Bumper Length redux

[FRC171]

The manual says that the minimum bumper length must be 6". It also says that a bumper consists of noodles, backing, and fabric. It is also says that the noodle may extend past the bumper perimeter 3.5 inches.

By this definition, could a bumper with a 3 inch long backing and noodles that stick out an additional 3 inches, meet this requirement? Would they be legal to use in competition?

[GDC]

No. BUMPERS are defined as an assembly where all of the required elements - pool noodle, fabric covering, clamping angles, and plywood backing - are present in the cross-section of the assembly. When combined with Rule <R08-A>, this means that each piece of bumper backing must be at least six inches long.