<G42> Protection While Hurdling?

[Ian Curtis]

I plan on going to the Q&A with this, but until I can get ahold of our TIMS contact, I'd figure I'd ask to see how others interpret this.

[SCENARIO]

REDABOT is hot stuff at the 2008 DEKA New England Regional. His unique hurdling mechanism allows him to race around the track, setting HURDLING records, to be touched only by the Beatty Beast. A unique system allows this fast Hurdling, of which a vital component is whizzing around the track and NOT stopping at the OVERPASS, to allow an increased TRACKBALL velocity.

As Thursday turns into Saturday it becomes apparent that REDABOT is on the fast track to win the 2008 DEKA New England Regional. BLUEABOT finds himself matched up agains the mighty REDABOT, and has read the rules many a time. However, as this is David vs. Goliath, BLUEABOT takes an uncoventional approach.

Originally Posted by <G42>Protection While HURDLING

A ROBOT in the process of HURDLING shall not be subjected to overt, blatant, or aggressive contact that interferes with the HURDLING attempt. Each incident will be PENALIZED. Bumping to signal to pass (see Rule <G38>) a HURDLING ROBOT is permitted if no passing lane is open (see Rule <G43>). Incidental contact while passing the HURDLING ROBOT or otherwise engaged in normal game play is permitted.

BLUEABOT decides to place himself directly in the line of fire, between REDABOT and the OVERPASS. If REDABOT slams into BLUEABOT in an attempt to HURDLE, who is penalized? Both? Neither? One or the other? For what infraction? What if REDABOT changes his approach, in order to bypass BLUEABOT? What if REDABOT changes his course of approach, only for BLUEABOT to move to obstruct this course? Please note that in last two cases, contact has not yet occurred, and may not occur.

[/SCENARIO]

Do you think REDABOT is afforded the protection of <G42> in this case? And is REDABOT protected from <G37> Part A (aka no high speed ramming) if he contacts BLUEABOT in an attempt to hurdle?