Can you clarify to the parameters for which blocks can be legally returned to the supply zone, and for what is designated as "in" the supply zone. In SG4, it states that blocks are randomly loaded in the supply zone. Does this rule refer only to the period prior to the match? Or, to the manner in which blocks should always be placed in the supply zone? Do the parameters for which a block is desgnated as in/returned require it to be within the 3D confines of the supply zone? Does it have to be in contact with the floor? Is it transitive if it is placed inside a robot that is inside of the supply zone? Can it be placed under the control of, or touching, a robot? I feel that if these parameters are not determined, teams will start to take advantage of the omission and place blocks directly within mechanisms inside of the supply zone; unless, of course, that is something they are legally able to do by design. Thank you!
<SG3> Keep Blocks in the Field. Blocks that leave the Field during a Match may be returned to the Supply Zone by a Driver or Referee. Any Blocks which remain outside of the Field at the end of a Match will be considered “in” the Supply Zone (i.e., the Supply Zone will not be eligible to be Cleared). “Leaving the Field” means that a Block is outside of the Field Perimeter and no longer in contact with the Field, Field Elements, other Blocks, or Robots. If Blocks are removed from a Robot during a <G10> interaction, these Blocks are considered “out of the Field” as soon as they are no longer in contact with any Robots. If a Block is on its way out of the Field (as determined by the Head Referee), but is delflected back into the field by a Driver, field monitor, ceiling/wall, or other external factor, <SG3> would still apply. This Block should be considered “out of the Field” and removed or returned to the Supply Zone by a Head Referee. If the redirection occurred due to contact with a Driver, it will be at the Head Referee’s discretion whether <G9> or <SG3> should apply.<SG3>
<SG4> Blocks are randomly loaded in the Supply Zone. Prior to each Match, the Supply Zone will be filled randomly with eight (8) Purple Blocks and twenty-three (23) Green Blocks. a. Blocks will be randomly mixed by a field reset volunteer and/or the Head Referee. b. Blocks must be placed such that one face of each Block is “flat” on the Floor (i.e. not “stacked” or “tilted’). See images throughout this Game Manual for examples. c. Team members may not touch Blocks in the Supply Zone during pre-Match setup. Any contact will result in a re-randomization of the Supply Zone by the Head Referee