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Spectrum Website

Spectrum

About

Our Story

Spectrum evolved out of two determined teams and copious amounts of determination. We were originally the rival engineering teams of St. Agnes Academy, an all-girls school, and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, an all-boys school. The St. Agnes Engineering Team began in 1993, participating in various competitions, while the Strake Jesuit Engineering Team began in 2008. After competing against each other for three years in the BEST competition, we were interested in undertaking a new challenge that would test our ability to the extreme.

The students met to discuss the future of such a program individually and began discussing the possibility of creating a joint FIRST Robotics Competition Team, which we knew would be a huge undertaking. However, we also knew that joining forces would provide an opportunity to create a team stronger than St. Agnes or Strake Jesuit could create separately. With our shared passion for robotics, we resolved our differences and began to coordinate our actions together on our first team challenge: garnering the support of sponsors and our school administrators. The joining of the two teams is a major part of Spectrum's history and defines us as a team that is willing and able to overcome any obstacle by using the many talents that each member brings.

Mission Statement

Spectrum’s mission is to create and cultivate opportunities in which students are able to grow mentally and realize their true potential. Our students develop life skills through the promotion of premier qualities, such as amity, volunteerism, dedication, and ebullience. As an engineering team, we believe that every team member has a special place in the process and creation of our robots. We endorse team unity and bonding through integrity, confidence, and chivalry. Our team deepens the bonds between students by allowing them to interact in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes an exploration of ingenuity. We hope to facilitate a love of individuality through the appreciation of the students' varying abilities and qualities.

St. Agnes Academy

Founded in 1905, St. Agnes Academy is an all-girls school Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to producing young women with intellectual curiosity, who work for social justice and who act with integrity and compassion in the Dominican tradition. The St. Agnes engineering was founded in 1996, competing in the following competitions: 1996—National Engineering Design Challenge, 1997—Texas Experimental Aeronautics Solution (TExAS), 1998-2000—Texas Engineering Challenge, and 2001-2011 - Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST).

Address: 9000 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX, 77036

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory was founded in 1960 as Jesuit Catholic preparatory school. The Strake Jesuit Engineering team was founded in the fall of the 2007. The team has competed in: 2008-2011—Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST), 2009-The Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), and 2010-2011-VEX Robotics.

Address: 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX, 77036

Photon 8515

Photon is the training team for Spectrum 3847. Photon is run as a subset of Spectrum.

Photon exists to allow new team members to have more hands-on experience with building a robot and competing at competition including drive team roles.
During events, Photon rotates its drive team to allow more team members to gain experience.
During Playoffs, a single-drive team is selected to compete in all playoff matches.
3847 and 8515 are sibling teams.
All Photon team members are members of Spectrum 3847. All Spectrum team members are Photon team members
Photon only competes in 2 district events each year. Photon does not compete at the District or FIRST Championship.
Photon students may attend all Spectrum events including District and FIRST Championship
Photon's mascot is a plush purple dinosaur named Photon.

Photon is providing a model for other teams to serve their communities better. Expanding our school's engineering and robotics program to include an FRC team just for first-year students has broadened our impact. It has allowed us to prepare our students better to help other new teams who are building similar robots based on the Everybot design and work with them to have more successful seasons.

2024 - Crescendo

3847 Robot Name: Ultraviolet

Photon 8515

2023 - Charged Up

3847 Robot Name: X-Ray

Impact and

Photon 8515

2022 - Rapid React

3847 Robot Name: Infrared

Photon 8515

Events and Records

2021 - Infinite Recharge @ Home

Robot Name: Gamma Ray

Chairman’s

2020 - Infinite Recharge

Robot Name: Ultraviolet

2019 - Destination: Deep Space

Robot Name: X-Ray

2018 - Power Up

Robot Name: Infrared

2017 - Steamworks

Robot Name: Gamma Ray

2016 - Stronghold

Robot Name: Ultraviolet

Chairman’s

2015 - Recycle Rush

Robot Name: X-Ray

2014 - Aerial Assist

Robot Name: Infrared

Public CAD File
Chairman’s

2013 - Ultimate Ascent

Robot Name: Gamma Ray

2012 - Rebound Rumble

Robot Name: Ultraviolet

Resources

Spectrum has created and collected hundreds of resources to help FRC teams.

