Polarized Glasses for Drivers

[FRC1717]

Our team feels that our question has not been answered.

We are well aware that polarized sunglasses are prohibited, however, we are inquiring about the possibility of using other polarized material. In particular, we wish to attach a piece of polarized film to our operator console, through which our drivers would not necessary have to look at the field. This would solve the problem of polarized sunglasses, the polarization angle of which is opposite that of the glare from the polycarbonate.

We feel that this does not violate <T22>, in particular because it would be a component of the OPERATOR CONSOLE, would not attach to the FIELD or ARENA, nor any alliance member, and is available to all interested teams.

We would appreciate clarification on the complete rules regarding this material, besides pre-made polarized sunglasses, so that teams may have the required information to deal with the problem of glare on the field.

[GDC]

The question you originally asked was answered correctly. This is a different question.

There is no rule that would prohibit the use of a polarizing panel as part of the Operator Console, as long as it is a fixed part of the Operator Console (e.g. it not an item that is detached and worn by the Driver), and does not attach to any element of the arena structure.

Note that a quick experiment last weekend at one of the regional sites showed that neither horizontal nor vertical polarization filtering removes the reflected images.