<SG8>

Don’t cross the Autonomous Line. During the Autonomous Period, Robots may not contact foam tiles, Discs, or Rollers which are on the opposing Alliance’s side of the Autonomous Line.

<G17> does not apply to this rule, unless egregiously exploited for strategic gain. It is expected that Discs which are launched as part of normal Autonomous gameplay will contact foam tiles on the opponent’s side of the field, and this is not a Violation. However, holding a Disc over the Autonomous Line to manipulate an opponent’s Roller would still be considered a Violation.

The fourteen (14) Discs which begin the Match on the Autonomous Line are not considered to be on either side, and may be utilized by either Alliance during the Autonomous Period. If attempting to utilize these Discs, Teams should be cognizant of the possibility that opponent Robots may attempt to do the same. <G11>, <G12>, <G14>, and <G17> will be taken into account when these types of Robot interactions occur. Teams should also be prepared for additional scrutiny from Head Referees to ensure that any mechanisms which interact with these Discs do not contact the foam tiles on the other side of the Autonomous Line.

Violation Notes:

All Violations of this rule (Major or Minor) will result in the Autonomous Bonus being awarded to the opposing Alliance.

Intentional, strategic, or egregious Violations, such as intentional contact with an opposing Robot while completely across the Autonomous Line, will be considered Major Violations.