[jtechau]

Having been in Sacramento, I understand Austin's perspective. That was an unnecessarily aggressive Regional.

I’m glad to see this rule update. FRC is about building strategic robots, not battle bots. Of course the robots need to be able to take some abuse. But being able to dole out abuse shouldn’t be a team’s strategic advantage.

Defense is of course allowed. Push all you want. Ramming is a judgment call, though. Certainly some amount of ramming is unavoidable - even desirable - and must be allowed. But if any referee thinks you’re doing it with the intent of damaging a robot, or even carelessness to the extent that could result in damage, expect to draw a penalty.

Also, a bit of advice, paraphrased from the Game Manual:

When reading these rules, please use common sense rather than “lawyering” the interpretation and splitting hairs over the precise wording.