SG2 states Robots may expand, but no horizontal dimension can exceed 36” (914.4 mm) at any point during the Match. When a robot expanded to a height greater than 36 inches tips over, is this is a violation of SG2? The tipped over robot's "height" is now in a horizontal orientation which exceeds 36".
The Q&A is closed for the 2021-2022 season. Any rule changes or clarifications pertaining to the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship will be included in the April 5 Game Manual Update. Teams attending VEX Worlds who wish to pre-submit questions for the driver's meeting should have received a contact form via email; if not, please contact your REC Foundation Team Engagement Manager for more information.
Official Q&A: VRC 2021-2022: Tipping Point
835: SG2 - A tall robot tips over exceeding the 36" expansion limit
Answered by committee
Yes, the expansion limit is still considered "horizontal" with respect to the gray field tiles, even if a Robot is no longer "upright".
Minor violations of this rule that do not affect or interfere with the Match will result in a warning. Match Affecting offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee’s discretion.
It will require a Head Referee judgment call to determine the severity of the violation. In many situations, a Robot which has tipped over does not affect or interfere with the Match to their advantage, and this violation would result in a warning. A Robot which has "accidentally tipped over" (with heavy "air quotes") in a Match Affecting manner may receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee's discretion.