No, this is not what you're thinking.
Whenever I make a rules call, I always go back to the Book of War to ensure I am correct. It is part of my continuing education. I tossed a rock off the field at SpringWars. I do not know who owned it.
The rock in question was essentially shaped like a frisbee or a flying saucer. It was longer than four inches in two dimensions, but the third dimension was probably only two inches at most.
The relevant rule is:
1.4.9. Class 5 Weapons have a minimum diameter of 4 inches and are constructed entirely of foam, cloth and tape (coreless).
There are a few ways to view this rule. I have always interpreted the rule as requiring four inches along every axis. However, diameter presumes a line passing through a circle, which is a two dimensional object. It is possible to interpret the rules to require *a* minimum diameter of 4 inches. i.e. have a singular diameter of 4 inches.
Practically speaking, if somebody came up with a rock that was 16 inches all around, but only 3 inches high, should I fail it? If so, under what rule? 16x3 inches is a pretty big rock. I'm a little curious what somebody thinks about a 40x40x3 rock. Technically speaking, I'm sure that big beanbag rock deforms to less than 4 inches along one axis.....
If not, is there a limit to how thin a rock can be? Can we make Frisbee rocks?
Any thoughts? To the best of my knowledge, the standard interpretation has been four inches in every direction. It seems there is no easy answer either way. If you allow the bean bag chair, then you have to allow the frisbee rock. The idea of a relatively aerodynamic rock bothers me.