[Chris Fultz]

Thank you to everyone for the ideas and comments in the "Proposed' thread.

Below are the rule changes planned for 2011 IRI. Our goal is to tweek the rules a little, not to make wholesale changes to the game. We think these adjustments add something to gameplay and can create more excitement for end-game strategies. Specifics will be outlined at the event and as always, the head ref has the final decision.

Changes -

Uber Tubes -
Uber tubes can also be scored in the tele-operated period.
They will only be worth points if they are scored in autonomous.
They will be doublers if scored in autonomous or teleoperated.

Other Tubes -
Tube values for the bottom row are increased from 1 point to 2 points.
Uber tube values for the bottom row are increased from 2 points to 4 points.

Mini-Bot
Deployment time rules apply (i.e. last 10 seconds).
1st Place - 20 points
2nd place - 20 points
3rd place - 15 points
4th place - 15 points

There will be a relaxation of the lane violation rules that will allow minor excursions into the lane. If there is opponent robot or tube contact a penalty will still be called.

There may be a relaxation of the 18" plane rule for mini-bot deployment mechanisms (but not to the requirement to deploy below the line). More details to be provided.