happens to specifically call out walkie talkies as an example of a communication device that is not allowed at the ARENA. E109 is separately stating that you just shouldnât bring walkie talkies to the event at all.
You can use wireless communication (e.g. a cell phone, semaphore) outside of the arena, but those things would still be disallowed at the arena.
I donât have a particular recommendation unfortunately - we are lucky that cell service works just fine at our events.
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E109 impacts the entire event - pits, stands, everything. H303 only impacts the arena - nothing in H303 says that it allows (or disallows) anything listed in that rule elsewhere at the event.
Cell phones work well, if you have reception - but that is location specific, unfortunately. Otherwise, youâre left with using your legs to get information back and forth!
As a note, the beginning of the Event Rules lists the following for penalties. The word âegregiousâ in this description brings to mind H201, as well.
Universal Violation Note: A violation of any Event Rule will result in a verbal warning. Egregious or subsequent violations will be addressed by the Head REFEREE, the Lead Robot Inspector (LRI) and/or Event Management. Teams should note that egregious and frequent violations may be shared with the Judge Advisor which could lead to disqualification from awards.
Additional rule specific violations, if applicable, are listed with their corresponding rule.
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We had a problem a few years ago where a team was using walkie talkies that worked on the same frequencies as the ones the volunteers use. As a CSA it was just a bit annoying, but it was very problematic for the referees who were being interrupted while trying to call out fouls mid-match. The head ref gave many public warnings to stop, but the interference continued until the offenders were found and the team was given a yellow card. So no, I wouldnât recommend using a talkie talkie at competition.
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Please read Libbyâs and Jonâs comments above. They are referencing rule of no walkie talkieâs in the building.
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