Pinning

Pinning is the act of trapping a robot against an object, usually the inner wall, in such a way so that the pinned robnot is unable to escape or move. This includes holding a robot in a gripping, crushing or clamping weapon. Pinning is differentiated from immobilisation by the fact that the pinned robot would be able to translate under its own power if released.

Whilst many governing bodies, such as the FRA or RFL, only allow pinning for a short period of time, after which the pinned robot must be released, some governing bodies and event organisers will allow pinning as a method of defeating an opponent.

FRA
"It is not permitted to pin an opponent for more than 10 seconds, for example, where one robot pins its opponent to the arena side or floor. After the robot has released the opponent must back away. It is bad sportsmanship to continually pin an opponent intentionally however it is understood that some weapon designs may necessitate this. Robots that utilise a crushing or gripping design to hold their opponent must release within 30 seconds. In the event that both robots become entangled the fight may be stopped and the robots seperated. During melees both of the entangled robots may be deemed immobile."