• About
• Events
• Rules
  • Updates
  • Field Drawings
  • Field Pictures
  • Field Renderings
• Teams
• Archives
• Event Guide
• Related Sites
  • VEX Products
  • EBOT

Rules 2016

Savage Soccer 20 - The Great EGGscape

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.

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-out-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: Two 18" x 18" starting areas of infinite height for each coalition, bounded by tape of the coalition's color, located on either side of the COOP of that coalition's color, against the front field wall. The area extends to the outside edges of the colored tape.
  • 2.1.4 EGG (EGGcellent Game Gizmo): One of fifty (50) 2" tall by 1-3/8" wide egg pieces used for scoring. Available online at Casey's Wood Products
  • 2.1.5 COOP (Coalition's Ordinary Object Plane): One of two 18" by 36" areas, one for each coalition, bounded by half pipe of 3/4" PVC piping of that coalition's color and the front field wall. The scoring area extends to the outside edges of the PVC piping.
  • 2.1.6 PEN (Portable EGG Nest): One of two 13" wide by 13" in length by 5" tall elevated containers, one for each coalition, used for scoring. These containers can slide on the carpet in any direction.
  • 2.1.7 BARN (Big Assembly Retaining NESTs): The large field structure located at the center of the back field wall which contains each coalition's NEST.
  • 2.1.8 NEST (Nested Elevated Scoring Triangle): Two elevated areas, one for each coalition, located 15" above the floor at the center of the back wall. Each coalition's NEST is located inside the BARN. There is an additional 1" border just above the 15" base of the scoring area at the front of each NEST for keeping EGGs contained.
  • 2.1.9 RAMP (Ramp Assisting Movement to PERCH): one of two inclines, located along the sides of the field.
  • 2.1.10 PERCH (Pretty Elevated Robot Communal Hanger): one of two vertical structures located at the back corners of the field, used to suspend robots off the playing field.
  • 2.1.11 RAD (Referee Assisted Dispenser): A contraption that is activated by the referee to dispense additional EGGs.
• 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.
  • 2.2.2 The outer boundaries of the playing area are defined by the field wall and the support beams of the PERCHes.
  • 2.2.3 The main surface of the playing area is "high-traffic" carpet that may have minor bumps and surface irregularities.
  • 2.2.4 Robots will begin the match with every part of their robot within the boundaries of one of their coalition's Starting Zones. Teams will be designated to be on either "Red" or "Blue" coalition on a match-by-match basis as noted on the match list.
  • 2.2.5 Each RAMP is a wooden incline which has its lower side located 50" from the front field wall, and is positioned up against the side field wall, one on each side of the field. The RAMP is 30" long, 18" wide, and 6" tall at the higher end.
  • 2.2.6 Ten (10) EGGs start on the field. Five (5) of these start in an "X" formation underneath each coalition's PEN.
  • 2.2.7 Thirty six (36) EGGs start in the RAD.
  • 2.2.8 Each coalition is provided with two (2) EGGs for preloading at their discretion. Any EGGs not preloaded into a robot are placed in the RAD before the start of the match.
    • 2.2.8.1 An EGG is legally preloaded if it is in contact with exactly one robot, and is completely within the starting zone.
  • 2.2.9 The PEN for each coalition starts the match on the side of the field with the starting zones for the coalition of the same color as itself. It is positioned within a zone bounded on all four sides by white tape, which itself is located 43" from the front field wall and 30" from the side field wall.
  • 2.2.10 The PERCH is made of two vertical support beams and a PVC bar that runs horizontally between the support beams. It is 20.5" wide to the insides of the vertical supports, 32" tall to the top of the vertical supports, and 30" to the center of the horizontal bar. The center of the bar in the PERCH is located 8" from the back field wall.
  • 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:
    • 2.3.1.1 Autonomous - The first fifteen (15) seconds of the match, where robots are controlled by only onboard programming and sensor inputs.
    • 2.3.1.2 Driver control - The remaining two (2) minutes during which robots are teleoperated.
• 2.4 Match Play
  • 2.4.1 During the match, each coalition attempts to score points using their robots.
  • 2.4.2 When the autonomous period ends, a referee will lift the RAD, causing the rest of the EGGs to fall onto the floor.
• 2.5 Match Scoring
  • 2.5.1 Scores will be calculated when all items on the field have come to rest.
  • 2.5.2 An EGG is considered scored in a COOP if it is completely within the vertical projection of the plane formed by the outside boundary of the PVC lip and is not in contact with a robot of its coalition color.