Training

F - FRC & Spectrum -

F1.1 - What is FRC? -

F1.2 - What do team members do? -

F1.3 - Overview of the FRC Season -

F1.4 - Overview of an FRC Match -

F1.5 - Overview of Event Roles -

F1.6 - Overview of Event Spaces -

F1.7 - FRC Events and Schedules -

F1.8 - Into to Spectrum Slack -

C - Control System

C1.1 Intro to Java Programming - -

C1.2 Intro to FRC Control System - - -

C1.3 Overview of FRC Programming - -

C1.4 Intro to Pneumatics - -

C1.6 Intro to FRC Vision Systems - -

C2.0 Install FRC Software Tools - -

C2.1 Beginner FRC Programming 1 - -

C2.2 Beginner Subsystems and Commands - -

C2.3 Beginner Motors for FRC - -

C2.4 Encoders & Spark Max Controls - -

C2.5 Beginner Control Loops - -

C2.6 Programming Practices -

C3.2 Exploring 2022 WPILib and Spectrum Updates - -

Control System Self-Learning Resources -

D - Design and CAD

D1.1 Overview of FRC Robots - -

D1.2 Intro to CAD (OnShape) - -

D1.3 FRC OnShape MKCad - Featurescripts - -

D1.4 Onshape Laser Joint & T-Slot Joint Featurescripts -

D2.1 Exploration of the FRC Kit Drivetrain - -

D2.2 Exploration of the WCP Greyt Elevator - -

D2.3 Exploring the 2017 Spectrum Launcher - -

D2.4 OnShape Part Studios and Assemblies - -

D2.5 Exploration of the 2020 Spectrum Intake - -

D2.6 Mechanical Advantage - -

D2.7 Understanding Engineering Drawings - -

D2.8 Beginner Materials - -

D2.10 Versaplanetary Gearboxes - -

D2.11 Beginner Swerve - -

D2.12 Intakes - -

D3.1 OnShape FRC Robot Organization - 2023: - 2022: -

D3.2 FRC Prototyping - -

D3.5 Part Design Process -

D3.6 FeatureScripts -

D3.7 Climbers -

Design Exploration Video Playlist -

Design Self-Learning Resources -

CAD Design Challenges -

B - Build

B1.1 Intro to Spectrum Shop - -

B2.2 Build a Bumper Corner - -

B2.3 Rubber Band Car -

B2.4 3D Printing Training -

B2.5 FRC 3D Printed Parts -

B3.1 Maintenance and Triage - -

Build Self-Learning Resources -

S - Strategy

S1.1 Overview of FRC Games - -

Strategy Self-Learning Resources -

M - Media

M1.1 Intro to Spectrum Media and Communications -

Media Self-Learning Resources -

A - Awards

A1.1 Intro to FRC Awards -

Awards Self-Learning Resources -

Conference Presentations

Maximizing the 1st week of build season: FMC 2024

Top Tips From Top Teams: FIRST Mentor Conference 2024

How Open Build Blog Makes Us Better: FMC 2024

The Development and A Team Models multiple teams at a single school by Allen Gregory & Norman Morgan: FMC 2023

FIRST $2000 Purchase Guide

Spectrum Cart 2.0

We’ve been using a version of this cart since 2021-2022. We have two of them now, and are likely making a third soon.

