[Al Skierkiewicz]

Sorry I have been away from this column for a while but after some reports this weekend I have to add something on bumpers.
Everyone, we really tried to improve the bumper rules and make them easy and understandable. There are some nice drawings that are part of the rule, in particular Figure 4-4. However, please note, the pool noodles and the bumper rules do not allow for the addition of weight to increase the overall weight of the robot. You may not add steel rod, brass, shot or other high mass material to the interior of the pool noodles. Also note that the optional angle stock shown in Figure 4-4 is specified as aluminum. If your bumpers are modified in a such a way, please be prepared to remove the additional weight at your event.

As a reminder, any time you make modifications to your robot during competition, it is required to be reinspected. This includes changes you might make while in the queue waiting for a match. To compete without inspection puts you and your alliance at risk. Inspectors are happy to check your robot anytime during the weekend. I recommend that everyone checks with the LRI prior to making modifications to be sure you are planning something legal and within weight for your robot.