Welcome to the Game Manual Part 2, a comprehensive resource for FIRST Tech Challenge teams․ This section outlines the structure, rules, and key gameplay elements for the 2023-2024 season, focusing on the CENTERSTAGESM game․ It provides detailed guidance for both autonomous and driver-controlled periods, ensuring teams understand the expectations and requirements for successful competition․ This manual is essential for preparing robots, strategies, and ensuring compliance with official rules․
Overview of the Game Manual Structure
The Game Manual Part 2 is organized into clear sections, each addressing specific aspects of the competition․ It covers gameplay mechanics, scoring systems, robot specifications, penalties, field setup, and gameplay phases․ Additional sections detail pre-match preparation, endgame procedures, inspection processes, alliance management, and updates․ This structured approach ensures teams can easily navigate and understand the rules, preparing effectively for competition while adhering to official guidelines and requirements․
Purpose and Scope of Part 2
The purpose of Game Manual Part 2 is to provide detailed rules and guidelines for the 2023-2024 FIRST Tech Challenge season․ It focuses on the CENTERSTAGESM game, covering gameplay mechanics, scoring, robot specifications, penalties, and field setup․ This section ensures clarity and consistency, enabling teams to design, build, and operate robots effectively while adhering to competition standards․ It serves as a primary resource for teams preparing for events and understanding game-specific requirements․
Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay mechanics outline the structure and rules for robot interaction during matches, focusing on autonomous actions, driver-controlled operations, and strategies for scoring and navigating the field effectively․
Autonomous Period Rules
The Autonomous Period begins with a countdown, signaling robots to operate independently without driver input․ During this phase, robots must navigate the field, perform tasks, and score points based on pre-programmed instructions․ Teams earn points for completing specific actions, such as depositing minerals or climbing platforms, within the allotted time․ The autonomous period typically lasts 30 seconds, after which driver control takes over․
Robots must follow all game rules during this phase, including avoiding prohibited actions and respecting field boundaries․ Teams are rewarded for precision and efficiency, as autonomous performance sets the foundation for the rest of the match․
Driver-Controlled Period Guidelines
The Driver-Controlled Period is a high-energy phase where teams operate their robots manually․ Drivers use joysticks or controls to maneuver robots, aiming to score points by performing tasks like collecting and depositing minerals or completing specific challenges․ Communication between drivers and their teams is crucial for strategic execution․ This phase emphasizes precision, teamwork, and quick decision-making to maximize points within the time limit, ensuring optimal performance during this critical segment of the match․
Scoring System
The scoring system in the Game Manual Part 2 details how points are allocated during both autonomous and driver-controlled periods, focusing on mineral collection and specific robot actions․
Point Allocation for Autonomous Actions
During the autonomous period, points are awarded based on predefined actions executed by robots, such as mineral collection, lifting, or completing specific tasks․ Each action has a designated point value, and teams earn points automatically upon successful task completion․ For example, mining minerals from craters or delivering them to designated zones accrues points; The autonomous scoring system emphasizes precision and efficiency, rewarding teams for achieving specific objectives within the time limit․ Points are accumulated and carried over to the driver-controlled phase, ensuring strategic planning from the start․
Scoring During the Driver-Controlled Phase
During the driver-controlled phase, points are earned by completing specific tasks such as delivering minerals to designated zones, climbing, or achieving bonus objectives․ Drivers operate the robots to perform these actions, with points awarded based on task difficulty and completion․ The scoring system incentivizes strategic gameplay, with higher points for complex maneuvers․ Points from both autonomous and driver-controlled phases are combined to determine the final score, emphasizing teamwork and precision․ Effective communication between drivers and alliance partners is crucial for maximizing points during this phase․
Robot Specifications
Robots must meet specific design and build requirements, adhering to weight and size restrictions; Teams are responsible for ensuring compliance with these guidelines to participate in competitions․
Design and Build Requirements
Robots must meet specific design and build criteria to ensure safety and fair competition․ Teams are required to use approved materials and components, avoiding prohibited items․ The design must allow for proper functionality during both autonomous and driver-controlled periods․ Weight and size restrictions are strictly enforced, and robots must pass pre-game inspections to confirm compliance․ Compliance with these requirements is essential for eligibility in official matches․
Weight and Size Restrictions
Robots must adhere to strict weight and size limitations to ensure safety and fair competition․ The maximum weight for a robot is specified to prevent damage and maintain balanced gameplay․ Size restrictions ensure robots fit within field dimensions and can maneuver without obstruction․ These limits are enforced through pre-game inspections, ensuring all robots meet the required standards for safe and competitive play․
Penalties and Violations
This section outlines penalties and violations, detailing their consequences․ It covers prohibited actions resulting in disqualifications and emphasizes adherence to rules for fair competition․
Common Penalties and Their Consequences
Common penalties include illegal actions, such as blocking or interfering with opponents, and unsportsmanlike conduct․ These violations result in point deductions or disqualifications․ Field interference and improper robot modifications also incur penalties․ Understanding these consequences ensures fair play and adherence to game rules, maintaining the integrity of competition․
Prohibited Actions and Disqualifications
Prohibited actions include intentional blocking, damaging the field, or engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior․ Such violations can lead to disqualifications, either during or after the match․ Disqualifications are determined by field personnel or referees and may result in penalties affecting alliance scoring․ Understanding these rules is crucial for maintaining fair and safe gameplay․
Field Setup and Layout
The field is divided into key zones, including craters for mineral placement․ Field personnel distribute Silver and Gold Minerals randomly, with approximately half in each crater․