Features

Small footprint: at 2ft x 3ft, it is legal to go onto the field if needed.
Adjustable: can easily change the height of the robot for tall robots, etc. We screw in 2 4x4 wood blocks to the top rails to place the robot on; this supports it well and doesn’t scratch the belly pan much.
Swerve Access: The cart doesn’t have a top deck so we can easily work on our swerve modules under our robot while it is is on the cart. Wheel swaps, cleaning, etc are very easy.
Collapsible: By removing a few bolts, the robot rails can be removed and the handle can fold down. This made it easy for us to ship it with our robot and pit supplies to Chezy Champs in 2023. Can also fit in most car trunks.
Customizable: Can easily mount other accessories to the cart. We have made mounts to attach our driver station to the handle side. We have thought about others such as water bottle holders, etc. but haven’t made them.
Common FRC Build Materials and Practices: uses the same techniques, materials, and fasteners that we use to build our robots.
Bottom shelf with lip: The rail on the bottom shelf prevents items from rolling off; we can have bolts and tools down there without them falling off as we move.

Photos

Materials

1x1 Square Extrusion: can use pre-punched or regular and add a few holes. We have used REV 1x1 for both our carts. (#TeamREV)
90 degree and T gussets: can use any vendor or custom make them. Can use 90s for all of them if you want.
⅜” or ½” Plywood base: Simple rectangle cut out with some holes for the casters.
⅞” Round tube: for the handle with star nuts pressed in. Could use more square tube but it’s not as comfortable to push/pull.
4x swivel+locking casters: Having all 4 wheels swivel and brake is pretty convenient for sliding through narrow pits, etc. The 5” wheels are a good compromise on size. We prefer solid wheels to pneumatic so we never have to deal with flats or blow outs. We bolt them on with 10-32 hardware and washers so that we always have easy access to those tools or spare hardware if needed. These are similar to what we use -

Other Team's Resources

Resource Collections/Workshops

FRC1678 Citrus Circuits Fall Workshops - , , , , ,
Presentations covering FRC manufacturing, controls, awards, and more
- One of the most complete FRC design resources published to date.
- FIRST Behind the Design: , , and
- You can find these used on Amazon and at used . They have many design details from the robots from those years. Some things have changed in FRC since , but many of the principles are the same and will still be used.
- One of the best ways to learn about building FRC robots is by understanding how teams have built their robots. These videos give you a look into their designs.

CAD\OnShape

CAD / Solidworks / Onshape

(Solidworks and OnShape)
- Every FRC team gets a free account with their virtual kit of parts. They have very good CAD tutorials.
Onshape
- - FRC CAD library for onshape, with many great part files and part generators.

Tools and Workspace

Machining without CNC
- CD Thread:

Branding/Media

Social Media

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 [email protected].

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.

Field Cad

2. Ranking Points

Ranking Point

Requirements

Ranking Points Awarded

MELODY

At least 20 AMP & SPEAKER NOTES

ENSEMBLE

At least 10 STAGE points and at least 2 ONSTAGE ROBOTS

Tie

completing a MATCH with the same number of MATCH points as your opponent

Win

completing a MATCH with more MATCH points than your opponent

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.

Illuminations: Young Team Guide

A Guide for young FRC teams to quickly understand key aspects of FIRST Robotics.

Team

Students and Coaches

Your students and coaches/mentors are working together to build the robot. There aren’t any rules about who has to do what.
You don’t have to have a team captain or anything like that. It can cause drama. Allow your students to take on responsibility.
You should have an adult who can make decisions for the team. This is often the head coach.

SubTeams/Pods:

Divide your robot into 4-6 mechanisms and divide your students into those groups. Examples: Drive, Intake, Elevator, Climber
Have a Mechanism Lead (or 2) assigned to each group as the project manager and have students interested in controls (programming/electrical) in each group.
Have bins for each mechanism to store parts and supplies.

Design Recaps

Have Weekly Design Recaps to go over the state of the robot and your build plan.
Talk about the next steps, what things need to be ordered, tested, etc.
Communication is very important.

