In the rules it states Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the frame perimeter… and the at least 8 in Does that mean you have to have 8 in of hard backing attached to robot frame or does it mean I could have 6 inches attached have a pool noodle make up the additional 2 inches. To give me a bigger opening between the bumper in the 28 inch side.
[R28]
Bumpers must be constructed as follows (see Figure 4‑4):
A.be backed by ¾ in. (nominal) thick by 5 in. tall plywood.
so I believe it’s just the 5 inches if I’m reading correctly
I was wondering about this as well. I wouldn’t assume that it would be legal because of R28a. This may be one for the to put on the FIRST Forums.
[R27] Robots are required to use Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the Frame Perimeter. For adequate protection, at least 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex (see Figure 4-1, Figure 4-2, and Figure 4-3).
8 inches on each side of the vertex. That means the Bumper must cover 8 inches of frame. Extra Bumper material (pool noodles and fabric) beyond the corner isn’t part of that 8 inches.
I’m not the GDC nor an inspector, but that’s how I interpret it.
Gary IS an experienced FIRST volunteer, often in key roles such as Head Ref.
Also, his interpretation is the one that was given by the GDC when very similar questions were asked about this in 2006, when teams were equally interested in maximizing the opening available for floor-loading of balls.
Of course this is not 2006. For an official answer, see the Official Q&A. 