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1110: G12d incidental entanglement during the endgame


2114C
1-Jun-2022

G12d states:

During the Endgame, Robots should expect the possibility of vigorous interactions with opponent Robots. Incidental damage that is caused by pushing, tipping, or Entangling during the Endgame will not be considered a Violation of G12. Intentional damage or dangerous mechanisms may still be considered a Violation of R4, S1, or G1 at the Head Referee’s discretion.

R4 + c states:

Robots must be safe. The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed:

c. Those that pose an unnecessary risk of Entanglement with other Robots or the Net.

The note under G15 states:

Note: There is no penalty for Trapping during the Endgame.

These 3 rules when read together appear to have the intention of loosening restrictions on robot interaction in the Endgame, which makes sense given the expanding nature of robots utilizing this mechanic. Given that there is no restriction on trapping in the last 10 seconds, would mechanisms that have a risk of entanglement also be legal to deploy in the last 10 seconds of the match? Some examples of such mechanisms:

  • A net made out of legal rope
  • Legal string/rope on its own

When using such mechanisms I am assuming that the intention is to score points, not to entangle opponents; however given the nature of the mechanisms, incidental entanglement with opponents is likely, if not probable.

Answered by committee

would mechanisms that have a risk of entanglement also be legal to deploy in the last 10 seconds of the match? Some examples of such mechanisms:

  • A net made out of legal rope
  • Legal string/rope on its own

Yes, these would generally be legal for use in the Endgame, provided that no other rules are violated.

This question is largely answered by G12-d, which has already been quoted in the question, but we are going to re-quote and explain further to clarify intent:

During the Endgame, Robots should expect the possibility of vigorous interactions with opponent Robots.

Intent: "Robots are responsible for their own actions - which means that during the Endgame, they should be aware that opponent Robots may try to expand into them"

Incidental damage that is caused by pushing, tipping, or Entangling during the Endgame will not be considered a Violation of G12.

Intent: "During this period, pretty much anything goes."

Intentional damage or dangerous mechanisms may still be considered a Violation of R4, S1, or G1 at the Head Referee’s discretion.

Intent: "Even though pretty much anything goes, this still isn't combat robots. Teams causing G12-d questions should still be at least attempting to play the Endgame, not merely driving around causing havoc on the field."