Rules 2012

Savage Soccer 16 - Mission to Mars

If you have any questions about rules or the event, you may email them to savage@wpi.edu. All questions will be publicly posted on the forum. All responses will be publicly dispersed on the website under the Updates link). Please read the rules and Updates page before asking questions as they may already be answered.

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Rules

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Updates

Update 1

Update 2

1. Objective

To design and build a radio and autonomously-controlled robot that will defeat your opponents in competition.

The winner of the competition is defined as the coalition that wins all best two-of-three rounds in the elimination bracket.

2. The Game

2.1 Definitions:
- 2.1.1 Coalition: Two teams which work together to defeat another coalition in competition. Coalitions are chosen randomly (in qualification rounds) or drafted (in elimination rounds). A coalition's teams always share a color.
- 2.1.2 Coalition Colonels: The top-ranked teams at the end of the qualifying matches.
- 2.1.3 Starting Zones: Locations on the front and back edge of the field where teams place their robots before the match, designated by the outside edge of a tape box.
- 2.1.4 Sample Sequestration Surface (S3): The rotating structure at the center of the field.
- 2.1.5 Sample: A wooden cube, approximately 1.5" a side. Sixty Samples will begin the match on the S3 and on the field.
- 2.1.6 Sign of Life Sample (SOLS): The large, doubler cube, approximately 3.5" on a side. The SOLS begins the match in the middle of the S3.
- 2.1.7 Sample Processing and Unloading Depot (SPUD): Four zones, two red and two blue, on each end of the field. The SPUDs are bounded by the outside edge of the tape line, the inside edge of the field borders, and the edge of the ASPUD.
- 2.1.8 Advanced Sample Processing and Unloading Depot (ASPUD): The four black, raised platform zones, two for the red Coalition and two for the blue Coalition, on each end of the field.
- 2.1.9 Notifying ASPUD/SPUD Selection Arrow (NASA): An arrow on the carpet that points toward the S3.
- 2.1.10 Autonomous Selection Area (ASA): One red and one blue zone on either side of the S3, used to determine points scored in autonomous.
2.2 Field Description
- 2.2.1 The field is 8' x 12'. A wooden frame that is approximately 2.5" high and 0.75" thick forms the field wall (the outer boundaries of the playing area).
- 2.2.2 The surface of the playing area is "high-traffic" carpet that may have minor bumps and surface irregularities.
- 2.2.3 The Sample Sequestration Surface (S3) resides in the center of the field.
- 2.2.4 Robots will begin the match with every part of their robot in their coalition's Starting Zone. Teams will be designated as either "Red" or "Blue" on a match-by-match basis as noted on the Match List.
- 2.2.5 The Sample Processing and Unloading Depots (SPUDs) are 2' x 2', to the outside edge of the tape line.
- 2.2.6 The Advanced Sample Processing and Unloading Depots (ASPUDs) are 2' square and are 1.75" above the playing surface. The red or blue colored "bump" between the ASPUDs is not considered part of either ASPUD.
- 2.2.7 The Autonomous Scoring Areas (ASAs) are located on either side of the S3. They are bounded by the outside edge of the tape lines extending out from the S3.
- 2.2.8 The S3 is 2'x 2', and the surface is approximately 1" from the carpet.
- 2.2.9 Thirty two Samples begin the match on top of the S3. An additional eighteen Samples begin in four groups surrounding the S3, while five samples begin on each of the bumps that separate the ASPUDs.
- 2.2.10 The Signs of Life Sample (SOLS) begins the match centered on top of the S3.
- 2.2.11 All field dimensions should be considered to be +/- 0.5"
2.3 Match Timing
- 2.3.1 Each match will consist of the following time periods:
  - Autonomous - The first 10 seconds of the match, where robots are controlled by only onboard programming and sensor inputs.
  - Driver control - A period lasting 2 minutes during which robots are teleoperated.
2.4 Match Scoring
- 2.4.1 All scoring will be calculated when all items on the field have come to rest.
- 2.4.2 At the end of the autonomous period, Coalitions will earn points for the following:
  - Each robot in contact with a SPUD/ASPUD: five (5) points for that robot's Coalition.
  - Green portion of the S3 pointing toward an Autonomous Scoring Area: 15 points for the corresponding Coalition.
- 2.4.3 A Sample or SOLS will be considered scored if:
  1. Any part of the Sample or SOLS is within the vertical projection (extended infinitely upward) of a single SPUD/ASPUD AND
  2. Supported only by a robot, a SPUD/ASPUD, another scored Sample, or the SOLS.
- 2.4.4 At the end of the match, Coalitions will earn points for the following:
  - Each sample scored in a SPUD: 1 point
  - Each sample scored in an ASPUD: 3 points
- 2.4.5 At the end of the match, the points in a SPUD or ASPUD are doubled if the NASA is pointing toward that SPUD's or ASPUD's corresponding area on the S3.
- 2.4.6 If the SOLS is completely within the vertical projection (extended upward infinitely) of a single SPUD/ASPUD, that SPUD's or ASPUD's scored Samples are worth double.
