[Alex2614]

Originally Posted by EricH

If it misses, it's very dangerous. Then you throw in the deployment line rules.

Poof balls and soccer balls are meant to deform when they hit something or something hits them. If you threw a metal ball of similar weight, it would hurt more. And there is very little padding allowed by the Minibot rules. Imagine a latching device-say 1/2 lb--launched upwards to the target. That's some significant force (must be dealt with on the robot), plus if you miss, you not only have velocity but all the KE you have from the altitude. If you miss and there's a ref or robot right there, they'll probably move out of the way to avoid getting hit--if they can. Now your minibot hits the floor. It better be sturdy, and under <G46> and <G42>, you're liable to penalty as well.

If you miss, and I'm the head ref at the event, I'm probably going to call you on safety, too.

The risk ain't worth it.

If the minibot is connected to the tower the same way the ones at the kickoff were, but were deployed with the spring system, it would not detach from the tower, therefore eliminating all safety issues. If it is really light, it will not break the top.