2020-2021 FIRST Tech Challenge SeasonGame-Play Workshop for Remote Events
Paul Smith
Ohio Head Referee | FIRST Tech Challenge
Game Manual 2 Release 1.3 (11-24-2020)
ULTIMATE GOAL
Are you up to the challenge?
Welcome to ULTIMATE GOAL!
Contents
Remote Play – Team Expectations
ULTIMATE GOAL Game Field Layout and Field Description
Game Manual General Seasonal Changes
Remote Event Field Personnel and Expectations
ULTIMATE Goal Game Procedures and Scoring
Game Manual 2 Rules
Forum Q&A
Other Available Training Material
Remote Play Expectations
Team Expectations
Prior to the Remote Event Teams will:
• Build a thorough knowledge of the FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament Definitions, Season Game Rules and Scoring Process
• Game Manual Part I - Remote Events currently revision 1.1
• Game Manual Part II - Remote Events currently revision 1.2
• FTC Forum Answered Questions – Remote Events (Updated Weekly)
• FTC Scoring System Team Guide
During the Remote Event Period Teams will:
• Play the season game in their own facility/space using a red or blue 2/3 field setup and observing social distancing guidelines
• Assign a MATCH MANAGER to oversee an official Match and other FIELD PERSONNEL as needed
• Assign a MATCH SCORER who is fully knowledgeable of the game rules and can score the Official 2 ½ Minute Match
• Run, Record and Submit six (6) official Qualification Match scores to FTC cloud scoring system
• Teams will be responsible for honestly and accurately scoring their official matches
• Scoring may be done real-time or on paper scoresheet as long as match scores are uploaded to the cloud during the event window
• Do not submit the best 6 Scores. Teams need to make decision BEFORE the run if they a recording an OFFICIAL MATCH or PRACTICE
• Video verification will not be required but sharing you achievements on YouTube is encouraged
Remote Play Expectations
Official FTC Forum Answers over-rule the Game Manuals
ULTIMATE GOAL
Game Field Layout and Descriptions
Game Field Layout and Descriptions
• Remote Play - Use ½ set game elements on 2/3 playing field width – Blue Tower Set Up is a Mirror Image
• A barrier can be constructed from a range of materials including an AndyMark perimeter, Do-It-Yourself wall, cardboard, etc
• A boundary element (tape, wall, markings, etc.) is part of the Area for the purposes of determining Inside and Outside.
• An object that has crossed into the upwards vertical extension of a defined Area’s boundary is Inside the Area.
• An object that is entirely within the upwards vertical extension of a defined Area’s boundary is Completely Inside the Area.
(Part of the Launch Zone)
Playing Field Boundary – A taped
line or a wall that marks the Area
where a Robot operates.
12” High Barrier
(Required only at Front of Field if
scoring in Drop Zone) The Area Outside
the Playing Field
boundary between
the 12” barrier and
the audience
(3’ x 4’)
(4’ x 10’)
Tower & Power Shot Details
Tower Goal – A Playing Field element containing 3 vertically stacked
goals named the Low, Mid, and High Goals. In Remote Play - Teams may
score achievements in all 3 goal levels of the same tower.
Power Shot / Power Shot Target – A Game Element containing 3 Targets that can be
oriented forward or away from the from the interior of the Playing Field (fwd. =
initial, back=scored).
Game Field Layout and Descriptions
Note : Only 1 Tower used in remote Play
Scoring Element Details
Wobble Goal
(2 Total)
Ring
(10 Total)
Game Field Layout and Descriptions
12.125”
Navigation Targets
Three (3) unique images mounted on the Playing Field
Walls that Robots can use to navigate around the Playing
Field. For detailed locations please see the official Field
Setup Guide. Images are to be printed on standard letter
size paper, 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches.
Game Field Layout and Descriptions
Approximate Locations for Red Tower Field
Game Manual 1 & 2 – General Change Summary
Remote Events
Game Manual 1 – Remote Events
Game Manual Seasonal Changes
• Ranking Points and Tie-Breaker Points are based on Match Scores (RP=Total Score, TBP1=Auto, TBP2=End Game)
• In Remote Events: Awards and Advancement Opportunities are based on Team Total RP (and/or TBP) from 6 Matches
• Control Award: Elevated in order of Advancement (Traditional and Remote Events)
• No team supplied scoring element
• No robot weight limit
• No vacuum based mechanisms ( in addition no hydraulic or closed gas devices)
• Game Element Max Launch = 5’ Height x 15’ Distance
• The REV Control Hub and Expansion Hub are both permitted
• Android Devices limited to Motorola Products
• PS4 gamepads (2 types) are now allowed for use with the driver station
• For Remote Events - Teams are highly recommended to conduct a Robot and Field self-inspection
Game Manual 2 – Remote Events
Seasonal Game – ULTIMATE Goal
Utilizes Half Set of Game Elements on 2/3 Width Field
Team Oriented (No Alliance Play)
No Yellow or Red Cards – Replaced by Major Scoring Penalties
Minor/Major Penalty Points (10 Minor / 30 Major)…………. Deducted from Team Score at end of Match
Launching of game elements allowed….and encouraged…..but only safely in one direction
10 ULTIMATE GOAL Game-Specific (GSXX) Rules Apply for Remote Events
Safety and General Rules Sections (modified for Remote Events)
Game Manual Seasonal Changes
Field Personnel
Human Player (must be a
student unless local social distancing
rules restrict participation in Remote
Matches to one student on the Team)
Field Personnel
Field Personnel – Remote Events
Scorer
Up to Two Drivers
(students) and One Drive
Coach (student or adult)
Match Manager
..and maybe FTA, Photographer and Playing Field Crew
(if allowed by social distancing guidelines)
OR……….
