Flipping Rule

[Boltman]

Originally Posted by BotDesigner

We didn't flip ourselves in front of the batter, they flipped us in front of the batter. So even if we were in front of the batter in the last 20 seconds it was because we were forced to be there. G11 would not apply if we lost comms directly in front of the batter. By the yellow card it was acknowledged that the flip was intentional (or could have been avoided) and therefore it was their fault that we were in front of the batter. Their fault, their penalty.

Agreed and they received that penalty as did you for being there in last 20 seconds blocking their way to batter motionless, perhaps making a scale or capture impossible.

Both penalties are separate actions...and the rules are the rules and each infraction is separate.

You had a choice not to play defense or to right yourself and get out of there to avoid the last 20 second penalties. Not sure where you are seeing a G11 unless you strongly feel it was pre-meditated. But in the end its what the ref crew feels that is important. As Erich stated the question box at end of the match is the final say and best place for an explanation.

I think this is a good example of thinking twice about defensive strategies and the potential risks. Defensive bots need to know the risks, and should not be designed to be prone to tipping in their own courtyards... same with reversible bumpers that flip colors due to contact with other bots while playing defense..... every team makes choices that greatly increase their risks of a bad outcomes. Sometimes its best to avoid the risks or at least mitigate them. Many defensive bots will be top-heavy that is their choice and their risk.

This is especially important with cheesecaked defense bots..it may change your center of gravity and make you more susceptible to tipping.

You asked what to tell your team..I think that is the lesson, "make your own outcomes and mitigate risk" plus "rules are rules" I think they will understand. I feel that's a better lesson than some theoretical "what if G11" call. G11's are pretty rare because you must determine "intent" that's a high bar to set for any ref or ref crew.

I don't think anyone could ever tip our bot and yes we played defense too when our shooter jammed...never tipped once in 24 or so matches and that's with tons of breaching too.