Pre-Championship Team Update 8 Online!

[Don]

The 2002 FIRST Robotics Competition
TEAM UPDATE #8
Date: April 18, 2002
RULE UPDATES AND REMINDERS
Please remember to bring sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and appropriate warm weather clothing to the
event. While you are there, be sure to drink plenty of liquids so as not to become dehydrated.
SAFETY GLASSES ARE MANDATORY IN THE PITS, IN THE ALLIANCE STATION, AND ON
THE PLAYING FIELD. NO GLASSES MEANS YOU CANNOT COMPETE. PLEASE BRING
THEM TO EPCOT WITH YOU.
During the Elimination matches, teams that did not play in the 1 st match of each best 2 of 3 series must
play in the 2 nd round of the series.
Tethers:
* Tethered mini robots that are deployed directly under a goal will not be allowed and a
disqualification could result. If part of a robot is accidentally driven or deployed only slightly
under a goal, the referees will give the team a warning on the 1 st occurrence. Repeated
occurrences will result in DQ. If another team pushes a goal over a tether after it is deployed, no
penalty will occur.
Tether not allowed
* All tethers should be somewhat rigid and not have any wire sticking out that could become
entangled. String, fishing line, and rope are not allowed as tethers. Some of the tethers that have
been used and allowed really did not meet the spirit of the rules (wire that was not protected by a
somewhat rigid covering, rigid projections where a wire was not encased in the projection but
was actually on the outside, etc.). FIRST is likely to allow such devices at EPCOT (because we
already have at Regionals) but the first entanglement or safety issue with such a device will mean
a DQ in that match and use of the device for the rest of the competition will be disallowed.
* Tape measures have been allowed for use as tethers at Regionals, but be aware that the only tape
measures that are allowed are those sold by Small Parts in the last year: two different brands,
both 25ft, one 3/4" wide and the other 1" wide. Inspectors will be looking at these closely.
In order not to prematurely end winning teams' ability to score Qualifying Points, disqualifications will
typically be called after a match has ended unless there is a safety hazard or ongoing malicious damage.
Disabling violations will be called immediately, BUT referees will consider positions of robots so as not
to pin the opposing alliance by the disablement.
Carpet damage has run the range from very little damage to horrific damage at some events after practice
day. Be aware, your wheels, treads, etc. will be carefully scrutinized for potential carpet damage.
Drivers will be warned about wheels causing damage to the carpet during a match. Robots that continue
to damage the carpet after being warned can be disabled or DQ'd.