Front/Forward
A Team – Mentors, supporters, and pre-college-aged
students affiliated with an entity registered with FIRST
and for the remote competition.
Oversees official Matches
and Field Personnel
Scores Match
Real-Time
Field Personnel - may position themselves
anywhere outside the Driver Station and
Human Player Station
..a multi-tasking multi-talented team member
(who is not on the Drive Team)
ULTIMATE GOAL Game Play
Pre-Match
Field Set-Up for Remote Play
Before the Match, field personnel will…..
• Place two (2) Wobble Goals on the end of the Start Lines
• One will be pre-loaded by the team on the robot ; the other one will remain in the initial field setup position.
• Place a stack of four (4) rings on the Playing Field in the Starter Stack Area (2” Gaffer Tape Square)
• Some or all of the rings may be removed later by field personnel as a result of pre-match randomization… and placed in low goal
• Place a stack of three (3) rings outside the playing field for the Team to pre-load on their robots during setup
• Place the three (3) remaining rings in the Low Goal of the Tower
• For use by the Human Player during Driver Controlled Period
• Move all three (3) power shot targets to the forward facing position
4
3
3
2
Targets Face Front at Set Up
Pre-Match
Robot Set Up
The Team selects their Robot’s starting location
• The Robot* may be placed in any orientation, Inside the Playing Field Boundary.
• The Robot* must touch or break the plane (if no barrier present) of the front facing Playing Field Boundary.
• The Robot* must be Parked In one of the Start Lines.
A Robot is required to Pre-Load exactly one (1) of the Wobble Goals.
• The remaining Wobble Goal must stay in its setup position.
A Robot may Pre-Load up to three (3) Rings.
• Rings cannot be loaded onto the Wobble Goal.
• Rings that are not Pre-Loaded on the robot are placed into the Tower Low Goal for the Human Player to
use during the Driver-Controlled Period.
The Drive Team uses their Driver Station Android device to select an Op Mode
• Pressing the Driver Station Init button is not required unless it is needed for the Robot to satisfy the Match
start size constraint (18” max cube). FrontAny of the 3 Rings not pre-loaded
on robot are placed in low goal*Since this is a positional requirement - The physical robot must touch the wall AND it must break the plane of
the start-line regardless of where any scoring element(s) are pre-loaded on the robot (see rule <G4>). Also
Game Forum Q&A clarifies the pre-loaded scoring elements must be inside the playing field boundary.
Pre-Match
Field Randomization
Once the Team communicates they are ready, the Match Manager gives the set-up
complete signal:
• Drive Team must be standing in their Driver Box and the Human Player in the marked
area behind the Tower Goal.
• Drive Team may no longer touch their Robot until the conclusion of the Match <GS5>
• Drive Team may not touch their Driver Station or controllers until the Autonomous
Period has ended, except to initialize and/or start their Autonomous program using
the Driver Station Android device screen. A Robot that requires Autonomous program
initialization to satisfy the Robot starting size constraint must be initialized before the
Match Manager gives the set-up complete signal. <GS5>
Field personnel will randomize the field into one of the three (3) configurations.
• The pre-placed stacks of Rings will be adjusted to either zero (0), one (1), or four (4),
corresponding to the selected Target Zone Goal (A, B, or C).
• Excess Rings will be dropped into the Tower Low Goal.
Top of Boundary Wall
(this picture may appear as an optical illusion for some people)
At START of Autonomous – Field Personnel begin countdown “Teams, 3-2-1-GO”
• The Team will start the 30-second Autonomous with a touch on their Driver Station Android device (“init” and/or “start” commands)
• Driver Station shall remain in hands-off location during the Autonomous Period so that it is evident that there is no human control of
Robots.
• Scorer records the robots achievements and notes any penalties with the following considerations:
• Drivers, Drive Coach remain in their Station <G16>
• Early Start of Match Period <G18>
• Late Start of 30-Second Auto Command on Android Device <G19>
• Early Stop – Through action with Driver Station or other Robot interaction <G21>
• Late Parking – Movement after end of buzzer sound <G20>
• Possession Limits <GS6>
• Illegally Scored Rings and Power Shot Targets <GS12> <GS13>
At END of Autonomous – 8 Second TRANSITION Period <G1>
• Scoring system display will provide visual and audio cues for the Drive Team to pick up and prepare their Driver Stations
• Scorer will assess the field and finish recording any Scores and Penalties*
• Automatic countdown and announcement (ending 3-2-1-GO!)
