[Al Skierkiewicz]

Now that week 1 is under the bridge (pun intended) let us take a look at some additional items.

This weekend it seems that bumpers continue to be an issue. Regardless of previous year's rules, the minimum bumper segment must be 8" long and be supported by robot frame. The ends may not extend past robot frame and be unsupported. In other words, if you have constructed your robot frame to be 6" wide on either side of a ball handler opening in your frame, this is an illegal design. The frame and bumper must be a minimum of 8" and the bumper must be fully supported by the frame (except with certain exceptions listed in R33) You cannot have a 6" frame segment with an 8" bumper segment mounted to it allowing the bumper to extend beyond the frame.

Numbers on the bumpers must be in four places and four only. The team numbers must not be segmented or split across an opening or across two bumper segments. The GDC has ruled on this and is very clear in how teams are to implement the rule and how inspectors are to judge the bumper design.

While inspectors will not rule on appendage usage, we will inspect for the distance outside the frame that any appendage can travel during a match. If you appendage is capable of extending beyond 14 inches and has some limit in place (either mechanical stops or software) then they will check that during inspection as well.

Rev C of the Inspection Checklist was issued on Tuesday. This will be the version used at events except if an updated checklist is issued.

I would like to remind everyone that modification of motors is only allowed for very specific reasons...
R49
Motors, servos, and electric solenoids used on the Robot shall not be modified in any way, except as follows:
A. The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface may be modified to facilitate the physical connection of the motor to the Robot and actuated part.
B. The electrical input leads may be trimmed to length as necessary.
C. The locking pins on the window motors (PN 262100-3030 and 262100-3040) may be removed.
D. The connector housings on the window motors (PN 262100-3030 and262100-3040) may be modified to facilitate lead connections.

Please note that this does not allow modifications to motors or integral transmissions even if the manufacturer supplies a mod kit. It does not allow the removal of integral transmissions to use the motor only.

I hope all teams participating in Week Two events have a great time.