- 2.4.7 The winner of the match is the Coalition with the higher point total.
- 2.4.8 Tiebreakers:
  - 2.4.8.1 Coalition with the higher combined autonomous score.
  - 2.4.8.2 The Coalition with the fewest penalties.
  - 2.4.8.3 The Coalition with the SOLS in any of its SPUDs or ASPUDs.
  - 2.4.8.4 The Coalition with the highest number of samples that are multiplied.
  - 2.4.8.5 Tie.
2.5 Competition Structure
- 2.5.1 The competition will consist of Qualifying Matches followed by Elimination Matches.
- 2.5.2 Qualifying Matches
  - 2.5.2.1 All teams will play in the same number of Qualifying Matches. The number of qualifying matches at each event will be determined by the length of the event and the number of teams competing.
    - 2.5.2.1.1 For all teams to have an equal number of official matches, some teams may be required to play an extra match, known as a surrogate match. This match does not count in the official ranking of any surrogate teams participating. Surrogate matches will be indicated on the match list.
  - 2.5.2.2 Teams will be given their schedule of qualification matches no later than the start of the first match of that day's event.
  - 2.5.2.3 Teams will be randomly assigned to coalitions during qualifying matches. The qualification match schedule will show the match number, the four teams competing in each match, and the color they are assigned for that match.
- 2.5.3 Ranking: At the end of the qualifying matches, teams will be ranked based on the following:
  1. Greatest number of wins (a tie is considered half a win), then
  2. Highest average point total, then
  3. Flip of a coin (or electronic substitute), heads and tails to be determined by the head referee.
- 2.5.4 Elimination Matches
  - 2.5.4.1 The number of coalitions participating in elimination matches will be no less than four, but may be increased prior to the start of the event based on the number of teams participating.
  - 2.5.4.2 Coalition Drafting
    - 2.5.4.2.1 At the conclusion of the qualifying matches, the top-ranked teams will be designated as Coalition Colonels. In order of their ranking, each Coalition Colonel will draft one team. An additional drafting round may take place at the discretion of the tournament director, increasing the teams per elimination coalition to three.
    - 2.5.4.2.2 Coalition Colonels may not draft other teams designated as Coalition Colonels or those already drafted into service for other coalitions.
    - 2.5.4.2.3 If a team declines the draft of any Coalition Colonel, they WILL NOT be allowed to play in the elimination matches.
  - 2.5.4.3 During elimination matches, the #1 ranked coalition will play the lowest ranked coalition entering the elimination matches (i.e. if there are eight coalitions, #1 will play #8). The #2 coalition will play the second-to-lowest ranked coalition and so on.
  - 2.5.4.4 Elimination matches will be a best 2-of-3 format.
  - 2.5.4.5 Each coalition partner must play at least once during the first 2 matches of a best two-of-three round. If a robot becomes seriously damaged, the Coalition Colonel must inform the head referee immediately after the match in which the damage occurred. The head referee will then decide if the robot is exempt from this rule. The damaged robot must be re-inspected by the head referee before each best two-of-three round and must be re-declared inoperable in order to continue receiving the exemption.
  - 2.5.4.6 Ties in elimination matches will be replayed.
2.6 Driver Rotation
- 2.6.1 During each match, teams will be required to switch their drivers halfway through the driver control period as indicated in Section 2.6. There will be a ten-second period during which the drivers must complete the switch or power will be shut off for the duration of the match.
- 2.6.2 Teams may choose to have another student operating other non-driving functions of the robot during the match. This optional position is not required to switch during a match.
- 2.6.3 Teams must have at least four different students to rotate through the driver position. In the event that fewer than four students attend the competition, teams must still place four students in the ordered list and forfeit the driving time of the missing student(s).
- 2.6.4 Four student participants of a team must drive their robot within the first two official matches in which the team places a robot on the field. Once the required number of team members have driven the robot, teams must continue switching drivers during their matches but any team member may come to the field to drive.
- 2.6.5 If it is known in advance that a student will be late to the event, please contact the tournament director at savage@wpi.edu as soon as possible to discuss possible alternatives.
2.7 Match Sequence
- Each match is two minutes and 10 seconds long
- 0-10 seconds - Robots enabled under Autonomous Control
- 10 seconds - Coalitions are awarded points scored in autonomous.
- 10-65 seconds - Robot under first Driver Control
- 70-80 seconds - Driver switch period
- 75-130 seconds - Robot under second Driver Control
- 130 seconds - Match ends, robots disabled.
2.8 General Rules
- 2.8.1 All referee decisions regarding rules of play and judgments are final.
- 2.8.2 Definitions
