Answered: Remove Mobile Goal from Opposing Robot

Gear_Geeks · February 3, 2018, 4:29pm

I can’t find this addressed in the rule book but just came back from a tournament where a robot removed a mobile goal from an opposing robot. The team had successfully loaded a mobile goal and the opposing team used a mechanism designed to tip mobile goals to pull it out of the intake. The mobile goal was not grasped or grappled. There were no cones on the mobile goal. Would this be allowed whether or not a mobile goal had cones on it?

VEX_GDC · February 9, 2018, 3:51pm

Provided that <SG6> has not been violated (you clarified that it had not), there are no rules prohibiting this. However, teams attempting this strategy should be cognizant of a potential <G12> violations at the referee’s discretion, if the action damages, Entangles, or tips the offensive Robot.

<G12> Strategies aimed solely at the destruction, damage, tipping over, or Entanglement of Robots are not part of the ethos of the VEX Robotics Competition and are not allowed. However, VEX Robotics Competition In the Zone is an interactive game. Some incidental tipping, Entanglement, and damage may occur as a part of normal game play. If the tipping, Entanglement, or damage is ruled to be intentional or egregious, the offending Team may be disqualified from that Match. Repeated offenses could result in a Team being Disqualified from the remainder of the competition.

VEX Robotics Competition In the Zone is intended to be an offensive game. Teams that partake in solely defensive strategies will undergo extra scrutiny in regard to <G12>. In the case where referees are forced to make a judgment call on interaction between a defensive and offensive Robot, the referees will err on the side of the offensive Robot.

A Team is responsible for the actions of its Robot at all times, including the Autonomous Period. This goes for Teams that are driving recklessly and potentially causing damage, but also goes for Teams that drive around with a small wheel base. A Team should design its Robot such that it is not easily tipped over or damaged by minor contact.