• The Team presses their Driver Station start button to resume
Autonomous Period (30 seconds)
Note: It is permissible for other field personnel to document penalties. These can be entered by the scorer at the end of the match.
Every Wobble Goal that is “Completely In” the correct Target Zone A, B
or C (defined by the initial starter stack size) earns fifteen (15) points.
A Robot that is Parked at the End of the Period with any portion of
the Robot “In” the Launch Line earns five (5) points
Low Goal – 3 Points eachRing may be Placed or Launched by Robot
From anywhere inside the playing field
Mid Goal – 6 Points eachLaunched from a robot completely in launch zone
High Goal – 12 Points eachLaunched from a robot completely in launch zone
Tower Goal ScoringEach Ring that completely enters the Low,
Mid, or High Goal earns points Each Power Shot Target
changed from Forward to
Back position by direct
contact* with a launched
ring from a robot that is
completely in the launch
zone earns fifteen (15)
points
Wobble Goal Delivery to Target Zone – 15 Pts each goal
Scored at End of Period
Scored Live (as it happens)
Autonomous Period Scoring Tasks
Robot Navigating – 5 Points each robot
Scored at End of Period
Goal color differentiation only applicable for traditional tournaments
Power Shot Target – 15 Pts each target
Scored at Rest
after Autonomous
ends.
C
B
No Rings A
• This rule reflects change in Game Manual 2 - Rev 1.2
“Completely In” =
No part of Wobble
Goal may extend
outside the tape of
the zone
In = Any part of the
physical robot may
break the plane of
the white launch line
Zone
No score or penalty
for wrong zone
Target must be
moved back by a
ring to legally score
Illegally scored
target will still score
but subtract Major
Penalty (30 points)
*
*
Two minutes of Driver Controlled Robot action (including a 30 second end game achievement period)
Field Personnel and Scorer continue to watch, warn and/or record any rule violations, including the following:
• Unsafe Robots and/or Playing Field Damage <S1>
• Early start <G18>
• Late parking at end of period <G20>
• Driver Coach operating Robot via Gamepad <G23>
• Robots Grasping “Game Elements” (excl. Scoring elements) <G25>
• Human Player Ring Handling <GS4>………use return rack
• Possession Limits <GS6> >…. Max 1 Wobble Goal and 3 Rings controlled at a time
• Launching of Game Elements <GS7>….Rings may only launch over tower goal boundary. No wobble goal launching.
• Illegally Scored Rings and Power Shot Targets <GS12> <GS13>…Robot must be “completely in” launch zone except low goal scoring
Human Players are expected to:
• Return Rings to the Playing Field as quickly as practical via the Return Racks
• Reset Scored Power Shot Targets to an un-scored state prior to end game (10 second grace period after end game starts).
Driver Controlled Period (2 minutes)
In Remote Events, it is reasonable for the Human Player to leave the Human Player Station to retrieve Rings but
they must be returned via the Return Rack on the side of the Tower Goal
Driver Controlled Period Scoring Task
Low Goal – 2 Points eachRing can be Placed or Launched from anywhere inside the playing field
Mid Goal – 4 Points eachRing must be Launched from completely in launch zone
High Goal – 6 Points eachRings must be Launched from completely in launch zone
Tower Goal ScoringSame rules as Autonomous (except point value is lower)
Each Ring that completely enters the Low, Mid, or High Goal
earns points for the Team as follows:
To count as scored, they must not exit back out through the front of the Goal Stuck Rings that
must be removed from Inside a Tower Goal by the Human Player count as Scored.
The scorer must record the Ring score the instant it is Completely In the Tower Goal, and not in
contact with a Robot or Human Player. (Cannot wait until the end as the ring must be returned)
Rings Launched prior to the End of the Period are still eligible to be Scored
A robot may only possess a maximum of 3 Rings at any time <GS6>
Illegally Scored Rings earn points for the Team but also earn an offsetting
MAJOR Penalties
• Legally score rings score points.
• Illegally scored rings score points
and MAJOR penalties
Eligible for any Wobble Goal that is “In”
a Target Zone OR not in launch zone at
beginning of end game.
Each Wobble Goal “In” a start line at
end of the match earns five (5) points
Eligible for any Wobble Goal that is “In”
a Target Zone OR not in launch zone at
beginning of end game.
Each Wobble Goal Placed over a (12”
high) barrier and Supported by the Drop
Zone at the End of the Match earns
twenty (20) points.
Wobble Goal Rings - 5 Pts each
Each Ring Completely Supported by a
Wobble Goal or another Ring Completely
that is Supported by the Wobble Goal at
the End of the Period earns five (5) points
Wobble Goal may be located anywhere
and in any orientation
Power Shot Target – 15 Pts each
Every Power Shot Target changed from
Forward to Back position by direct contact
with a launched ring from a Robot completely
in the launch zone earns fifteen (15) points for
the Team.