  • 2.5.3 An EGG is considered scored in the PEN if it is completely supported by the goal structure and/or other objects scored in that same goal, and is not in contact with a robot of its coalition color.
  • 2.5.4 An EGG is considered scored in the NEST if it is completely within the vertical projection of the plane formed by the outside boundaries of the NEST and is not in contact with a robot of its coalition color.
  • 2.5.5 A robot is considered scored in a starting zone if it is at least partially breaking the outer plane of a starting zone AND there is no other robot from the same coalition breaking the plane of that starting zone.
  • 2.5.6 At the end of Autonomous, scores will be calculated as follows:
    • Each robot that is scored in its coalition's starting zone which it did not begin the match in: five (5) points.
    • Each robot that is fully supported by a RAMP: five (5) points.
    • Each PEN that is completely outside the vertical projection of the starting area for the PEN: five (5) points.
    • Each EGG scored during the autonomous period:
    • COOP: additional one (1) point each.
    • PEN: additional three (3) points each.
    • NEST: additional six (6) points each.
  • 2.5.7 At the end of the match, scores will be calculated as follows:
    • EGG Scoring in [SCORING AREAS]:
    • COOP: one (1) point each.
    • PEN: three (3) points each.
    • NEST: six (6) points each.
    • Each robot that is not touching the carpet: five (5) points
    • Each robot that is supported only by the PERCH: additional fifteen (15) points.
    • Penalties will be assessed.
  • 2.5.8 The winner of the match is the coalition that has the most points after the match has been scored.
• 2.6 Competition Structure
  • 2.6.1 The competition will consist of Qualifying Matches followed by Elimination Matches.
  • 2.6.2 Qualifying Matches
    • 2.6.2.1 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.
      • 2.6.2.1.1 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.
    • 2.6.2.2 Teams will be given their schedule of qualification matches no later than the start of the first match of that day's event.
    • 2.6.2.3 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.
  • 2.6.3 Ranking: At the end of the qualifying matches, teams will be ranked based on the following:
    • Greatest number of wins
    • If tied, the total sum of autonomous points
    • If tied, opposing coalition's average point score (before penalties)
    • If still tied, team's average point score (before penalties)
    • If still tied, opponent's average ranking
  • 2.6.4 Elimination Matches
    • 2.6.4.1 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.
    • 2.6.4.2 Coalition Drafting
      • 2.6.4.2.1 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 number of teams per elimination coalition to three.
      • 2.6.4.2.2 Coalition Colonels may not draft other teams designated as Coalition Colonels or those already drafted into service for other coalitions.
      • 2.6.4.2.3 If a team declines the draft of any Coalition Colonel, they WILL NOT be allowed to play in the elimination matches.
    • 2.6.4.3 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.
    • 2.6.4.4 Elimination matches will be a best 2-of-3 format.
    • 2.6.4.5 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.
• 2.7 Driver Rotation
  • 2.7.1 During each match, teams will be required to switch their drivers halfway through the driver control period. There will be a ten-second (10) period during which the drivers must complete the switch or power will be shut off for the duration of the match.
  • 2.7.2 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.
  • 2.7.3 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).
  • 2.7.4 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.
  • 2.7.5 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.
• 2.8 Match Sequence
  • Each match is two (2) minutes and fifteen (15) seconds long
  • 0-15 seconds - Robots enabled under Autonomous Control
  • 15 seconds - Coalitions are awarded points scored in autonomous.
  • 15-70 seconds - Robot under first Driver Control
  • 70-80 seconds - Driver switch period
  • 80-135 seconds - Robot under second Driver Control
  • 135 seconds - Match ends, robots disabled.
• 2.9 General Rules
  • 2.9.1 All referee decisions regarding rules of play and judgments are final.
  • 2.9.2 Definitions
    • 2.9.2.1 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 pin begins.
    • 2.9.2.2 Penalty: Fifteen (15) points are added to the opposing coalition's score.
    • 2.9.2.3 Disqualification: Robots may be disqualified based on their actions that violate the rules of the game. If a referee calls for a disqualification the offending robot will receive a loss. The remaining members of both coalitions will receive their win/loss 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.
