[Al Skierkiewicz]

Yes these batteries are not NiCads but I can't beleive any team can draw these batteries down full discharge when used with the robot controller. It is possible to damage this battery by drawing well in excess of 100 amps for a long period of time. A high current (either in charge or discharge) will permanently distort the plates and cause an internal short. You do not need to routinely recharge these batteries to keep them for long term. Using common sense, do not store them where they will freeze or overheat, (temps of 50 to 90 degrees should be ok) do not allow them to rest against conductive matierials or each other(remember that some gray duct tape is conductive) and do not put them where they can fall and you should be OK. Charging does cause some electrolyte to evaporate so constant trickle charging or regular recharging will shorten their life to some extent. The good news is when these batteries start to reach the end of their useful life, they actually become noticably lighter due to the evaporation of the gelled electrolyte.

Also, this years competition appears to be a more physical one for robots than in the past. Although these batteries are built pretty well, they are not immune to "g forces" and can be damaged by a hard hit.
Please recycle old batteries as they contain lead and acids that should not be exposed to the environment.