  - 2.8.2.1 Pinning: A robot is considered pinned when it is being held against a field obstacle or another robot by a robot from an opposing coalition and cannot move in any direction. The closest referee will begin counting the pin from the moment the robot becomes immobilized.
  - 2.8.2.2 Penalty: A deduction of ten points.
  - 2.8.2.3 Disqualification: Robots may be disqualified based on their actions that violate the rules of the game. If a referee calls for a disqualification during a match, power will be shut off to the offending robot immediately. In all cases, the offending robot will receive a loss and zero points. The remaining members of both coalitions will receive the win/loss and their respective point totals in qualification matches. If a team is disqualified during an elimination match the coalition will receive a loss and the opposing coalition will receive a win.
- 2.8.3 Robot and Field Interaction Rules
  - 2.8.3.1 At the start of the match, teams must place their robot such that it is fully contained within the starting zone corresponding to their coalition color.
  - 2.8.3.2 Any sample or SOLS which leave the playing area during a match will be returned to the field in a non-scoring position as close to where it exited the field as possible.
  - 2.8.3.4 Robots may not intentionally tip an opposing team's robot. The tipping robot will be disqualified from the match if, in the referee's opinion, they initiated a lifting action that results in tipping. In incidents where the tipped robot initiates the action or both robots are in motion, the involved robots may be disabled.
  - 2.8.3.5 Robots will be disabled for physically interacting with anything outside of the field.
  - 2.8.3.6 If a robot is pinned for five seconds, the pinning team must immediately disengage and move at least 12" away from the pinned robot. Failure to do so will result in an immediate penalty, as well as a penalty for each additional five seconds. Per rule 2.8.5, robots that accumulate multiple pinning penalties in a match are subject to immediate disqualification from the match.
  - 2.8.3.7 All parts of the robot must remain attached to the robot for the duration of the match and must not cause any hazard of entanglement to the other robots. Any infraction of this rule may result in an immediate disqualification. Minor pieces that unintentionally become detached from the robot, do not affect the outcome of the match, or are the result of improper design/construction will not cause a disqualification.
  - 2.8.3.8 Teams are allowed to modify their robots between matches as long as the robot remains compliant with all specifications and rules after the modification. Any significant modification should be brought to the attention of the referees or head inspector prior to the start of the team's next match. Teams may be subject to re-inspection at the discretion of the referees/head inspector. While teams are allowed to modify their robots between matches, multiple robots per team are not allowed.
- 2.8.4 Safety Rules
  - 2.8.4.1 Team members may interact with their robot during a match only through the transmissions of the radio-controller. Only designated Drivers or Operators may be in contact with the controls during the match.
    - 2.8.4.1.1 Only team members who will be using the controls during the match will be allowed at the field. No coaches are allowed at the field during a match, however team members who have already driven or are waiting to drive may advise the drivers at their discretion.
    - 2.8.4.1.2 All team members who will be driving during the match must stay within their coalition station for the entirety of the match. Repeat violations of this rule may result in disqualification at the discretion of the referees.
    - 2.8.4.1.3 Teams must place their controls at a designated location before the beginning of the match. Team members may only touch these controls during driver control after the referees have signaled the start of driver control.
  - 2.8.4.2 Referees will disqualify any robot they deem to be a safety hazard.
  - 2.8.4.3 Referees may request that teams alter any portion of their robots that are considered safety hazards or damaging to the playing field or scoring objects at any point during the competition. It is the right of the referees to prevent teams from playing in matches until such changes are made to the robot.
  - 2.8.4.4 Damage to the playing field, the objects, or the control system may result in the disabling or disqualification of the robot at the discretion of the referees. If the referee determines that further movement of the robot would result in field damage, it will be disabled. Intentional removal of Cubes from the field will be considered field damage.
  - 2.8.4.5 Strategies aimed solely at the destruction of or damage to an opponent's robot or the field are not in the spirit of the competition and will not be allowed. This includes intentionally removing game objects from the field. Repeat violations of this rule may result in disqualification at the discretion of the referees.
- 2.8.5 Repeated or intentional receiving of penalties will result in a disqualification.
- 2.8.6 All questions or request for rules clarifications should be submitted via email to savage@wpi.edu. Questions and answers will be publicly posted on the event website

