[Al Skierkiewicz]

I agree with the general tone of this thread. I would like to remind people that new posters are not as savy as us "old" people and although they have an idea that the manual might contain the answer, they aren't familiar with the document's layout and how the subjects are organized. It would be a big help to include a quote of the manual section to help them get familiar with the manual. For instance from the manual I have downloaded...

Bumpers are covered in the Robot section of the manual
"<R37> Teams are strongly encouraged to use bumpers on their ROBOTS. Bumpers can reduce damage to ROBOTS when they contact another ROBOT or field elements. Teams may choose to use STANDARD BUMPERS or custom bumper designs. STANDARD BUMPERS have several advantages, such as being excluded from the calculation of the ROBOT weight and volume limitations specified in Rule <R07>. "
Please review this section as it applies to your design.

This way you are pointing them at the section you have read and are referencing in your answer. Everyone should also remember that more than one person will read their response including mentors and students who are not on a FRC team but are investigating the possibility. We all then are taking some responsibility for starting new teams while visiting here.