Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2013

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by Jaxom

I think we're well into the "lawyering" of the rules that we've been encouraged not to do. I'm having trouble coming up with a reason to add metal backing to the bumpers for any reason except to add weight. Please share if you have something else in mind.

Al is describing a situation that comes up every so often, where a team will hide something heavy within the cushion of the bumpers (to adjust centre of mass or increase total mass). If there's no pretense of making it part of any of the elements described in the rules, then it's not allowed.

What he's not saying is that those materials are inherently prohibited in all possible bumper applications.

Teams use enormous aluminum angle to add weight. Teams use heavy fasteners and brackets to add weight. There is no rule against adding weight, and if teams comply with all the other rules, it's legal.