3. The Robot

3.1 Size Restriction
- 3.1.1 At the start of each match, every part of the robot except for the flag holder (drinking straw, as specified in rule 3.4.4) must fit, unconstrained, in a stable position, within a box 15.25" by 15.25" by 18" in any orientation. The robot must be fully self-supported, in contact only with the horizontal, carpeted (or taped) surface of the playing field.
3.2 Weight Restriction
- 3.2.1 Each robot's weight must not exceed 10 lbs.
- 3.2.2 The 10 lb. limit does not include the robot battery, the radio transmitter (i.e. the 75 MHz transmitter or VEXNet Joystick) or the color-designating flag.
3.3 Controls
- 3.3.1 Teams will each bring and provide their own controls to the competition. Crystals will be provided at the competition at the start of each match. Teams that use VEXNet must provide their own, known working VEXNet Keys.
- 3.3.2 Radio operation of the robots is not permitted in the pits. Teams should bring their phone cords/tethers for testing and operating in the pits. It is advisable that teams not bring their radio crystals to the competition.
3.4 Construction Rules
- 3.4.1 A robot must be designed to operate by reacting only against features within the confines of the playing field boundaries.
- 3.4.2 Gaining traction by use of adhesives or by abrading or breaking the surface of the playing field is not allowed and will be considered field damage and subject to disqualification.
- 3.4.3 Teams must have their assigned team number clearly marked on their robot such that it is visible from 15' away. The numbers should be at least 3" high, 1/4" thickness and be on opposing sides of the robot. Team numbers will be assigned via the Savage Soccer website team list.
- 3.4.4 Teams must place a standard drinking straw, cut to 6" long, such that the straw is perpendicular to the ground on their robot. The top of the straw must extend above the top of the robot while in its starting configuration. This straw will have a colored flag inserted into the top to designate the coalition color. Prior to each match, teams must place the correct color flag on their robot, as indicated on the match list. Flags will be provided at the start of the match and must be removed from the robot before leaving the playing field. Multiple infractions of this rule may result in a disqualification at the discretion of the referees.
- 3.4.5 A robot may not intentionally contaminate the playing field or an opponent's robot with lubricants or other debris.
- 3.4.6 Robots may only be designed and built after the initial kickoff event.
3.5 Building Constraints
- 3.5.1 Each team will be expected to use parts only from the VEX Kit unless specified below.
- 3.5.2 Modifications are permitted to the mechanical parts of the kit. Teams may NOT modify any of the kit electronics or motors. Modification of items on the additional materials list is permitted.
- 3.5.3 Teams may use any 7.2V battery, but only one battery may be used on the robot at a time.
- 3.5.4 Robots may only use publicly available VEX parts, found at www.vexrobotics.com, and parts listed on the additional materials list.
- 3.5.5 Robots may only use up to $50 of materials listed on the Additional Materials List. Robots that utilize materials from the Additional Materials list (see 3.6.2) must provide provide a Bill of Materials with the appropriate retail cost of each item.
