<R14> (Team Numbers)

[ChuckDickerson]

For reference:

<R14> The judges, referees, and announcers must be able to easily identify ROBOTS by Team
Number. Teams must display their Team Number in four locations at approximately 90-
degree intervals around the perimeter of the ROBOT. The numerals must be at least 4
inches high, at least in 3/4- inch stroke width and in a contrasting color from its background.
Team Numbers must be clearly visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet.

So tonight one of our students referenced an answer on the Q&A that I had not noticed:

<R14> must be met at all times. If a robot lifting device is designed such that one or more of
the team numbers are no longer visible when it is deployed, this would not be meet the
requirements of Rule <R14>. If another instance of the number became visible on that same
side of the robot after deployment, this would be in compliance with Rule <R14>.

Is FIRST kidding??? We actually have to have our team numbers ALWAYS visable on 4 sides even if there is an alliance partner robot parked on top of us covering our number??? Does anyone know what the actual penalty is if a referee can't see a team number on all 4 sides because a robot is parked on your lift/ramp that has your team number on it? Has anyone been called on this? This seems a bit ridiculous.