Rules that are [not] getting called at Regionals, the +s and -s

[Steve W]

<G21> ROBOT Incursion into the Corner Goal - Incidental incursion into the corner goal that occurs as a result
of a ROBOT pushing balls into the goal is permitted, not to exceed a distance of approximately 3 inches.
Intentional incursion, for example to use a ball gathering mechanism to drop off balls inside the goal, or
extending a portion of the ROBOT through the goal opening to activate the ball counting system, will
result in disqualification of the offending ROBOT.

This could mean 2-4 inches. I saw some that were marginal that were not called because, I believe, they didn't cause a safety concern. You will also note that there is no penalty defined if you go past the 3". I believe that the rule probably is read that if a robot is pushed in then it would be the refs decision on how to call. It may be that the pushing robot only pushed a bit and barely infringed or that they just pushed as hard as they could, knowing that the other robot was inside the coral. This may not be written in the rules but I am sure that the refs have discussed. The head ref should explain in the drivers meeting and if he/she doesn't then the drivers should ask the question.

I believe that the rule was written that way so that if a bumper went in then there wouldn't be a penalty but if a ball delivery system did then a penalty would be assessed.

If someone gets an answer this week it would be good of you to post.