Request for Removal of A3d1 (puzzle on timer when starting)

[DavidWoner]

A3d1) The puzzle must rest on the mat, not on the timer part of the Stackmat.

I would like this regulation to be removed from the next update of the regulations. It has always been unclear to me why this was added in the first place, I cannot recall any clear arguments in favor of it. Whether it actually gives an advantage is arguable, but I don't think anyone can argue that it gives an unfair advantage. Every competitor has the option to place the puzzle on top of the timer, the same way every competitor can place the puzzle at the far edge of the mat. Thoughts?

-David

[BryanLogan]

By not putting things on the timer, you avoid contact with the timer until the solve begins. Imagine someone not liking a particular scramble, and puts the puzzle on the timer particularly hard in order to hit the power button. They start and then declare it's a timer malfunction (or argue the timer wasn't on to begin with).

[Dene]

By not putting things on the timer, you avoid contact with the timer until the solve begins. Imagine someone not liking a particular scramble, and puts the puzzle on the timer particularly hard in order to hit the power button. They start and then declare it's a timer malfunction (or argue the timer wasn't on to begin with).

DNF the time then and tell the competitor it's their own fault.