Scored At End of the Match
Scored based on position at end of the Match
Scored At End of the Match
Scored At End of the Match
Human Player has a 10 second grace period
following the start of End Game to reset any Targets
changed legally or illegally during earlier gameplay.
End Game Scoring Tasks
(last 30 seconds of Driver Controlled Period)
Wobble Goal Delivery to Start Line – 5 Pts each goal Wobble Goal Delivery to Drop Zone – 20 Pts each goal
End Game tasks started and/or completed prior to the start of the End Game will earn zero (0) points for those tasks.
Note: A team is allowed to move Wobble goals to eligible “starting positions” prior to start of End Game
Not “In” = Completely OutsideNot “In” = Completely Outside
An Illegally scored
target will still score
but subtract Major
Penalty (30 points)
Match ENDS when timer reaches 0:00 and game buzzer sounds
• Drive Team should make their best effort to stop gameplay immediately when the buzzer sounds. They should be motionless by the
time the game buzzer sound ends.
• Robots that are not Parked at the conclusion of the game sound receive a Minor or Major Penalty and the actions of the
Robot do not count towards their Score <G20>
• Scoring Elements that were Launched (unless disallowed by Game-Specific rules) before the End of the Period are eligible
to be counted as Scored <G20>
• Scoring Elements in contact with robots do not count <G10>
• Field Personnel will review and finalize the score <G2>
• Include any match penalties (this season…10 points Minor / 30 Points Major… deducted from score)
• The Match Manager will signal for the Drive Team to enter the Playing Field and retrieve their Robots
• The Playing Field reset crew will set up the Playing Field for the next Match.
End of Match
Game Scoring Summary
Scored Live: The achievement is considered Scored the moment it is successfully completed
Scored at End of the Period: The achievement’s Scoring status is determined based on the Robot or Scoring Element’s position at the End of the Period.
Scored at Rest: The achievement is considered Scored based on the position of the Robot or Scoring Element when the entire field has come to rest after the Match Period ends.
Select Official MatchRandomize
Autonomous Driver Period
Select Practice
OR
FTC Scoring System – Entry Screens
FTC Scoring System Final Review Screen
Submit Official
Match Scores to
Cloud
Last Chance Review
Screen to verify and/or
change scores entered in
Autonomous and Driver
Period. Penalties may also
be applied.
Take your time…. Official
match Scores cannot be
changed after pushing
Submit Button
Game Manual Definitions
Definitions
Game Definitions
Don’t always look to the game rules section of the manual for all the answers
Definitions provide important insight to interpreting the game rules and points scoring
Become familiar with these common definitions (section 4.4 of Game Manual 2)
• Area
• Control / Controlling…….Carrying, Herding, Holding, Launching
• Delivery
• In (Inside) / Completely In (Completely Inside)
• Inadvertent
• Inconsequential
• Launching
• Off
• On / Completely On
• Out / Outside
• Park / Parked
• Possess / Possessing
• Pre-Load
• Support / Supported / Completely Supported
Italicized words in the Game Manuals are
generally associated with a word or phrase
found in the Definitions section of the Manual
Safety Rules <S1> to <S3>
Safety Rules
<S1> Unsafe Robot or Playing Field Damage
If at any time the Robot operation is deemed unsafe or has damaged the Playing Field the offending Robot may be Disabled.
<S2> Robot Extension Outside the Playing Field Boundary
For safety reasons, no portion of the Robot may contact anything Outside the Playing Field Boundary. A Major Penalty will be assessed
per occurrence. See the game definitions in section 4.4 for a complete description of the Playing Field Boundary
<S3> Safety Gear
Matches must not be played until all members of the Drive Team are wearing approved eye protection and shoes with closed-toes and
a closed-back.
The intent of this rule is for safe or Inadvertent Robot extension Outside the Playing
Field Boundary. Intentional Robot extension Outside the Playing Field is not permitted,
except as allowed by Game-Specific rule <GS1>
Inadvertent and “Inconsequential” contact with the PowerShot, Tower Goal, Netting
and Support Rods is not subject to Penalty.
New ULTIMATE Goal Game Specific Rules <GS1> to <GS13>
Remote Play
Game Specific Rules
<GS1> Robot extension outside the Playing Field Boundary
A Robot may safely extend outside the Playing Field Boundary for Scoring Rings in the Low
Tower Goal (back Boundary) and during the End Game for Scoring a Wobble Goal in the
Drop Zone (front Boundary). All other extensions outside the Playing Field Boundary will be
handled per rule Safety Rule <S2>
Low Tower Goal
Drop Zone
Playing Field Floor
Playing Field
Floor
Front Wall or 12” High Barrier
Back Boundary Line or Wall
Note: As currently written, extension outside the playing field
perimeter to place RINGS onto an already scored wobble goal is not
allowed.
