The most important rule about storage areas for the team is

Rule 28: Storage and Workspace

  * Once the ref inspects your equipment, you may store things as needed in Base, or in a box, or by hand, or possibly on a stand, if stands are allowed at your event (decided by your tournament’s officials - check with them in advance).

  * If you feel crowded in Base, storage and handling of the robot and other objects may extend over/outside Base lines, as long as there is absolutely nothing strategic or disruptive about the placement.

  * Mission models and objects worth points in Base must always stay in view of the ref.


Other relevant rules include Rule 8, Base, as Brian mentioned, as well as:

Rule 21:  Stored Objects

21 - STORED OBJECTS - You may at any time, in Base, or other storage areas, handle stored objects the robot is not currently touching or using. Stored objects are not allowed to make contact with anything outside Base except other stored objects.

So, yes, the team is allowed to move objects between Base and a storage box, or move objects slightly out of Base to get them out of the way.  Note that Mission Models in storage must always be visible to the referee.  That typically means in Base, near Base, or in a box close to Base, depending on circumstances.

Steve Scherr

VA/DC FLL Referee Advisor