Legality of Multiple Sets of Bumpers?

[FRC456]

Background:

Our school colors are red and blue and thus our team colors have always been red and blue. Our pit theme is red and blue, our crate is red and blue, our cart is red, our shirts are blue, etc. This year we built 2 complete sets of bumpers for our robot. One red set and one blue set. Each set is as identical as we could possibly make them except for the color. Each set weighs 9.7 lbs +/- 0.1 lbs thus both sets collectively weigh more than 18 lbs, but each individual set is otherwise legally built to specification. We would like to be able to swap out the bumpers from match to match depending on if we are on the red alliance or blue alliance simply to match our alliance color (and the color of the trailer we are attached to). We are inquiring as to the legality of this idea, spare bumpers, swapping bumpers between matches, and if color has any bearing on bumper function. Please reference this Chief Delphi thread: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=74973 for a discussion on the community perspective on this issue and in particular the concerns about whether or not the color of a bumper (red, blue, or otherwise) could be perceived as a strategic advantage. It is our team’s position that changing the bumper color on our robot to match our trailer color is not a strategic advantage for our team or alliance because the robot is in view of both alliances and the trailer is what defines the team/alliance color not any part of the robot (no lights/flags/etc. this year). Our original intention was to simply match the color of the trailer for aesthetic reasons. If anything matching the trailer color would help more clearly identify our team’s alliance color to all teams on both alliances equally.

Questions:

1) How would multiple sets of functionally identical bumpers be viewed in the rules and during inspection? What rules would govern spare bumpers?

2) Can a team build more than one set of functionally identical bumpers to be used as spares to competition?

3) Do all spare bumpers have to be included in the single 18 lb bumper weight limit or do spare bumpers have a separate 18 lb weight limit.

4) Given the purpose of bumpers is for safety and protection it is not logical to conclude that bumper color affects the functionality of the bumper design for the intended purpose of the bumpers. If that was the case the bumper color would have to be specified in the rules. If spare bumpers are built do they have to be the same color(s) as the primary set of bumpers to be considered functionally identical?

5) Team colors pretty much cover the spectrum of colors available. It has already been established that pink and green are “special” colors that should be carefully considered this year such that they do not interfere with the vision camera systems of the robots. Similarly, would red and blue be considered “special” colors with regards to bumpers and particularly spare bumpers or the ability to swap the bumpers to match the alliance/trailer bumper color? In other words, would red and blue bumpers swapped between matches be considered a strategic advantage and thus specifically not allowed or considered a violation of <R13>?

6) If matching red and blue bumpers to the trailer/alliance color is considered a strategic advantage and would fall under <R13> how would this be handled during weigh in? Bumpers are weighed separately from the robot thus how would they be weighed with the robot?

We apologize for the length of this post, however, teams have been instructed to ask as detailed of questions as possible with as much background information as possible so that a fair assessment of the rules can be determined. We know we have asked some very specific and detailed questions but it is in an attempt to cover all the bases and try to avoid any future confusion. We believe we have clearly expressed our intent in this post. Please feel free to expand beyond these questions to fully express the intent of the GDC and the rules.

Thanks!

[GDC]

1. Duplicate sets of BUMPERS that are functionally but not physically identical to the primary set (e.g. different colors) would be considered REPLACEMENT PARTS.

2. TEAMS may construct multiple sets of BUMPERS to use as SPARE PARTS or REPLACEMENT PARTS, if they so choose.

3. SPARE PARTS or REPLACEMENT PARTS are only included in the weight constraints of the ROBOT when they are actually used on the ROBOT. Note however, that the weight of any SPARE PARTS or REPLACEMENT PARTS is included in the limits of the WITHHOLDING ALLOWANCE if these parts are not shipped in the crate with the ROBOT.

4. While it is true that the primary purpose of BUMPERS is to provide a safety cushion to limit damage to the ROBOT, that need not be their only function. If there are differences in the SPARE / REPLACEMENT BUMPERS that can affect the operation of the ROBOT or the play of the game, then they are not functionally identical. If the difference in the color of the BUMPERS can be used for a tactical purpose during the MATCH, then they are not functionally identical.

5. If the red and blue BUMPERS were used on the ROBOT in random order, without regard to the particular alliance assignment at the time, then they would not have a tactical advantage and would just be considered REPLACEMENT PARTS. If, however, the choice of BUMPER color were specifically coupled to the assigned ALLIANCE color for each MATCH, then it could be argued that the BUMPER color was providing a tactical advantage to the team by aiding ALLIANCE identification. As such, both sets of BUMPERS would be considered primary parts of the ROBOT, and would have to satisfy Rule <R13>.

6. If the BUMPERS have a tactical advantage, then they are not considered equivalent. Only one set would be permitted to pass inspection.