[Chris Fultz]

We have had several discussions with the IRI “Rules” group, and have agreed on just one rule change for the 2013 IRI. Last year we waited until closer to the event to post the rule changes, and some teams were upset with that, so we are announcing the changes now so that teams can evaluate the impact on their strategy and game play before they apply to attend.

(PS - We will begin the IRI application activity in early May, after the CHP.)

Rule Change 1:

We will add a “Co-Opertition Pyramid” in the middle of the field. In qualification matches, each alliance will receive 2 (two) Qualification Points (QS) if both have a robot on the first level (or higher) of this Pyramid. Each alliance will also receive climb points consistent with what they would have received on their alliance pyramid (10, 20 or 30).

If only one alliance climbs the Co-Opertition Pyramid, NO Qualification points are given and NO climb points are awarded.

We believe this change will add a unique "IRI Dynamic" to the game and really drive match strategies between alliances.

We are trying to get approval from FIRST to paint the pyramid white to be consistent with previous games and hope to have the OK this week (they may allow it since the IRI is after all official events).

At this time, no other rule changes are planned – we think the game is playing out very well and just wanted to add a new strategy element.