What is the penalty for touching another robot while it is climbing?

When a robot is climbing, the rules are designed to ensure fairness and safety during this critical phase of the match. Touching another robot while it is climbing can lead to significant competition implications, as it introduces potential interference and hazards.

The correct answer indicates that if a robot makes contact with another robot while both are on the ground, it results in a major foul. This helps to maintain a level of competitive integrity, ensuring that robots are not unfairly assisted or hindered by others during an important activity like climbing. It balances the need for aggressive strategies with the principle of fair play.

The emphasis on a major foul reflects the serious nature of the infraction, as climbing is often associated with important scoring opportunities in matches. This penalty aims to discourage reckless or unstrategic behavior that could disrupt another team's game plan.

Understanding these rules helps teams strategize their climbing tactics while being aware of the implications of their interactions with other robots on the field.