Rule 12.2.1 (Entanglement)

[peter]

We are building a cluster bot and want to use nets and cables to stop spinners. Because we are using 3 robots we will not stop combat completely. Is it allowed?

[typhoon_driver]

the short answer is that i wouldnt even touch entanglent weapons with a barge pole, in other words stay away from em!

Are the FRA against these types of weapons? Ive never really bothered to check

[kane]

Entanglement weapons were banned several years ago and I dont see this changing.

[jim]

Be careful here... entanglement weapons were assumed to be banned in Robot Wars for quite some time while never being written in the rules.
The current Black Top rules (which Im using as the FRA rules do not appear to be available online at the moment) seem to prohibit weapons which immobilise both your opponent and yourself, which would mean nets and cables fixed to your robot at some point. If your nets and cables detach, then you may have found a way around the rules - but be aware of the rule that projectiles must be tethered.

[geoff]

Jim, I think you will find FRA rule 12.2.1 forbids any type of entanglment weapon.

Peter, Dat is en goed idee, maar verbieden is. (sorry, mijn Nederlands is niet te goed!!)

Geoff.

[peter]

If I read the rules, it is not banned at all.

courier new>Rule 12 Forbidden Weapons and Materials. The following weapons and materials are forbidden for use:....

and
courier new>Rule 12.2.1 Entanglement devices. Such as nets,....

So it seems there are forbidden, but if you read

courier new>Rule 12.2 Weapons or defenses, which tend to stop combat completely, of both (or more) robots. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
and then follows rule 12.2.1

My conclusion is, weapons which stops combat completely are forbidden for example nets. This is good rule. No combat, no fun.

But we have a cluster bot so only one of our bots is entangled. The other two can still walk around and attack.

Am I reading the rules correct or is it just me (from Holland as Geoff noticed )
What is your opinion?

Peter

[typhoon_driver]

i think that that rule would mean combat for both parties involved but im not sure.

walk around and attack? First cluster walker?

[arfamortis]

Speaking as chief judge,

If a robot entangles another robot with a net etc. Unless the robot deploying the net can retrieve it intact, then I would take the net wrapped around another robot as damage to the entangler. This robot would also have to forfiet the fight as it would also constitute pinning for more than 30 seconds: so the entangler looses on 2 counts.

[peter]

Hi chief judge,

I think you are the right person to speak to. The rules are clear for a 1 on 1 fight.

But if the entangler is part of a CLUSTER bot and the other bots are still moving, do you still lose the game if you can not un-entangle?

Peter