Rule R412

R412 *Team number on BUMPERS. Team numbers must be displayed and positioned on the BUMPER cover such that an observer walking around the perimeter of the ROBOT can unambiguously tell the team’s number from any point of view, from as far as approximately 60 ft. (1 829 cm), and meet the following additional criteria:

A. consist of only white Arabic numerals at least 3 ¾ in. (~96 mm) high, at least ½ in. (~13 mm) in stroke width,

The ½ in. (~13 mm) stroke width requirement applies to the majority of the stroke. Font elements less than ½ in. (~13 mm) such as serifs, rounded edges, small hairlines or gaps, etc. are permitted as long as the majority of the stroke meets the sizing requirement and the numbers are unambiguous.

B. must not wrap around sharp corners (less than 135°) of the ROBOT PERIMETER,

C. must not split individual digits such that the team number is ambiguous, and

As a guideline, spacing between digits or groups of digits which exceeds ~4 in. (~101 mm) may be ambiguous.

D. may not substitute logos or icons for numerals.

There is no prohibition against splitting team numbers onto different sections of BUMPER. The intent is that the team’s number is clearly visible and unambiguous so that Judges, REFEREES, Announcers, and other teams can easily identify competing ROBOTS.

This marking is intended to display the team number only, not to intentionally change the surface characteristics of the BUMPER. Excessive material usage as part of any team number marking will invite close scrutiny.