[Andy Baker]

These IRI rule changes will be posted on the IRI website soon, and they will be briefly explained at the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 18.

Once again, we aimed at not changing the game. We only are making slight changes to the rules after witnessing the playing of the 2008 FIRST Overdrive game.

Here is a listing of the official 2009 IRI rule tweaks:

(I hope the verbage is correct and I am not leaving any loopholes open with these descriptions - PM me with suggestions if you see a glaring mistake)

1. Regarding G22:
For the lane dividers only, a robot has to completely cross back over
the LANE MARKER to be penalized. There is no change to the rules
regarding the FINISH LINES.

IRI G22:
"<IRIG22> Direction Of Traffic – ROBOTS must proceed around the TRACK
in a counter-clockwise, direction. Once a ROBOT has CROSSED a FINISH
LINE, it shall not break the plane of the line by moving in the
clockwise direction. Once a ROBOT has CROSSED a LANE MARKER, it shall
not cross over completely in the prior quadrant in the clockwise
direction. A PENALTY will be assigned for each infraction."

INTENT:
The intent of this rule change is to loosen up the G22 constraint at
the location of the LANE MARKERS at the ends of the field, but not
change the game.

2. Regarding G14
Scoring will be based on the ROBOT and TRACKBALL position when they
have come to rest, not when the clock expires.

IRI G14:
<G14>When the MATCH ends, each TRACKBALL that is at least partially
supported by the OVERPASS and not in contact with any ROBOT of the
same ALLIANCE will earn a 12-point bonus. All scoring situations of
TRACKBALLS and ROBOTS will be evaluated at the point when all
TRACKBALLS and ROBOTS come to rest.

INTENT:
The intent of this rule change is to not take a "photo finish" of the
robot position at the end of the match. All scoring will be done at
the point when the robots and trackballs come to rest.

example 1:
If the buzzer sounds at the end of Hybrid mode, and then a robot
passes over a LANE MARKER, then the robot will earn the 4 points for
passing that line in Hybrid mode (the same thing applies to penalties)
This would also be the same at the end of the match
example 2:
A robot places a trackball on the overpass at the end of the match,
and the robot is NOT touching the ball during the time of the buzzer
sound. Then, immediately after the buzzer sound, the robot's arm
drifts onto the ball and IS touching it after the robot comes to rest.
The 12 point bonus for this ball is NOT counted.

3. 80" rule - after the match is over
Since we are counting the robot position after the buzzer sounds, we
need to make an alteration to Robot rule R16.

IRI R16
<R16> Once the MATCH has started, the ROBOT may assume a PLAYING
CONFIGURATION that exceeds the size dimensions specified in Rule
<R11>. While in the PLAYING CONFIGURATION, the ROBOT may expand up to
a maximum horizontal dimension of 80 inches (e.g. all parts of the
ROBOT must fit within an imaginary 80-inch-diameter upright cylinder).
After the match is complete, the ROBOT may come to rest outside of
this 80 inch cylinder, as long as no advantage is gained by this
movement. There are no height limits for a ROBOT in its PLAYING
CONFIGURATION at any time after the start of the MATCH.

4. At IRI, rule <G53> can be disregarded. Simply put, mentors can
discuss issues with the head referee.

5. Elimination Alliances will be comprised of 4 teams, with each
alliance captain selecting their own "back-up" alliance partner. Draft
order will be 1-8, 1-8, 8-1. Use of teams in matches is completely at
the discretion of the alliance captain. (i.e. there is no requirement
for each team to play a match).


Andy B.