an evil, desperate, ramp strategy

[Stu Bloom]

IMHO ... Many people are talking about tipping or certain defensive strategies being "anti-GP". Gracious Professionalism has NOTHING to do with competing on the field, and everything to do with how we act off the field. During a competition you play to win ... WITHIN THE RULES. That is why there are competition rules, and referees to interpret and enforce them.

Most of the time it is extremely difficult to judge "intent" and/or "Strategies aimed solely at ... ". As an experienced FIRST referee I would say "let them play" unless there is a specific rules violation, or unless I feel there was CLEARLY and UNMISTAKABLY an intent to do harm. I can envision multiple scenarios in this game where struggles for control of the ramp/platform will lead to robots tipping. I believe it is inevitable due to the nature of this game and design of the field elements.

Design and build your robots accordingly; robust, with strong drive-trains, low center of gravity, bumpers (as encouraged by the rules this year), and self-righting mechanisms if you feel the need.