Hello,
SG3 - Platforms are “safe” during the endgame.
During the last thirty (30) seconds, Robots may not contact the opposing Alliance’s Platform. The intent of this rule is to prohibit Robots from directly inhibiting their opponents’ ability to utilize the Platform at the end of a Match.
Points “a”, “b”, and “c” apply to Robot actions during the last thirty (30) seconds of the Match:
. . .
b) For the purposes of this rule, <G13> supersedes rule <G14>. Any Robot which is contacting its own Platform, provided that no other rules are being violated, will automatically receive the “benefit of the doubt”. Therefore, any contact with this Robot will be considered a violation, regardless of intent.
. . .
Note 2: If points “a”, “b”, or “c” are being violated at the end of a Match (i.e. when the timer hits 0 and all Robots come to rest), then it will automatically be considered a violation which has interfered with gameplay, i.e. will result in a Disqualification.
Q. Additionally, if a robot stopped working mid match, battery died, connector broke, whatever, and gets pushed or dragged into the opposing teams platform in the last 30 seconds , is that a penalty?
A. Under the strictest interpretation of SG3-b, yes, this would be considered a violation. However, we would caution the offensive Team in question to be mindful of other rules such as G12, S1, G1, etc. We would hope that an Alliance in this 2v1 situation would not feel that they must resort to a questionably ethical strategic decision in order to beat a single opponent Robot.
What should Referees look for in a forced SG3-B violation to determine when it becomes a questionably ethical strategic decision and violates G1? The below scenarios assume the forced SG3-B violation doesn't violate G12, S1, or any other rules. Some questions include:
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Forcing your opponent to contact your platform at the end of the match, causing a DQ.
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In the Q&A 968 scenario, it’s implied that the Alliance with 2 Robots would outpower the Alliance with 1 Robot regardless of forcing an SG3-B violation. Should the skill of each Alliance be taken into account? For example, if the Alliance of 1 Robot was overpowering and forced an SG3-B violation? Does this change if the Alliance of 2 forced an SG3-B violation when they are losing?
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Does proximity to the platform before the forced movement starts matter? For example, is it okay to force an SG3-B violation if the opponents are x distance away from your platform, but not okay if they’re over x distance? For example, entering the opponents home zone automatically makes you a defensive robot?
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Should the intent of teams be taken into account when deciding if a forced SG3-B violation becomes a questionably ethical strategic decision?
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Do these interpretations violate the manual, G13 in SG3-B, by giving the defensive robot an edge in the decision?
There are more scenarios that could be stated, but I know a blanket answer cannot be given. At some point, the Head Referee will always have to decide how to interpret what happened. I’d like some pointers on what to look for when this situation inevitably happens.
Top teams walk a narrow road with the rules and will force an SG3-B violation if they are able to argue its legality.
Thank you for your time!