Even though many people read the manual, you could have not noticed this "NEW RULE".
<R13> Robots must use one of the two colored bicycle flags provided at the event queuing location to display
their alliance color (red or blue). Each robot must include a 12 inch long, 1/2” ID PVC tube, capped at the
bottom, permanently mounted on the robot such that when a 3
foot long, 1/4 inch diameter flagpole is inserted
the top of the flagpole is no higher than 6 feet from the ground and the top of the flagpole is at least 12 inches
higher than any other point on the robot (+/- 1/2 inch). The flagpole must be mounted such that it starts the
match, and remains, approximately vertical. The flagpole receptacle must be statically mounted, and not
articulated or actuated.
Think about the problems this can cause!
I heard that this is suppose to "
enhance the viewing experience
" for the spectators :
and make it easier to tell the alliances apart for the judges.
I just call it a " ( Total Nuisance > "!
EDIT: SORRY IF I SOUND THREATENING BUT... I'll post the reason later.