Game Specific Rules
<GS2> Human Player Station
The Human Player may change position Inside the Human Player
Station while actively collecting Rings, placing Rings into the Team’s
Return Rack, and resetting Power Shot Targets
It is reasonable for the Human Player to leave the Human Player
Station to retrieve Rings.
Note: Human Player may ONLY return rings to the playing field via
the return rack. See rule <GS4>.
Human Player
Game Specific Rules
<GS3> Grasping Scoring Elements
Grasping Scoring Elements – A Robot may grasp Rings and Wobble
Goals
Note General Rule <G25> restricts grasping
or grabbing of any other field elements
Game Specific Rules
<GS4> Human Player Ring Handling
The Human Player may introduce Rings Onto the Playing Field Floor with the constraints listed below. After Field Personnel issue a
warning, subsequent violations of these constraints within the tournament result in a Minor Penalty per occurrence
a) A Human Player may not introduce Rings into the Playing Field before the start of the Driver-Controlled Period.
b) A Human Player may only introduce Rings into the Playing Field using the Return Rack. The Drive Team may not bring tools (except
noted for <GS4>g) or devices to the Playing Field for handling Rings. Accommodations and exceptions for a Human Player with
disabilities or extenuating circumstances can be made but must take into consideration all safety, general, and Game-Specific
rules. .
c) Storing a supply of Rings by a Human Player is not allowed during the Driver-Controlled Period. Rings should be returned to the
Playing Field as quickly as practical. Penalties will be assessed per Ring with additional Penalties per Ring for every five seconds
the violation continues.
d) The Human Player may not extend Inside the Playing Field Boundary..
e) The Human Player is allowed to reach into the Tower Goal to retrieve stuck Rings when the Robot is at least 24 inches from the
Tower Goal.
f) The Human Player may hold more than one Ring at a time.
g) The Human Player may use a tool to remove Rings that are stuck in the Return Rack.
The Human player may not extend over the Playing Field Boundary to remove Scoring Elements from either the Tower
Goal or Powershot. All scoring elements must be removed from the rear even if the robot is at a safe distance.
Game Specific Rules
<GS5> Drive Team Touching The Robot or Driver Station after Starter Stack Randomization
The Drive Team is not allowed to touch or interact with their Robot or Driver Station once Field Personnel have begun the randomization
process. If this occurs, a Minor Penalty will be assessed, and the Robot is not eligible to earn the Wobble Goal Delivery Score in the
Autonomous Period.
=OR
Every Wobble Goal that is Completely In Target
Zone A, B or C (defined by the initial starter
stack size) earns fifteen (15) points.
Wobble Goal Delivery to Target Zone
<GS6> Control/Possession Limit of Scoring Elements - Rings
A Robot may Control or Possess a maximum of three (3) Rings. A Launched Ring is considered Controlled
until it makes contact with something else (e.g. Playing Field Floor, net, Tower Goal).
a) Plowing through any quantity of Rings is allowed but Herding or directing Rings above the allowed
limit to gain a strategic advantage (i.e., Scoring, accessibility) is not allowed. The Penalty for
Controlling or Possessing more than the allowed quantity is an immediate Minor Penalty for each
Ring above the limit plus an additional Minor Penalty per Ring in excess of the limit for each 5-
second interval that this situation continues. An additional Minor Penalty will be assessed for each
Ring that is Scored while a Robot Controls or Possesses more than the allowed quantity.
b) Controlling or Possessing a Ring by a Robot before the Ring has been Supported by the Playing
Field Floor will earn a Minor Penalty for each occurrence. Violation of this Rule will escalate to a
Major Penalty (upon reoccurrence during the event)
c) Rings Supported by a Wobble Goal are exempt from the Control/Possession Limit.
Rings that may become Possessed Inadvertently by a Robot still earn a Penalty.
Teams should design their Robots to minimize the possibility of accidently Possessing a stray Ring.
Game Specific Rules
Game Specific Rules
<GS6> Control/Possession Limit of Scoring Elements – Wobble Goals
A Robot may Control or Possess a maximum of one (1) Wobble Goal.
Inconsequential Control of Wobble Goals above the limit is allowed.
The Penalty for Controlling or Possessing more than the allowed quantity is an immediate Minor
Penalty for each Wobble Goal above the limit plus an additional Minor Penalty per Wobble Goal for
each five second interval that this situation continues.
A Major Penalty will be assessed for each Wobble Goal in excess of the limit that is Scored while a
Robot Controls or Possesses more than the allowed quantity.
Game Manual Definition : An object is Controlled by a Robot if the object is following the movement of the Robot.
Examples of Control / Controlling
Carrying – Holding one or more Game Elements inside or outside of a Robot.
Herding – Pushing or impelling one or more Game Elements to a desired location or direction that gains a strategic advantage.
Holding – Trapping one or more Scoring Elements against a Game Element, Playing Field Wall, or Robot to shield or guard them..
