G40 question from Q&A

[MrBasse]

So I was reading the Q&A earlier and came across this:

Q. What physical parts make up the bridge by definition? Essentially, where does the bridge begin and end? For example, does the welded structure under the bridge that the top connects to count as the bridge? Does the lateral bar that rotates with the bridge that count as the bridge?
A. The Bridge consists of all components included in the Bridge Assembly drawing, GE-12017

Does this mean that a team that was unable to come up with a shooter or was planning to play pure defense but score in the end game could simply build a robot that is say, 6" tall in the front and 8" in the back and ram itself under the bridge to maintain the balance of the bridge? According to Q&A, all parts shown in drawing GE-12017 are part of the bridge. That would include the sheet of plastic that is meant to eject balls from under the bridge. So a short enough robot could drive under as long as it was completely on the plastic sheet, right? Seems like it could make the three robot balance a bit more attainable, although in a very Dukes of Hazzardish floor it and pray kind of a way.

We don't plan on doing this, I just want to know if I am reading this correctly...but an orange robot with a dixie horn would be pretty sweet.

Could you? Maybe

Should you? No.

Even in a hypothetical situation this is a terrible idea. If the bridge comes down too hard, then robot=dead.

[MrBasse]

I'm not saying that I would, personally I don't think it is in the spirit of the game at all. But I want to know if someone could. And I'm fairly positive that the ability to hold up a bridge even if it came down fast and angry could be done without a whole lot of effort. Would it last all season... That's a whole other issue...

[RufflesRidge]

Based on what I saw at the Manchester Kickoff, this material is pretty thin and this strategy would be very likely to damage it, potentially earning you a red card.

I wouldn't recommend trying it.

[nitneylion452]

Originally Posted by SuperNerd256

Could you? Maybe

Should you? No.

Even in a hypothetical situation this is a terrible idea. If the bridge comes down too hard, then robot=dead.

I agree, however, I would outright say that this isn't allowed as per [G11] and [G12].

[G11]
Robots may not become entangled in the Arena elements.
Violation: May be disabled and will not be freed until after the Match has finished.

[G12]
Robots may not damage any part of the Arena, including Basketballs.
Violation: Potential Disablement if the Head Referee determines that further damage is likely to occur. Corrective action (such as eliminating sharp edges, removing the damaging mechanism, and/or re-Inspection) may be required before the Robot will be allowed to compete in subsequent Matches.

Entanglement and damage to the polycarb are very probable if this strategy is employed, so I would personally and unofficially say it isn't allowed.

But I agree with SuperNerd, you shouldn't do it anyway for both GP and robot safety. (I realize you said you weren't planning on doing this, but others may consider it.)

[MrBasse]

So the reference to the Hazzard boys was a bit out of scope, just wanted to figure out if there was potential that I might run into this at a competition.

I think it could be done without any risk of damage to the field, I just don't think that it will...

[engunneer]

The bumper rules at a minimum rule this out. I think the idea is great thinking, but not workable for the competition.