- 3.5.6 Robots may use up to seven VEX motors, and an unlimited number of servos. Of these seven, teams may use a maximum of four VEX 393 Motors.
- 3.5.7 Teams may purchase pneumatics kits, provided it is equivalent to any kits or portions thereof shown at http://www.vexrobotics.com/products/accessories/motion, specifically, components from Pneumatics kits 1, 1A, 2 and 2A. These components must be within the robot budget per rule 3.5.4. Cost for incomplete VEX pneumatics kits may be adjusted accordingly.
3.6 Materials
- 3.6.1 Any amount of materials in the Additional Materials List will be allowed provided the total costs of all items on the robot is within the budget specified in 3.5.4 and it does not violate any other rules.
- 3.6.2 Additional Materials List
  - 3.6.2.1 Plastic sheet, up to 0.25" thick
  - 3.6.2.2 Aluminum or steel sheet, up to 0.125" thick
  - 3.6.2.3 Any aluminum, steel, or plastic round shaft or tubing up to 0.5" diameter
  - 3.6.2.4 Any bearings
  - 3.6.2.5 Plywood or wood up to 0.5" thickness
  - 3.6.2.6 "Foam rubber" up to 0.75" thickness
  - 3.6.2.7 Cardboard or foam-board
  - 3.6.2.8 String or twine
  - 3.6.2.9 Any springs or elastic bands (must be designed to release energy no faster than it was input)
  - 3.6.2.10 Fasteners, washers, and adhesives (used as such). You may not use adhesive tape (duct tape, electrical tape, etc) as a fastener or structural material
  - 3.6.2.11 Lubricants used to reduce friction within parts of your robot
  - 3.6.2.12 Non-functional decorations
  - 3.6.2.13 Paper, plastic-wrap, aluminum foil, fabric or any paper or cloth-like material
  - 3.6.2.14 Any sensors
- 3.6.3 Materials that are not official VEX materials, or are not listed as approved additional materials must be approved via email to savage@wpi.edu. Responses will be posted publicly. Robots that attend the competition with unapproved materials on their robot will not be given approval at the event and will not pass inspection until the offending materials have been removed.
3.7 Energy Sources
- 3.7.1 The energy used by the devices in the competition must come solely from:
3.8 Electronics
- 3.8.1 Teams must keep clear and easy access to their robot controller, specifically the power switch. The indicator lights on the front of the controller must also be clearly visible.
- 3.8.2 Teams must keep clear and easy access to the crystals in their robot receiver. Crystals will need to be exchanged quickly prior to each match. Inspectors or referees may request a team move the receiver to provide easier access before they are allowed to play.
- 3.8.3 Prior to each match, teams using the PIC (old) controller will receive a crystal set from the Field Captain. The crystals must be returned before the team leaves the field at the end of the match.
  - 3.8.3.1 Multiple infractions of 3.8.3 may lead to a disqualification at the discretion of the head referee.
- 3.8.4 All teams are required to program their robot using an appropriate easyC Template. Specifically, VEX Net or Cortex robots must use a WIFI template, while PIC robots must use a timed competition template with a 15 second autonomous mode and a 254 second operator control mode.

4. Alternatives for Game Play

4.1 Play the game without coalitions in a one vs. one format.
4.2 For a less expensive field:
- 4.2.1 Halve the number of samples
- 4.2.2 Take out the S3.

Maintained by savage@wpi.edu
Last modified: Nov 06, 2012, 20:41 EST