Examples of Not Controlled
Plowing – Inadvertent contact with Game Elements while in the path of the Robot moving about the Playing Field
Deflecting – Inadvertent contact with a Launched Game Element as it bounces off the Playing Field or a Robot
Game Specific Rules
<GS7> Launching of Game Elements
Rings – A Robot may Launch Rings during any Match Period. Any Ring Launched over a Boundary that is not the Tower Goal Boundary
will receive a Minor Penalty.
Wobble Goals – Launching Wobble Goals is not allowed. A Major Penalty will be assessed for violating this rule and the Wobble Goal will
not earn points for the period (Autonomous or Driver Controlled) when the violation occurred.
The intent of this rule is not to Penalize Inadvertent Launching
of Rings over the Tower while attempting to Score.
Tower Goal Boundary5’ max
(per G.M.1)
16’ max
(per G.M.1)
Field personnel will return rings that leave the field from approximately where they left
Human Player must return rings that leave the field via return rack.
Game Specific Rules
<GS8> Autonomous Interference
Does not Apply To Remote Play
<GS9> Wobble Goals Constraints
The Robot may not place Rings onto Wobble Goals except during the End Game.
A Minor Penalty will be assessed for each Ring
Game Specific Rules
Placement allowed in
End Game Only
Note: As currently written per rule <GS1>. Extension outside
the playing field perimeter to place rings onto an already
scored wobble goal is not allowed.
Game Specific Rules
<GS10> Ring Interference
Does not Apply To Remote Play
Game Specific Rules
<GS11> Tower Goals Interference
Does not Apply To Remote Play
Specific Game Rules
<GS12> Illegal Tower Goal Scoring
Rings that are launched to be scored into the middle or high tower goals
must be launched while the robot is completely in the launch zone.
An improperly launched ring should still be counted as scored, but the
team is also assessed a Major Penalty per Ring scored.
White launch Line is considered
part of the launch zone
Robot must be “completely” in the launch zone to
score points in the Mid and High Tower Goals
Specific Game Rules
<GS13> Illegal Power Shot Scoring
Power Shot Targets may only be Scored by direct contact
with a Ring Launched by a Robot Completely In the Launch
Zone.
A Robot Outside the Launch Zone that Scores a Power Shot
Target by its actions (e.g. Launching a Ring, contact with the
Power Shot assembly, etc.) or Completely In the Launch
Zone and Scores a Power Shot Target through indirect
contact (e.g. Rings contacting Power Shot assembly, etc.) is
assessed a Major Penalty per Scored Power Shot Target.
White launch Line is considered
part of the launch zone
* This rule reflects change in Game Manual 2 - Rev 1.2
• A ring that hits the vertical PowerShot leg and causes one or
more targets to move by vibration is considered “illegal” (non-
direct) scoring
• A rings that deflects off something (like the tower goal) and
subsequently contacts and moves a power shot target is “legal”
Penalty Summary – Safety and
Specific Game Rules
Other Game Specific Rules have no penalty or are not applicable for remote play
General Games Rules (abbreviated)
(Apply Every Season with little change)
<G1> to <G10> Further Definitions
<G11> to <G17> Pre-Match
<G18> to <G30> Gameplay Penalties
General Game Rules (Abbreviated)
<G1> Autonomous to Driver-Controlled Period Transition
At the conclusion of the Autonomous Period, the Robot will remain in a hands-off state. Field Personnel will not enter the field and
will not touch the Robot on the field during the Autonomous to Driver-Controlled transition.
Drive Teams will have 5 seconds to pick up and prepare their Driver Station. After the 5 seconds, there will be a “3-2-1 go”
countdown and the Driver-Controlled Period of the Match will begin. (Total 8 second break).
<G2> Certifying the Score at the End of The Match
The final Score will be certified as quickly as possible. A change in state of a Game Element or Robot at the End of the Match after
its final Score is recorded will not change an already-recorded Score. No recounting of game elements.
<G3> Forcing an Opponent to Break a Rule – Does Not Apply in Remote Competition
<G4> Robot Manipulation of Scoring Elements
Scoring Elements that are Controlled or Possessed by a Robot are part of the Robot except when determining the location of the
Robot. Ie. The position of a Robot (“IN” “OUT” etc,) for purpose of scoring the Robot is not defined by any scoring element it may be
controlling/holding.(For example parking in autonomous)
<G5> Robot or Scoring Elements In Two or More Scoring Areas
Robots or Scoring Elements that are In two or more Scoring Areas earn points only for the highest value achievement.
See Game Manual for Complete Descriptions
<G6> Disabled Robot Eligibility
Disabled Robot is not eligible to Score, earn points, or incur Penalties for the remainder of the Match
<G7> Playing Field Tolerances
Playing Field and Game Elements will start each Match with tolerances that may vary by as much as +/-1.0 inch (25.4 mm). Teams
must design their Robots accordingly.
<G8> Match Replay
Once started, Matches are not paused or replayed. (One you commit to an Official Match you must submit the score at the end)
<G9> Inadvertent and Inconsequential – No penalty
Robot actions that violate a rule may be ruled to be Inconsequential and Inadvertent, and will not be Penalized
<G10> Scoring Elements in Contact with Robots
Scoring Elements in a Scoring Area that are in contact with or Controlled by a Robot for the Scoring Area have zero Score value.
