[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

If I had my way, I'd probably phrase it something like this:

<G?> [Disablement and point penalties for field or venue damage during gameplay.]

TRACTION FEATURE – A ROBOT feature that, during GAMEPLAY, directly (or through any GAME PIECE(S)) exerts a substantial tractive or resistive force upon the PLAYING FIELD, even if not designed for that purpose.

PENETRATING FEATURE – A ROBOT feature that, during GAMEPLAY, penetrates the entire thickness of intact PLAYING FIELD carpet, and/or abrades or otherwise damages the substrate supporting the PLAYING FIELD, even if not designed for that purpose. Also, a ROBOT feature likely to accomplish same.

<R?> [Sharp edges rule with PENETRATING FEATURE ban to filter out obvious problems at inspection.]

<R?> If, in the opinion of the head referee or lead robot inspector, a TRACTION FEATURE has repeatedly or severely damaged the PLAYING FIELD, any GAME PIECE or other ROBOT (either at this event or any past events), the robot must be modified to mitigate the risk of further damage, and the modifications approved by a robot inspector, before the robot is allowed to take the field.

You should avoid wheel treads that will quickly melt or wear away the field carpet when your robot spins its wheels in place. Robots with too much traction can cause the carpet to stretch or bunch up, damaging the field. Protrusions on your wheels can get caught in the loops of the field carpet, tearing it apart and entangling your robot. FIRST recommends that you test your design before arriving at the competition.

Yes - what he said!

Tristan, you are THE MAN when it comes to this stuff. I would vote for you to get the FRC rules one month before the rest of us, just so you can sniff these things out. Your detailed work would save thousands of hours of anguish for the FIRST community.

Sincerely,
Andy