  • 2.9.3 Robot and Field Interaction Rules
    • 2.9.3.1 Any game element which leaves 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.
    • 2.9.3.2 Robots may NOT intentionally remove scored EGGs from the opposing coalition's COOP, PEN, or NEST.
      • 2.9.3.2.1 If a team violates this rule they will receive one penalty for each of the removed objects.
      • 2.9.3.2.2 The removed objects will be returned to the respective scoring area, regardless of the intent of removing them.
    • 2.9.3.3 Robots may NOT intentionally tip or flip over the opposing coalition's PEN.
      • 2.9.3.3.1 If a team violates this rule, they will receive one penalty. The PEN will be reset as close to where it was tipped or flipped over.
    • 2.9.3.4 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.
    • 2.9.3.5 Robots will be disabled for physically interacting with anything outside of the field. The support beams that are part of the PERCH are not considered outside the field.
    • 2.9.3.6 If a robot is pinned for five seconds, the pinning team recieves a penalty. An additional penalty will be applied every 5 seconds until the offending robot has moved at least 12" away from the pinned robot. Per rule 2.9.5, robots that accumulate multiple pinning penalties in a match are subject to immediate disqualification from the match.
    • 2.9.3.7 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.
    • 2.9.3.8 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.
  • 2.9.4 Safety Rules
    • 2.9.4.1 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.
      • 2.9.4.1.1 Only team members who will be using the controls during the match will be allowed at the field. No coaches or human players are allowed at the field during a match.
      • 2.9.4.1.2 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.
      • 2.9.4.1.3 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.
    • 2.9.4.2 Team members may not extend any part of their body onto the field. Violations of this rule may lead to disqualification.
    • 2.9.4.3 Referees will disqualify any robot they deem to be a safety hazard.
    • 2.9.4.4 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.
    • 2.9.4.5 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 EGGs or PENs from the field will be considered field damage.
    • 2.9.4.6 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.
  • 2.9.5 Repeated or intentional receiving of penalties will result in a disqualification.
  • 2.9.6 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 12.0 lbs.
  • 3.2.2 The 12 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, 3¼" 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 Robotics System unless specified below.
  • 3.5.2 Teams may NOT modify any of the VEX electronics or motors. Modification of items on the additional materials list is permitted.
  • 3.5.3 Teams may use any 7.2V battery, up to approximately 3500 mAh. 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 http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex, and parts listed on the additional materials list. Robots may not use VEX IQ components, or VEX Pro parts that do not qualify under 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 eight VEX motors, and an unlimited number of VEX servos.
  • 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
• 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" or styrofoam like materials 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, adhesives, and tape
    • 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 Plastic 3D printed parts no bigger than a 3" in length width or height and all 3D printed parts must weigh less than 0.25lbs.
    • 3.6.2.15 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:
    • 3.7.1.1 A change in altitude of the center of gravity of the device
    • 3.7.1.2 Energy stored by deformation of any approved materials.
    • 3.7.1.3 Electrical energy delivered by the battery to the electronics and motors provided with the kit.
    • 3.7.1.4 Pressure stored in the pneumatics system, not to exceed 100 psi.
• 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 or top 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 such that the robot will start and stop while under the control of a standard VEX field control system. The event is able to offer on-site support to teams 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 10 second autonomous mode and a 254 second operator control mode. Teams will not pass inspection unless they are able to demonstrate their robots can be enabled and disabled by the field.

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:
  • Reduce the number of EGGs
  • Change the EGGs to a spherical or ball object
  • Use plastic Easter eggs as EGGs
  • Remove the borders on the COOPs
  • Remove the RAMPs

Maintained by savage@wpi.edu
Last modified: Oct 22, 2016, 11:59 EDT