Game-Specific rule(s) listed in section 4.6.3 that allow Robot contact with Scoring Elements take precedence over this general game
rule. (This season, any wobble goal or ring in contact with the robot at the end of auto or end of match has no scoring value)
General Game Rules
See Game Manual for Complete Descriptions
<G11> Drive Team
The Drive Team shall include up to two Drivers, one Coach, and one Human Player. (Driver and Human Player must be students)
<G12> Playing Field Access
Drive Team members cannot enter the Playing Field for any reason other than to place or retrieve their Robot. A Minor Penalty is
assessed for violation of this rule.
<G13> Pre-Match Robot Placement
At the beginning of a Match, the Robot must be set up on the Playing Field according to section 4.5.1 Pre-Match. After the Robot is
set up on the Playing Field, the Drive Team must stand Inside the Alliance Station Team Station or Human Player Station.
<G14> Robot Starting Volume
Before the start of a Match, the Robot in its starting location must not exceed a volume of 18 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches. A Pre-
Loaded Scoring Element may extend Outside the 18-inch cube volume constraint. Match play must not begin until the Robot’s starting
volume constraint is satisfied. After the start of a Match, the Robot may extend in any dimension
General Game Rules – Pre-Match
If a Team feels the Playing Field is not set up correctly, Teams should notify Field Personnel prior to the start of the Match.
For safety reasons, students should not sit in any station before or during a match
It is preferred that the Human Player is a student competing on the Team. However, for the 2020-2021 season, exceptions
can be made to allow an adult mentor, coach, parent, etc. to fill the role as Human Player if there are strict social distancing
guidelines that do not allow more than a Team of one student to meet and participate in official Matches.
General Game Rules – Pre-Match
<G15> Robot Setup/Alignment
The Drive Team may align its Robot during pre-Match setup if they do so with legal components that are part of the Robot and can be reset to be within the 18-inch cube starting volume constraint. A single member of the Drive Team may also align the Robot by sight if they are next to the Robot and their action does not delay the start of a Match. A Minor Penalty will be assessed to the Team for violation of this rule.
<G16> Alliance Team Station and Human Player Stations
During a Match, the Drivers, Coach, and Human Player must remain In their Stations
a) The first instance of leaving the Station will result in a warning, with any following instances during the Match resulting in a MinorPenalty. Leaving the Station for safety reasons will not result in a warning or Penalty
b) The Drive Team may be anywhere in their respective Alliance Team Station and Human Player Station. The Human Player should not obstruct the view of Field Personnel scoring the Match..
<G17> Post-Match Removal of Robots
The Robot must be designed to permit easy removal of Game Elements from the Robot after the Match. The Robot should also be able to be removed from the Playing Field without damaging the Playing Field. A Minor Penalty will be assessed for violations of this rule.
Use of body parts or team members standing inside/outside field perimeter is not allowed.
It is reasonable for the Human Player to leave the Human Player Station to retrieve Rings.
General Game Rules – Game Play
<G18> Starting Gameplay Early (Autonomous or Driver-Controlled Period)
A Robot that starts playing the game (Autonomous or Driver-Controlled Period) prior to the start of a Match Period receives a Minor
Penalty. Field Personnel have the option of issuing a Major Penalty in place of the Minor Penalty if the early start results in an
advantage for the offending Team.
<G19> Late Start of the Autonomous Period
Teams participating in the Autonomous Period are expected to press the ”start with 30-second” button on their Driver Station Android
device and then place the Driver Station in a hands-off location.
A Minor Penalty is assessed for violating this rule. Field Personnel have the option of issuing a Major Penalty in place of the Minor
Penalty if the late start results in an advantage for the offending Team.
<G20> Parked at End of the Period (Autonomous or Driver-Controlled Period)
Drive Teams should make their best effort to stop gameplay immediately when the End of the Period game sound begins. Robots
that are not Parked at the conclusion of the game sound receive a Minor Penalty and the actions of the Robot do not count towards
the Team’s Score. Field Personnel have the option of issuing a Major Penalty in place of the Minor Penalty if the late stop results in a
competitive advantage (other than Scoring) for the offending Team
<G21> Robot Control During Autonomous Period
Early stopping of the Robot while running 30-second Autonomous code is not allowed, except for safety. A Major Penalty will be
assessed.
General Game Rules – Game Play
<G22> Drive Team Contact with the Playing Field or Robot
During a Match, the Drive Team is prohibited from making contact with the Playing Field, the Robot, or any Game Element (except
for allowed Human Player activities). The first instance of contact will result in a warning, with any following instances resulting in a
Minor Penalty. Contact with the Playing Field, a Game Element, or a Robot for safety reasons will not result in a warning or Penalty.