Fundraising

Awards

Please nominate 2 students for the Dean’s List every year and nominate 1 mentor for the Woodie Flowers Award Finalist every year. Even if you don’t think they can win the nomination in and of itself is recognition for the hard work that people put into the program. The essays don’t need to take a long time to complete.
During the season you should identify one Judged award that your team best qualifies for and prepare your team to talk to the judges about that aspect of your team. You can print a couple of handouts and work with your students to go over the talking points and details that they should communicate to the judges during their session.

Robot

Programming

We strongly recommend Java Programming and using the

Electronics

Connectors
- are the most useful connectors for motors
- work great for CAN and sensors
Wire
- Use 12 AWG wires for motors
- Use 18 AWG wires for most low-current things
Batteries
- You should have 6 to 8 batteries for competition, along with 4+ chargers
- Batteries: , , , or
- Chargers: , ,

Fasteners

Standardize on #10-32 bolts and nuts. Nearly everything on the robot can use that size.
Standardize on 3/16” Pop/blind rivets.
Zip ties and VHB tape are often good enough for electronics, wires, etc.

Materials

Aluminum should be the most common metal on your robot.
Plastic Sheet: Polycarbonate is best, HPDE (cutting board) is okay, never use Acrylic

Tube / Extrusion

Use pre-punched/drill tubes normally in 1x1 and 2x1 sizes.
Use premade gussets/brackets
, , ,

Shafts

Standarize on 1/2” Rounded Hex Shaft and Parts, 7075 is stronger than 6061
, , ,
Compatible with 1/2” bearings, wheels, collars, etc.

Motors

We recommend standardizing on a single motor.
Either the or the both are roughly $200 each
If you are on a budget ask teams near you to donate old brushed motors and controllers to you and use them until you can buy Brushless motors. Don’t buy any Brushed motors.

Motion

Gearboxes:
Chain: #25 Chain
Belts/Pulleys: 5mm HTD Belts and Pulleys (You can 3D print pulleys)

Drivetrain / Swerve

You should be figuring out a plan to get your team to use swerve modules. Look at our for help
If you aren’t moving to swerve this year, you should be using the kit drive base upgraded motors that will go to swerve in future years.
There is no good reason to build a custom non-swerve drive-train anymore.

Shop

Tools

- A Good list of the tools you should buy for your shop

Toolboxes

Having a toolbox you can take to events and have in your pit is very useful.
We have used for this, but many other brands exist as well.
You shouldn’t build a “Super Pit” until you are in a place where that efficiency will help your program.

Organization

Getting bins and things you can get transported to events is very helpful.
We use normal Sterlite bins from Target/Walmart

3D Printed Parts

3D printing can be extremely useful for FRC Robots. You can make parts directly, templates to help cut and drill parts, etc.
PETG, PLA+, or higher-temperature filaments like nylons or polycarb all can work for FRC printed parts.

CNC Services

If you don’t have your own CNC Router yet you can have parts made by multiple vendors.
This is a good way to get into CAD and custom parts without the upfront cost.
,

Safety

Event

Load In

Try to arrive at the event when load-in begins.
Make sure you have your team rosters printed out and give them to pit admin to get your driver buttons and packet.

Inspection

Try to begin your inspection as early as possible. The inspectors are there to help make sure your robot is legal. They can tell you things you may need to change and help get you assistance, parts, tools, etc.

Ways to help get you selected for playoffs

Never miss a match; even if you can only drive that’s okay
Be kind and cooperative with everyone at the event

Drive team

Your two drivers should be the same students every match.
Your drive team should have an adult on it either as the coach or technician
The drive team is responsible for getting the robot to the field, communicating with your alliance partners, and executing the match plan.

Pit

You should have at least one pit student that stays in the pit the whole time
Keep your pit clean and organized
Your entire team will need safety glasses and closed-toed shoes in the pit.

Scouting

When limited on team members, try running only qualitative match scouting/find scouting alliances.
- can be run on any device and be configured to match your needs
Use existing resources like and OPR to assist in making informed strategic decisions

Community

You aren’t in this alone. Other teams and volunteers are happy to help answer questions and solve problems.

