Flag Holder

[FRC188]

Could you explain the reason that the flag holder cannot be lightened? <R13> states that the flag holder must be PVC and size and position. There is no rule about lightening the holder. The reason for the holder is to hold a flag mast and as long as this is met, there are no safety isues and the holder does not damage the flag mast I see no issue with lightening the holder.

Could you also clarify if the Q&A's are official rules or only the updates.

[GDC]

The flag holder must have reasonable and predictable structural integrity and performance to ensure that it is able to fulfill its intended purpose. We have determined that a contiguous 12" piece of 1/2 inch ID PVC will be sufficient to do the required job and withstand the dynamic forces of the flag movements during competition. However, we cannot guarantee the same of any substructure created by lightening the flag holder. To prevent unfortunate situations like flags breaking, flag holders breaking, dropping flags on the field, dropping flags into other robots, etc. the flag holder must be of a consistent design for all robots.

[FRC188]

Could you please answer part two of the post. Are the Q&A answers official rules or only the updates? Last year it was stated that the Q&A answers were NOT official and only the updates were. Unless otherwise stated in the updates, I will assume that the Q&A answers are only guidelines and not official rules.

[GDC]

Answers on the Q&A system are not official rules. However, they are determinations of how the rules will be interpreted by competition authorities. When necessary, the Q&A answers are used as the basis for decisions by the judges, inspectors and referees (who are provided with the Q&A system responses as guidance). Please refer to this question/answer for further information.

In this particular case, the previous answer provided was unambiguous. Flag holders with lightening holes will be determined to be non-compliant, and must be replaced.