<SG2>
Horizontal expansion is limited. Once the Match begins, Robots may expand, but no horizontal dimension may exceed 36” (914.4 mm) at any point during the Match. This limit refers to “horizontal” expansion measured between any two points of the Robot, including diagonals, relative to the playing field (i.e., it does not “rotate with the Robot”). There is no height limit on Robot expansion. The following visual references on the field may be used by Head Referees when making in-Match judgment calls:
Diagonal of a single field tile (~34”) Distance from the Barrier to the Neutral Zone’s single white tape line (~34.5”) Width between Goal bases (~39.4”)
Figure 27: Visual references for a Head Referee to determine if a Robot has exceeded the maximum expansion limit.Violation Notes:
The primary intent of this rule is to limit defensive horizontal expansion. As such, Robots who choose to expand horizontally in the vicinity of opponent Goals or Match Load Bars may be subject to rule <G14>, and will not receive the “benefit of the doubt” in the case of any Head Referee judgment calls. Because Elevation is an inherently offensive action, a greater “benefit of the doubt” will be applied to momentary/accidental Minor Violations of this rule during Elevation.