[EricH]

As I recall, the way it was called at L.A. was this: If the INTENT of the bumper rule--protection of the corners, ID of the team and alliance, etc.-- was met, without unduly endangering the other alliance, then no disable was issued. Thus, if a team had half of a side bumper dragging on the floor, but turned in such a way that they kept that bumper over their corner, they would be allowed to finish the match; after the match, of course, they'd be sent off to fix their bumpers, probably along with one of their friendly neighborhood inspectors.

On a few occasions, a robot was disabled for bumper violations.