Public communities

is the water cooler for FRC. You can get your questions answered pretty quickly here from people all around the world.
Server is also very popular.

Regional Mentor Chats

Many regions/districts/countries have chat platforms that they use to communicate to each other. If you’re a mentor, ask your regional director, district organizer, or a veteran team in your area if they know of a community you can join.

2025 TRI Rule Changes

V 25.3

Texas Robotics Invitational 2025 will use the FRC 2025 Reefscape rules except where noted below. Please send any questions to [email protected].

25.2 Change (5/1): G207 Blue box 2nd Paragraph added

25.3 Change (5/6): G433 modified

1. Event Rule Changes

E108 *Some things don’t belong at events. Do not bring or use the following:

A. skateboards B. ‘hoverboards’ C. drones D. bottled gas tanks (e.g. helium) E. noisy devices or noisemakers, such as floor stompers, whistles and/or air horns F. walkie-talkies G. scooters, except for those used for accommodations H. Full Face Mascots

Violation: Team Members will be asked to remove them from the Venue, Further Violations can result in G201 Violations, Red Cards, Disqualification, and / or Team Memebrs will be asked to leave the venue.

E406 *No Tall Ladders allowed

No Ladders with more than 3 steps or taller than 5ft are allowed to be used by team at any point for any reason at the Event.

This is a new rule for TRI. Using tall ladders is an unecessary safety risk especially with the density of people at an FRC Competition.

E802 *Pit person limit during Ceremonies is 5

~~No more than 5 team members may be in the pits during Ceremonies outside of Playoff MATCHES.~~

This rule is never enforced, and so shouldn't be in the rules

2. Field Marking Changes

There is now a PROCESSOR PATHWAY that connects an alliance’s PROCESSOR AREA and ALLIANCE AREA Marked by a 2” Gaffers tape line. Only HUMAN PLAYERS may use this pathway and must make a reasonable effort to stay on the line when moving between the 2 zones.

Field Cad

3. Driveteams

6.2 DRIVE TEAM

A DRIVE TEAM is a set of up to 5 people from the same FIRST Robotics Competition team responsible for team performance for a specific MATCH. There are 4 specific roles on a DRIVE TEAM which ALLIANCES can use to assist ROBOTS with REEFSCAPE.

Role

Description

Max./ DRIVE TEAM

Criteria

COACH

a guide or advisor

any team member, must wear “COACH” button

DRIVER

HUMAN PLAYER

an operator and controller of the ROBOT

a SCORING ELEMENT manager

STUDENT, must wear a “DRIVE TEAM” button

Combined TECHNICIAN and COACH count. A team may have up to 2 Coaches.

6.3.1 DRIVETEAMS

DRIVE TEAMS prepare for a MATCH by staging in the appropriate areas, according to their role on the DRIVE TEAM, and by identifying themselves accordingly. DRIVE TEAM starting conditions are listed below, and a DRIVE TEAM obstructing or delaying any of the conditions is at risk of violating G301.

A. only DRIVE TEAM members assigned to the upcoming MATCH are present,
B. For QUALIFICATION and PLAYOFF MATCHES only DRIVE TEAM members whose ROBOTS have passed initial, complete Inspection are present,
C. any number of HUMAN PLAYERS are staged in their CORAL STATION AREAS or PROCESSOR AREA,
D. HUMAN PLAYERS not included in C or D, DRIVERS, and COACHES are in their ALLIANCE AREA and behind the HUMAN STARTING LINE,
F. DRIVE TEAM members clearly display their designated buttons above their waists (COACH - “Coach”, DRIVERS and HUMAN PLAYERS - “Drive Team”
G. if a Playoff MATCH, the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN clearly displays their designated ALLIANCE CAPTAIN identifier (e.g. hat or armband).

Requirement for HUMAN PLAYER to start in the PROCESSOR AREA has been removed.

