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1178: Follow up to Q&A 1129

2114C
13-Aug-2022

Q&A 1129 asked if traps which are started within the 5 seconds preceeding the endgame but then extend into the endgame for a total pinning time of greater than 5 seconds are legal. The answer to that question was in the form of an modification of a note to G15 which states:

Note: There is no penalty for traps which begin during the Endgame.

Unfortunately this change in wording leaves the intention of the exception somewhat unclear.

  1. Does this mean that if a robot were to begin a trap at 11 seconds remaining in the match, then continue trapping until the conclusion of the match, then that robot would be in violation of G15?
  2. Similarily, if a robot were to initiate a trap at 12 seconds remaining, back off for 3 seconds until 9 seconds remain, then begin the trap again and continue until the end of the match, would that robot be in violation of G15?
  3. By contrast, if a robot were to begin trapping at 10 seconds remaining and continue until the conclusion of the match, would that robot be in violation of G15?
G15  
Answered by committee

The Endgame is defined as "The final 10 seconds of the Match".
With that in mind, the answers to your specific questions are as follows:

  1. Does this mean that if a robot were to begin a trap at 11 seconds remaining in the match, then continue trapping until the conclusion of the match, then that robot would be in violation of G15?

Yes, because the Trapping count began outside of the Endgame.

  1. Similarily, if a robot were to initiate a trap at 12 seconds remaining, back off for 3 seconds until 9 seconds remain, then begin the trap again and continue until the end of the match, would that robot be in violation of G15?

Per <G15b>: "After ending a Trap, a Robot may not Trap the same Robot again for a duration of five seconds (0:05). If a Team does Trap the same Robot again within five seconds (0:05), the count will resume from where it ended when the Trapping Robot initially backed away."

Because the robot only backed away for 3 seconds, and not the full 5, <G15b> would still apply, and the Trapping count should resume. Therefore, yes, a Violation of G15 should occur.

  1. By contrast, if a robot were to begin trapping at 10 seconds remaining and continue until the conclusion of the match, would that robot be in violation of G15?

No. Because the Trap began during the Endgame, the Head Referee would not begin their Trapping count, and no Violation of G15 would occur.