[Bill Moore]

Originally Posted by KenWittlief

dont let the fact that intentionally tipping a robot is against the rules lead you to think your robot does not have to worry about tipping over.

Tipping is prohibited because it effectively takes a team out of the game (unless your bot is self-righting).

With the goal blocking and king of the hill aspects of this game there will be pushing and shoving. You must expect your robot will get pushed over sooner or later and ENGINEER your machine accordingly.

Being on the top of your opponents ramp at the end seconds of the game is a valid strategy. In battles the high ground is alway an advantage, gravity is on your side.

Bottom line is, if your bot cannot take the push and shove, if it will be damaged if it tips over, then you can do nothing but evasive maneuvers for the whole match.

Its up to each driver to decide if they want to mix it up on the field, or to retreat to a neutral corner.

Remember this IS an engineering design contest. Strength, speed, power, stability, robustness are all desirable qualities for your robot to have. Design it accordingly and you will have the best engineered machine.

Isnt that what the game is all about?

I expect that there will be quite a few robots unintentionally tipped over during the pushing/defensive maneuvers on the field, and I hope there will be no intentional tipping. Yes, teams, if you are underweight, load it all as low as possible on your robot to bring your CG down; it may help keep you upright on the field.

It was good to hear a referees viewpoint from Stu, as to how he would interpret the rule and make the call. He brought some different viewpoints than I would have considered previously.