Chief Delphi - question about rules (size/orientation)

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricLeifermann (Post 560639)

The rule IS for flop down robots and always has been. In 2002 my previous team, Team 93, had a robot that was the max 28 X 38 though i think it was a little bit different dimensions that year but it was only like 15 inches tall, it did not have to stand on its side and then fall to its wheels. it for if your robots wheel base is like 28x60 then you must start with the 60 in direction vertical and fall down.

And I will ask again: How do you know that? I have not seen any statements from FIRST that they do "not intend for teams to have to 'stand on their heads' to start the game." Nor have I seen a statement that says a 15-inch tall robot would have to flop over. So how do you know?

I have said it many times before, and I will probably say it many more times. Rules from prior FRC competitions DO NOT apply to this year! You can not assume that the wording, intent, meaning, or history of a particular rule that may have been used in prior years has ANYTHING to do with the rules that are in place this year. Sometimes the rules have a history, but many more times they are completely disconnected from prior years. Assumptions about the meaning, intent, and interpretations of prior rules are sure to do only one thing - lead you to incorrect conclusions.

So back to the original question. If the specific reason, impact and interpretation of a question is not clear, then there is only one thing to do. Ask about it on the FIRST Q&A system. Anything else will result in an unofficial answer, which is virtually worthless if you have to argue a point with an inspector or referee. If there is a realistic concern about whether a "short-bot" needs to start the match standing on it's nose, then the only responsible thing to do is ask the question and see what FIRST says. And if the intent of this (or any other) rule is not clear, then ask about it too.

-dave

.