2024 TRI Rule Changes
V 24.0
Texas Robotics Invitational 2024 will use the FRC 2024 Cressendo rules except where noted below. Please send any questions to TRI@Spectrum3847.org.
1. Field Marking Changes
The STAGE ZONE and associated tape markings have been shrunk and are now bounded by the inside of the Truss Legs.
2. Ranking Points
| Ranking Point | Requirements | Ranking Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
MELODY | At least 20 AMP & SPEAKER NOTES | 1 |
ENSEMBLE | At least 10 STAGE points and at least 2 ONSTAGE ROBOTS | 1 |
Tie | completing a MATCH with the same number of MATCH points as your opponent | 1 |
Win | completing a MATCH with more MATCH points than your opponent | 2 |
3. Coopertition Point
The Coopertition Point has been eliminated. Hitting the Co-op Button will do nothing.
4. Game Rule Updates
All Yellow and Red Cards are now at the discretion of the Head Referee. Minor non-match-affecting incidents will be given warnings before cards are given. Teams will not be punished for field staff giving them directions such as entering the field.
Q101. Be reasonable with the Head Referee.
Most situations will likely only require one or two people to talk with the Head Referee. Still, we aren't going to institute a rule that doesn’t allow other drive team members (including adult drive coaches) to provide information or listen to the conversations. Please be mindful that the Head Referee makes the final decision on calls but may be advised by other referees and the Event Director (who replaces HQ at off-season events). Also, please remember that G212 is a rule, and the Head referee may give YELLOW or RED CARDS for any interactions that are deemed to be egregious. We are all working for the inspiration of our students. Be polite, reasonable, and respectful; we will all have a great event.
The original Q101 causes more issues than it solves and is often not enforced to the letter of the rule. We trust our volunteers and teams to be reasonable and act in good faith to get the best outcome for everyone involved.
G302. *You can’t bring/use anything you want.
Clothes and shoes are okay, and backpacks and items in your pockets or backpacks are okay if they don’t violate the other rules stated in G302.
Violation: MATCH will not start until the situation is remedied. If discovered or used inappropriately during a MATCH , YELLOW CARD .
Almost everyone has a phone in their pocket or bag and wears clothing, so it should be against the rules. You still can’t use your phone or radio to communicate with anyone during the match or any of the other violations, but it’s just weird that it’s not clear in the rules that it’s allowed.
G417. *Stay out of other ROBOTS.
A ROBOT may not use a COMPONENT outside its FRAME PERIMETER (except its BUMPERS) to initiate more than inconsequential contact with an opponent ROBOT inside the vertical projection of that opponent ROBOT’S FRAME PERIMETER.
Violation: FOUL
G418. *This isn’t combat robotics.
A ROBOT may not damage or functionally impair an opponent ROBOT in either of the following ways as a direct result of the contact:
A. deliberately, as perceived by a REFEREE.
B. regardless of intent, by initiating contact inside the vertical projection of an opponent ROBOT’S FRAME PERIMETER.
Violation: TECH FOUL and YELLOW CARD. If opponent ROBOT is unable to drive as a direct result of the contact, TECH FOUL, and RED CARD
For G417 and G418, Robots attempting to “play the game” (score a game piece, move in the direction of one of their protected zones, etc.) will get the benefit of the doubt. In cases where referees are forced to make a judgment call regarding a destructive interaction between robots or an interaction that results in a questionable rules violation, the referees will err on the side of robots attempting to “play the game.”
G422 PODIUM Protection
A ROBOT may not contact (either directly or transitively through a GAME PIECE CONTROLLED by either ROBOT and regardless of who initiates contact) an opponent ROBOT whose BUMPERS are in contact with their PODIUM.
Violation: TECH FOUL
Due to the PODIUM not being part of the STAGE ZONE with the Field Marking Changes, keeping the rule in its original state would eliminate any PODIUM protection in the last 20 seconds of the match.
G424. STAGE Protection
A ROBOT may not contact (either directly or transitively through GAME PIECE CONTROLLED by either ROBOT and regardless of who initiates contact) an opponent ROBOT if either of the following criteria are met:
A. the opponent ROBOT meets the criteria for ONSTAGE or
B. any part of either ROBOT’S BUMPERS are in the opponent’s STAGE ZONE during the last 20 seconds of the MATCH.
Violation: 2 TECH FOULS plus the opponent ALLIANCE is awarded the ENSEMBLE RP if a Qualification MATCH.
G426. COACHES and other teams: hands off the controls.
A ROBOT shall be operated solely by that team's DRIVERS and/or HUMAN PLAYERS.
Violation: TECH FOUL and Warning. Repeated/Extended: TECH FOUL and RED CARD.
Coaches may touch the driver station laptop to diagnose a problem with the robot but may not directly contact any controllers or operate the robot in any way.
5. Inspection Rules
+5 pounds weight allowance and no formal inspections.
This allows repairs and minor modifications without major work to maintain 125 lbs. Robots may weigh up to 130 lbs. We also won’t have inspections at this event; event staff may ask you to make modifications if your robot doesn’t meet the FRC robot rules.
6. Alliance Selection
If we have more than 32 teams, The standard championship subdivision-level alliance selection process, including the four robots per alliance rules outlined in the game manual, will be used. 1-8, 8-1, 1-8
If we have fewer than 32 teams. We will use the standard 3-team alliance format from district/regional events.
At the beginning of Alliance Selection, the Emcee will ask if any teams would like to withdraw from Alliance Selection. Any teams wishing not to play can withdraw at this time. After Alliance #8 has made its first pick, teams are no longer allowed to decline invitations, and all further picks will be automatically accepted.
7. Video Review
Given that the technology allows it (the video system doesn’t go down, etc.), there will be a video review process.
Each Alliance is allowed one challenge/review in the playoffs. The alliance captain will be provided a video review coupon.
Video review coupons must be given to the head ref within 2 minutes after scores are posted for that match to be reviewed.
Only match-affecting calls and yellow/red cards can be reviewed.
The score or lack of score being reviewed must be significant enough to affect the match's outcome. The Head Referee can choose not to review any call they do not believe will change the match's outcome.
Video evidence must be indisputable to change a call. The point is to receive credit for a missed score, not to debate further a close call on which a referee already used their best judgment. The Head Referee's decision is final after a review.
Only the head referee will use the event-provided video during a video review. Referees will not review any other video footage, including camcorders, phones, or tablets not provided by the event.
At their discretion, the Head Referee may choose to review any ruling throughout the event. Please do not ask for a video review at any time other than giving the referee your alliance’s video review coupon during the playoffs. All other requests will not be granted.
We don’t plan on ever having this happen, but we want to provide the best event possible to teams; a video review of other situations may allow us to do this.
8. Soft Time Cap
We will institute a soft time cap during the event to allow teams to leave in a reasonable amount of time if there are match delays. At the discretion of the event organizers, if the Finals start after 6 p.m. Central Time, we will move to a “Best of 1” elimination format instead of the usual “Best 2 of 3” format.
9. Break Changes
Due to the lack of awards, all pre-scheduled breaks in Elims have been reduced to 8 minutes long. This is to speed up the process.
This Rule isn’t meant to rush teams with a broken robot on the field. If you need the full break, the full break will be given.
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