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Originally Posted by RogerR
i might be mixed up, but i thought it was rule T5 that allowed the tipping of other robots. i distinctly remember hearing/reading the posts of several rhode warriors that mention a decal on aquatread's flipper reading: "T5 is in effect".
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If I remember correctly, there were actually three rules that had to do with tipping/flipping robots. One was <Rule F7>, and I believe you are correct that there was a <Rule T5>, and if I remember correctly there was also a <Rule J-something>. They all dealt with different aspects of how you could legally tip/flip robots. The <F7> rule sticks in my memory because as the controversy over robot-flipping started to heat up in 1998, there were teams that were wearing "No more F-7" buttons at the kick-off. I still have the rules manuals around somewhere. I will have to check when I get back home later this week.
Regarding Beth's comment, you got right at the center of the discussion that took place back then. Robots could be tipped over, and that was legal. Intentional damage or destruction of a robot was strictly prohibited. It was assumed that it was possible to tip over a robot without damaging it. But many teams raised the point that, given the very strict limitations on parts and robot construction abilities that were in place at the time, it was very difficult to build a robot that would be robust enough to handle being flipped over without taking some damage. And they were very upset with the idea that after six weeks of work to create their robot, that it could be severely damaged in just seconds by a simple little machine with a spring-powered spatula. It was an interesting debate, and one which started FIRST on the path toward the various restrictions on robot-on-robot contact that we have today.
-dave