Dave
Yes I will say that the "due to numerous safety issues" was an addition on my part. But this is what I believe to be as the reason this happened. Also, I would provide an exact rule stating that flop downs were illegal last year if I could find a copy of last years manual.
Sorry for any confusion.
Edit:
I found where in the rules last year where it stated no flop downs
<G17> ROBOT Orientation - ROBOTs must maintain their vertical orientation with respect to their starting position throughout the match. ROBOTs may not intentionally tip over onto one of their initially vertical sides and operate with this side parallel to the ground. “Flop-Down” robots will be disqualified.
found here:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ight=flop+down
Remeber this rule is from last year!!!