Is there a problem with the number being connected to the robot on both sides?
If so, on how many sides should it be connected?
I think the question you’re asking is answered in R406:
Team numbers must be displayed and positioned on the BUMPERS such that an observer walking around the perimeter of the ROBOT can unambiguously tell the team’s number from any point of view, from as far as approximately 60 ft. (1829 cm), and meet the following additional criteria:
You need to be able to see and read the team number from all around the robot. For a typical, 4-sided robot, that means having the team number on all 4 sides of the robot.
I think you misunderstood my question correctly;
Does the bumper have to be physically connected to the robot on all four sides, or is it enough to be connected on two?
There are no requirements around attachment points. R408 part G says:
must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop tape, tape, or cable ties). The attachment system must be designed to withstand vigorous game play. All removable fasteners (e.g. bolts, locking pins, pip-pins, etc.) will be considered part of the BUMPERS.
So long as the bumpers are well attached, you’ll be fine from an inspection standpoint.
Note that failure of your bumpers does pose a risk to G411:
*ROBOTS must be safe. A ROBOT may not pose an undue hazard to a human, an ARENA element, or another ROBOT in the following ways:
[…]
B. its BUMPERS fail such that a segment completely detaches,
C. a corner (as defined in R401) of its FRAME PERIMETER is exposed,
D. its team number or ALLIANCE color are indeterminate,
E. its BUMPERS leave the BUMPER ZONE REPEATEDLY or for more than a MOMENTARY amount
of time, or
[…]
It’s definitely in your best interest to ensure every segment is securely attached so it doesn’t come off!
I have had to tell inspectors on I think at least two occasions over the years that the 8-inch spacing only applies to support which is not the same as attachment and that our attachment is sufficiently robust.
You might want to consider what would happen if a Robot Inspector did a “lift test”, where they gently applied about 25 pounds of upwards force to some part of the bumper. Would the bumpers remain within the bumper zone?
Having only two attachment points might make it possible for the bumper to rotate around those two points. This was often a problem with the old corner bumpers.
Note that attachment is entirely distinct from the idea of “support” described in R410.
I think you misstated your question. Jon’s confusion is very understandable. 
Numbers should be connected to the Bumpers.
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