pic: Team 1369's robot

[Kevin Sevcik]

Sorry, I probably should have updated my signature to reflect that I'm the Lead Robot Inspector for the Lone Star Regional. That's been corrected now. Moving on...

Yes, I've read Updates #1-#16. And the Robot Rules. Let me toss out a definition so that we're all clear on what we're talking about.

FRAME PERIMETER – the polygon defined by the outer-most set of exterior vertices on the ROBOT (without the BUMPERS attached) that are within the BUMPER ZONE. To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT at the level of the BUMPER ZONE - the string describes this polygon. Note: to permit a simplified definition of the FRAME PERIMETER and encourage a tight, robust connection between the BUMPERS and the FRAME PERIMETER, minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets, etc are excluded from the determination of the FRAME PERIMETER.

This is the FRAME PERIMETER as defined in the latest Robot Rules, modified per Update #6, and emphasis mine. Per the bolded clause, the FRAME PERIMETER is only defined In the BUMPER ZONE. And fasteners and such are excluded from this definition. So on the above pictured robot, the frame perimeter is smack-dab against that nice flat black plate. It's not defined by any bolt heads in the bumper zone. I'm sure we agree so far.

Moving on, we have the pertinent rule enforcing the FRAME PERIMETER:

<R16> During normal operation no part of the ROBOT shall extend outside the vertical projection of the FRAME PERIMETER, except as permitted by Rule <G30>.
a) Exception: To facilitate a tight, robust connection between the BUMPERS and the FRAME PERIMETER, minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets, etc that are excluded from the determination of the FRAME PERIMETER and are within the BUMPER ZONE are permitted.

Again emphasis mine. This declares than anything outside the vertical projection of the frame perimeter is illegal, with the sole exception of things in G30 (not relevant) and fasteners in the BUMPER ZONE. This is good because otherwise all the fasteners you ignored defining your frame perimeter would be illegal. This is bad because any fasteners outside the BUMPER ZONE could be illegal.

Bringing it all together:
1. FRAME PERIMETER is defined by the large black plate in above photo.
2. Axle bolt heads are outside said black plate.
3. Axle bolt heads are outside BUMPER ZONE.
4. QED, axle bolt heads are illegal in above photo.

Yes, it's a bit silly. No, I don't really think it's a useful rule as written. Yes, I'm going to hate having to explain this to 30 odd teams at Lone Star. Nevertheless, the rules as written are entirely clear on it, and I wouldn't want to lay odds on inspectors at my particular regional turning a blind eye to it.