[Chris Fultz]

In an effort to minimize the changes to the official game, but also to recognize a few areas where we feel the game could be enhanced (based on the beauty of 20/20 hindsight), we are making the following changes to the official FIRST Overdrive rules. All other rules will be intact.

1. For the lane dividers only, a robot has to completely cross back over the lane divider to be penalized. There is no change to the rules regarding the start / finish lines. Multiple line crossings will acrue multiple penalties.

2. Scoring will be based on robot and ball position when they have come to rest, not when the clock expires. In general, this will be 3 - 5 seconds after time has expired.

3. Alliances will be comprised of 4 teams, with each alliance captain selecting their own "back-up. Draft order will be 1 - 8, 1 - 8, 8 -1. Use of teams in matches is completely at the discretion of the aliance captain. (i.e. there is no requirement for each team to play a match).

These rules will be "formalized" and clearly explained before matches begin at the IRI.

As in the past, teams also have a 'honorary' 5 pound grace for the robots. There will not be a weigh in or inspection, but if a robot is suspect the referees retain the right to require verification of size and weight.