Attention tipped over robots! Please use the e-stop button.

[Stephen Kowski]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

As I understand it, if a robot is disabled by means of the e-stop button, the alliance is no longer required to have a backbot. (please correct me if this is untrue) So, for the courtesy to your alliance, if you tip over, please hit the e-stop button. Thank you.

^^ this is not the correct interpretation

Originally Posted by GDC

If three robots are on the field for an alliance at the start of the match, then the alliance must have a backbot during all defensive periods of the game. If one of the alliance robots is disabled during the match, then it is up to the two remaining alliance members to either bocome the backbot, or move the disabled robot into an appropriate position such that it can be the backbot.

[DjAlamose]

Originally Posted by Stephen Kowski

^^ this is not the correct interpretation

Yes it is:

Originally Posted by Update 15

ROBOT Off Sides - During the SECOND and THIRD PERIODS the ALLIANCE on
defense can have at most two (2) operable* ROBOTS on the defensive end of the field (the
near end of the field, from the ALLIANCE point of view). If the ALLIANCE has a third
operable ROBOT, that ROBOT (the BACKBOT) must be positioned on the end of the field
farthest from the ALLIANCE STATION.

* Note: a ROBOT will be considered operable unless the robot has fallen over and cannot
be righted, or the ROBOT has been disabled by the field control system, or the team has
pushed the "E-Stop" button to disable the ROBOT. Loss of control due to operator error,
user software errors, or faulty mechanical systems are not sufficient to cause a ROBOT to
be classified as "inoperable."

As stated by the GDC, updates take precedence over what is stated in the Q&A. This is an old answer (02-02-06)to the question and a new answer in update 15 was posted. So disabling your robot during a match is valid for avoiding backbot penalties.