<SG6>
Match Load Discs may be safely introduced during the Match under certain conditions. For the purpose of this rule, “introduce” refers to the moment when Match Load Discs are no longer in contact with a human, have crossed the plane of the field perimeter, and are no longer in contact with the Loader. Match Load Discs may only be introduced once the Driver Controlled Period has begun. During the Autonomous Period, and during the time between the Autonomous and Driver Controlled Period, Match Load Discs may not cross the plane of the field perimeter. Match Load Discs must be introduced by a Drive Team Member placing them gently onto a Loader. They may then be retrieved from the Loader by a Robot, or gently pushed into the field by a Drive Team Member. See Figure 22 for examples of how Match Load Discs should be introduced. The intent of this rule is to permit Teams to impart enough energy on Match Load Discs such that they slide onto the tile (or a Robot) directly in front of the Loader. “Thtring,” “rolling,” or otherwise imparting enough energy onto the Discs such that they leave the intended tile, or violate one of the other points in this rule, is not permitted. Match Load Discs may never be contacted by a Robot while still being contacted by a Drive Team Member. When utilizing the Loader correctly, a Drive Team Member’s hands should never break the plane of the field perimeter. Therefore, rule <G9> still applies to this interaction. When utilizing the Loader correctly, a Robot should never break the plane of the field perimeter. Therefore, rules <S1> and <S2> still apply to this interaction.
Figure 22: Recommended safe methods for introducing Discs through the Loader