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Official Q&A: VRC 2018-2019: Turning Point

Usage Guidelines All Questions

246: Pushing Opposing Bot Across the Field into the wall causing disconnect

83490A
20-Feb-2019

I have seen this so often this year it is becoming an issue for many teams. One alliance bot will push an opposing bot across the field and slam them into the outside wall. After the incident the opposing bot becomes disabled due to disconnect, white screen (on V5), or parts break (chains, rubber bands, etc). Is this move legal because many referees and event partners say it is, and we need clarification. If it is legal, please explain how because it seems to go against the G12 rule part A: VEX Robotics Competition Turning Point is intended to be an offensive game. Teams that partake in solely defensive or destructive strategies will not have the protections implied by <G12> (see <G13>). However, defensive play which does not involve destructive or illegal strategies is still within the spirit of this rule.

Slamming a robot into the side wall is not incidental and while the intent may not be to damage the bot, the risk of doing so is very high and teams know that.

Here is an example video of what I am talking about, although the robot does not become disabled in this case. It takes place at the 1:55 mark.

https://youtu.be/kEEMzIdeHzA?t=112

G12  
Answered by Game Design Committee

Being pushed is not, in itself, a violation of <G12>. You already quoted part A, which is the primary rule that would apply in this case. We would also like to note part C, quoted here for reference:

A Team is responsible for the actions of its Robot at all times, including the Autonomous Period. This applies both to Teams that are driving recklessly or potentially causing damage, and to Teams that drive around with a small wheel base. A Team should design its Robot such that it is not easily tipped over or damaged by minor contact.

It is impossible to provide a blanket ruling that would apply to all scenarios, so it is at the Head Referee's discretion whether a given interaction is considered a "destructive strategy" (in the context of part A) or a "minor contact" (in the context of part C).

The specific video example you have linked would generally not be considered a violation of <G12>, and would generally be considered normal head-to-head gameplay. We would advise Teams to consider these types of interactions as a possibility when designing their Robots.