Removed reference to TECHNICIAN.

4. Ranking Points

Ranking Point

Requirements

Ranking Points Awarded

AUTO RP

all non-BYPASSED ROBOTS LEAVE and at least 1 CORAL scored in AUTO

CORAL RP

at least 6 CORAL must be scored on each of 3 levels.

BARGE RP

at least 14 BARGE points are scored

Win

completing a MATCH with more MATCH points than your opponent

Tie

completing a MATCH with the same number of MATCH points as your opponent

5. Coopertition Point

The Coopertition Point has been eliminated.

6. Game Rule Updates

Q101. Be reasonable with the Head Referee.

G207 Don’t abuse ARENA access

A team member (except DRIVERS, HUMAN PLAYERS, and COACHES) granted access to restricted areas in and around the ARENA (e.g. via Media badges, Volunteer position, etc.) may not assist or use signaling devices during the MATCH.

Event Staff shall not communicate with TEAMS about rule violations or gameplay concerns during a MATCH. The only exceptions are for immediate safety issues or for FTAs, FTAAs, or CSAs diagnosing technical problems.

Violation: Verbal warning. Yellow Card for Subsequent Violations. ARENA FAULT if violated by Event Staff.

This rule is intended to prevent distractions during MATCH play, to prevent a DRIVE TEAM member from distracting a REFEREE, and to ensure consistent communication across all TEAMS and MATCHES. TEAMS may address any rule-related questions or concerns with the Head REFEREE once the MATCH has concluded. Violations by Event Staff associated with teams in that match with the intent to cause an arena fault will quickly escalate to a G211 violation. The bar for "immediate safety issues" are human or robot actions that are considered situations in which a ROBOT should be DISABLED and/or the MATCH should be STOPPED. Examples include but are not limited to:

HUMAN PLAYER and enabled ROBOT contacting the same SCORING ELEMENT at the same time
HUMAN PLAYER entering the FIELD during the MATCH
A ROBOT becomes stuck on the FIELD barrier in a way that could damage itself or the FIELD
A ROBOT is repeatedly slamming into the FIELD perimeter or DRIVER STATION walls in a dangerous manner

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 .

G404 .No throwing in AUTO.

~~In AUTO, a HUMAN PLAYER may not enter ALGAE onto the field.~~

Removing G404 removes an avenue for unintentional fouls that have no strategic gain. Removing this complexity is good for offseasons especially with rotating drive teams and new Human Players. If teams throw algae in an attempt to disrupt a teams auto it will be a G406 violation, and can quickly escalate to a G211 violation.

G422. *Stay out of other ROBOTS.

Violation: MINOR FOUL

G423. *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: MAJOR FOUL and YELLOW CARD. If opponent ROBOT is unable to drive as a direct result of the contact, MAJOR FOUL, and RED CARD

For G422 and G423, 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" regardless of the side of the field the interaction occurs.

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: MAJOR FOUL and Warning. Repeated/Extended: MAJOR 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.

G433 *SCORING ELEMENT delivery. SCORING ELEMENTS may only be entered onto the FIELD as follows:

A. CORAL may only be introduced to the FIELD by a HUMAN PLAYER or DRIVER through the CHUTE and
B. ALGAE may only be entered onto the FIELD by a HUMAN PLAYER in their PROCESSOR AREA. Violation: MAJOR FOUL.

Violation: MAJOR FOUL

Got rid of potential loophole that allowed for CORAL to be introduced through the gateway arc part of the CORAL STATION and tossed into the field over the CHUTE

7. Inspection Rules

+5 pounds weight allowance and no formal inspections.

This allows repairs and minor modifications without major work to maintain 115 lbs. Robots may weigh up to 120 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Soft Time Cap

11. 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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2015 - Recycle Rush

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Robot Name: Gamma Ray

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Robot Name: Ultraviolet

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2023 - Charged Up

3847 Robot Name: X-Ray

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2016 - Stronghold