Field Dimensions and Key Zones
The field measures 12 feet by 12 feet, featuring craters, the Playing Field Floor, and the Lander․ Key zones include mineral placement areas, alliance stations, and operational spaces for robots․ The layout ensures balanced gameplay, with minerals randomly distributed in craters․ Teams must understand these dimensions and zones to navigate effectively during matches․
Placement of Game Elements (Minerals, etc․)
In the game manual part 2, minerals are placed in craters on the field․ Field personnel distribute 52 Silver and 86 Gold Minerals, mixing them randomly․ This setup ensures balanced gameplay and encourages strategic planning․ The random distribution adds unpredictability, requiring teams to adapt their strategies during the match for optimal scoring․
Gameplay Phases
Gameplay phases include the Autonomous Period, Driver-Controlled Period, and Endgame․ Each phase has specific rules and objectives, ensuring a structured and competitive match environment for all teams․
Pre-Match Setup and Preparation
Pre-match setup involves field personnel placing Minerals in designated zones and ensuring the playing field is ready․ Teams conduct final robot inspections, ensuring compliance with rules․ Drive Teams receive alliance flags, and alliances are formed․ Final strategy discussions occur, and robots are positioned for the Autonomous Period․ Proper preparation ensures smooth gameplay and adherence to manual guidelines, setting the stage for a competitive and fair match․
Endgame Procedures and Final Scoring
The match concludes with the endgame phase, where final actions are completed before the buzzer․ Robots must stop moving, and all scoring elements are tallied․ Penalties for violations during the endgame are applied․ Final scores combine points from autonomous and driver-controlled periods․ The alliance with the highest total score is declared the winner, with tiebreakers applied as outlined in the manual․ This phase ensures a fair and conclusive end to the competition․
Robot Inspection Process
Robot inspection ensures compliance with design, safety, and build requirements․ The process includes pre-game and post-game checks using a detailed checklist to maintain fair competition standards․
Pre-Game Inspection Checklist
The pre-game inspection checklist ensures robots meet design, safety, and build requirements․ It includes verifying dimensions, weight, electrical components, and software compliance․ Field personnel conduct inspections to ensure all robots adhere to the rules, focusing on safety standards and proper functionality․ Teams must present their robots with all components visible for evaluation․ This process ensures fair competition and compliance with the game manual’s specifications before matches begin․
Post-Game Inspection Requirements
Post-game inspections ensure compliance with rules and identify potential violations․ Field personnel inspect robots for unauthorized modifications or damage sustained during matches․ Teams must ensure their robots remain in their original, pre-inspected state, except for normal wear and tear․ Any discrepancies may result in penalties or disqualifications․ This process maintains fairness and ensures all teams adhere to the game manual’s guidelines throughout the competition;
Alliance and Team Management
Alliance and Team Management involves forming strategic partnerships, assigning roles, and coordinating efforts to maximize teamwork and achieve common goals during competitions․
Forming Alliances and Team Roles
Forming alliances involves collaborating with other teams to achieve shared goals during competitions․ Teams must clearly define roles, such as drivers, strategists, and engineers, to ensure effective communication and coordination․ Alliances are crucial for maximizing scoring potential and executing complex strategies․ Strong teamwork and mutual understanding are essential for success in both autonomous and driver-controlled phases of the game․
Communication and Strategy Coordination
Effective communication and strategy coordination are vital for team success․ Teams must discuss and align on game plans, roles, and tactics during pre-match preparation․ Clear communication ensures seamless execution of autonomous and driver-controlled actions․ Drive teams must coordinate with alliance partners to maximize scoring opportunities․ Regular strategy sessions and real-time adjustments during matches are essential for adapting to field conditions and optimizing performance․
Updates and Revisions
Regular updates and revisions ensure the game manual remains current․ Changes are documented in the revision history, and teams must stay informed to comply with the latest rules․
Revision History and Changes
The revision history in Game Manual Part 2 tracks all updates and modifications made to the rules and guidelines․ Each revision is dated and summarized to ensure transparency․ Changes may include clarifications, rule adjustments, or new requirements based on feedback and gameplay observations․ Teams are encouraged to review the revision history regularly to stay informed and compliant with the latest updates․ Access the full list of changes through the official FIRST Tech Challenge resource page․
How to Stay Updated with Manual Changes
To stay informed about updates to Game Manual Part 2, teams should regularly visit the official FIRST Tech Challenge website․ Subscribe to newsletters and follow official channels for notifications․ Updates are also detailed in the revision history section of the manual․ Teams can download the latest version directly from the resource library to ensure compliance with the most current rules and guidelines․
Game Manual Part 2 concludes with essential resources for teams, ensuring successful competition preparation․ Refer to official FIRST Tech Challenge documents for detailed guidelines and updates․
Key Takeaways from Game Manual Part 2
Game Manual Part 2 provides a comprehensive guide for the 2023-2024 season, focusing on the CENTERSTAGESM game․ It outlines gameplay mechanics, scoring systems, and robot specifications, ensuring teams understand rules and strategies․ Key areas include autonomous and driver-controlled periods, penalty details, and field setup․ Teams must adhere to design and inspection requirements to ensure compliance․ Staying updated with manual revisions is crucial for optimal performance and rule adherence, ensuring a competitive and fair experience․
Additional Resources for Teams
Teams can access supplementary materials like the Field Inspection Checklist and Robot Inspection Checklist for pre-game preparations․ The Game Manual Part 1 and One-Page Game Summary provide quick references․ Revision histories ensure teams stay updated on rule changes․ Additional resources, including detailed game concept documents and scoring guides, are available on the FIRST Tech Challenge website․ These materials help teams optimize performance and ensure compliance with official rules and regulations․
