What is the penalty for two or more robots working together to block major field elements?

The situation described involves two or more robots engaging in the act of blocking major field elements, which is typically considered an unfair game strategy that can impact the flow and fairness of the competition. In FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) rules, when teams work together in a way that is deemed detrimental to the competition—such as blocking access to key areas of the field or preventing other teams from executing strategies—there are specific penalties outlined to discourage this behavior.

The correct answer indicates that a major foul is assessed every 3 seconds for this type of violation. This penalty is designed to be significant enough to discourage teams from using such tactics repeatedly and serves as a strong deterrent, encouraging teams to engage in fair play and competition. The timing of the penalty—every 3 seconds—reflects the seriousness of the offense, as it can quickly accumulate and impact the match score substantially.

Understanding the rule behind penalties for improper blocking is essential for all teams to engage competitively and ethically in the sport. This promotes a level playing field where strategies can be executed without unfair obstruction.