[Jon Stratis]

PayneTrain and BrendanB -

The ruling behind the exactly 4 locations AND not splitting the number makes sense when you think about practical applications at a regional. Lets say teams 20 and 2020 are both at the same regional. If numbers could be split, 2020 splitting their numbers on both sides of a gap might look like team 20 at a glance. Likewise, if numbers could appear multiple times on the same side, 20 might look like team 2020 if they had their number on both sides of the gap.

Now, some people will argue that the full number is on the side of the robot... well, this year that doesn't have to be the case - you could have gaps on all 4 sides of the robot, and duplicate this issue on all 8 bumper segments.

The GDC is trying to go with the easiest solution to making the team numbers visible, readable, and understandable to everyone in the stadium. that includes ref's and scouters, as well as those not as familiar with FIRST, like friends, family, sponsors, or other visiting organizations (we've seen girl scout troops check it out more than a few times).