<G23> Drive Team Coach Driver Station Control
Drive coaches are allowed to hold driver station but not control robot (for example, operating a Gamepad)
The first is a warning. Any following instances during the tournament will result in a Major Penalty.
<G24> Robots Deliberately Detaching Parts (excluding scoring elements)
Not permitted (even if detached part is tethered). Minor Penalty per occurrence.
<G25> Robots Grasping Game Elements
No “grabbing” or “grasping” of game or field elements……… other than allowed by <GS3> “Scoring Elements”
The first instance will result in a warning. Any following violations during the tournament resulting in a Major Penalty.
<G26> Destruction, Damage, Tipping, Entanglement of Robots or Game Elements
Destruction, Damage, Tipping, etc. – Robot actions aimed at the destruction, damage, tipping over, or entanglement of Game
Elements are not in the spirit of the FIRST Tech Challenge and are not allowed unless permitted by Game-Specific rules.
Some tipping, entanglement, and damage may occur as a part of normal gameplay. If the tipping, entanglement, or damage is ruled
to be deliberate or chronic, the Team will receive a Major Penalty.
<G27> Removing Game Elements from the Playing Field
A Robot may not deliberately remove Game Elements from the Playing Field during a Match. Game Elements that Inadvertently fall
Outside the Playing Field will be returned to the Playing Field by Field Personnel at the earliest safe and convenient opportunity at a
non-Scoring location approximately where it left the field. Game Elements removed from the Playing Field in an attempt to Score are
also not subject to this Penalty. A Team that deliberately removes Game Elements from the Playing Field will incur a Minor Penalty
per Game Element removed from the Playing Field.
Game-Specific <GS7> rule that addresses the removal of specified Scoring Elements from the Playing Field for Ultimate Goal
Season take precedence over this general game rule.
<G28> Pinning, Trapping, or Blocking Robots – Rule does not apply in the remote competition
<G29> Illegal Usage of Game Elements
Robots may not deliberately use Game Elements to ease or amplify the difficulty of any Scoring or game activity. A Major Penalty will
be assessed for violations of this rule.
G30> Egregious Behavior – Rule does not apply in the remote competition
General Game Rules – Game Play
Penalty Summary
Other General Rules have no penalty or are not applicable for remote play
Official FTC Game Q&A Forum
FTC Official Game Forum
The Game Q&A Forum https://ftcforum.firstinspires.org is a place where
teams receive official feedback about the game rules, robot rules, advancement
criteria, and judging.
If rules are in conflict with each other, the hierarchy is………..
1) Safety trumps all, see Game Manual 2 Rules <S1-S3>
2) Q&A Forum rulings take precedence over information in the Game
Manuals)
3) Game Specific rules <GS> take precedence over General Rules <G1>
During the season, Team questions are answered by Game Experts between
Monday and Thursday (noon)
A running record of all Forum Q&A is published every Thursday PM in one large
document on the FTC season game site at
https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/game-and-season-info
Teams are highly encouraged to use the Q&A forum (instead of
local support). This will assure all teams receive consistent
interpretation of the rules… from the people who wrote them.
Game Forum FAQ… Some Recent Game Rule Clarifications – Remote Play
• During the Autonomous period, after the robot uses a ring to shoot down a power shot target, if that ring bounces back onto the playing field, is the robot allowed to shoot that ring again? Answer: Yes
• During the Autonomous period, can the robot use rings from the Starter Stack to either shoot down Power Shot Targets for points or to score in the Tower Goal Answer: Yes. Keep in mind that the Ring Control/Possession limits described in rule <GS6> apply to all periods of gameplay.
• Is it alright for a flywheel to continue on unpowered motion between the Autonomous and Driver-Controlled periods? Answer: Yes
• What will occur with the Rings that go outside the field perimeter either by robot launching, or when a match is played without a solid side perimeter barrier Answer: Rule <G27> states that Rings that go outside the Playing Field Boundary will be returned to the Playing Field by Field Personnel at the earliest safe and convenient opportunity at a non-Scoring location approximately where it left the field. Rule <G16> allows the Human Player to leave the Human Player Station to retrieve Rings. The Human Player shall use the ReturnRack to introduce Rings into the Playing Field.
• May a Robot move a Wobble Goal Into a Target Zone or to Outside the Launch Zone Any Time up Until the Start of the End Game Period? Answer: Yes
FTC Official Game Forum
Other Available Remote Game Play Training
FIRST
FTC Scoring System Team Guide - Training Manual on FTC scoring system for Teams
Remote Event Scoring for Teams – Videos on how to setup and use the FTC scoring system
FIRST Game Play and Scoring Webinars – Recordings of monthly* Q&A calls with FTC Teams
Ohio FTC
Ultimate Goal Game Rules for Remote Events – Long version of this familiarization presentation
Game Walk Through – Video walk through of the season game and rules with OH FTC Head Ref
ULTIMATE Goal Game Play Quiz – Test you knowledge on game procedures and rules
Remote Game Play Training Material
* Check with your lead mentors or Team Blast for the call schedule and meeting information
Good Luck Teams!