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Official Q&A: VRC 2023-2024: Over Under

Usage Guidelines All Questions

1796: <R7f> and Clarifications of Parameters of VRC Legal String

334V
27-Nov-2023

<R7f> states that “an unlimited amount of string no thicker than ¼ inch [is legal to use]” this statement creates some uncertainty on the exact spectrum of legal “string” materials, varying with each team's definition of string. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines string as “a cord, usually used to bind fasten or tie”, within this definition there are two possible interpretations of the definition of string, by use and and by equivalency with cord. Cord is defined by Merium-Webster as “a long slender flexible material usually woven or twisted together”. Which of these two interpretations is correct?

If the GDC defines a string via its use, what situation defines a VRC legal string? is any material used to fasten two items together considered string (providing it meets the diameter restrictions? Does this preclude use of string for tensioning a mechanism, or to use as a stop?

Alternatively if the GDC defines string as “a long slender flexible material” for what range of flexibility constitutes a legal string material. Of course ideally the GDC could make an exact ruling by providing a numerical threshold or analytical process to determine the legality of a material, however this is both a difficult and unreasonable ask. Instead can the GDC provide specific rulings on the following list of materials varying in stiffness, allowing teams to infer whether a material is legal (assuming all materials are within legal diameter). From least stiff to most stiff:

a) Fishing line

b) Paracord

c) Shoelace

d) A strip of cloth

e) Non-VEX pneumatic tubing (used outside of the pneumatic system)

f) Linked chain

g) PLA 3D printing filament

h) Woven steel cable

i) Copper wire

j) Steel wire

k) Thin metal plating

l) Hot glue rod

m) Wooden dowel

Thank you for your time, 334V

R7  
Answered by committee
14-Dec-2023

As you've noted, the game manual does not provide a definition of "string." We're not going to provide one here, either. Instead, we'll point you to the 4th paragraph in Section 3 of the game manual:

Most of these rules are “hard limits,” such as the maximum number of motors permitted. However, some are “at inspector discretion,” such as determining a mechanism’s potential safety risk. At many events, the lead inspector and the Head Referee are the same person; if they are not, then the volunteer inspector should confirm any questionable judgment calls with the Head Referee. The Head Referee has final authority regarding all Robot rules, since it is ultimately their decision whether a Robot takes the field for a Match after inspection has concluded (per <R3d> and <R3e>).

Regarding string, a material used on a Robot is string if the inspector and Head Referee at the event both agree that it's string. Some of your examples (fishing line, paracord) would reasonably be considered string by most or all inspectors and referees. Others (dowel, pneumatic tubing, chain) would not (see rule <G3>). A few would require judgment calls by the inspector and head referee based on how the material is used on the Robot, and opinions could differ between events.