The "What the!?!?!" Rule Thread

[Steve W]

I suggest that everyone waits till Sunday when they have had lots of time to read and re read the rules. So many questions are answered when people actually read the rules.

[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by Steve W

I suggest that everyone waits till Sunday when they have had lots of time to read and re read the rules. So many questions are answered when people actually read the rules.

Well put Steve. I hope we don't have a situation like we normally incur here on CD where we continually answer questions by people who haven't read the rules at all. I hope we can be at a level where we just discuss the interpretation of rules (last year's shooter rule) or explain those which come across as unclear (last year's off board compressor rule).

[Lil' Lavery]

The intent of this thread was not really for clarification and questions about the rules, but really for commentary about the rules themselves. Each year there are always a few rules that are remarkable changes. The change in the draft system last year, the switch to 3v3 in 2005, the introduction of autonomous in 2003, the 4v0 scheme in 2001, the creation of alliances in 2000, etc. Even large changes to the gameplay and large variances from FIRST trends may be worthy of posting (such as not only allowing, but encouraging, projectiles in 2006).
There always seem to be a couple rules that bubble up every year, and this thread is for the discussion of those rules. But there is validity to what was posted, please know the rules before discussing them.

[Ian Curtis]

If we're voting for irritation factor, I'd say a large number of people are slightly annoyed at going out and buying new batteries.

As for the game, I've got a split vote. Carrying one tube at a time is interesting one, but I'd say the more exciting one is the whole changing weight based on changing height. Also, the scoring is logarithmic, how cool is that!

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

...Also, the scoring is logarithmic, how cool is that!

Exponential. And yeah, that's cool.

[hallk]

The end game rules are really the only ones in my mind. They are just kinda new is all, like the penalties.

[Lil' Lavery]

I think the height/weight "classes" are probably the rule that is the most surprising to me. Especially considering it's not really game specific and we could see it again in the future.

[robind]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

I think the height/weight "classes" are probably the rule that is the most surprising to me. Especially considering it's not really game specific and we could see it again in the future.

For sure. Quite frankly I'm surprised they haven't done this in previous years.

What I am probably the most surprised about is the use of only one color for the targets. I guess I was sorta expecting multiple colors after the big hubbub at nationals.

[Rafi Ahmed]

I am surprised with the high contact rule. The one with the yellow flags and cards. Its going to be interesting to see how many yellow cards are actually used and how many disqualifications are made.

[Cyberguy34000]

The rules are actually quite tame in changes for this year. Overall they just feel more simplified and more fleshed out than in previous years. I like how the pinning rules have been relaxed around the Rack, which means that we can still have those pushing matches which are a lot of fun to watch.

I'm thinking of the horrors of Triple Play two years ago. I thought the game was a really cool idea, but the rules were just not fleshed out very well and contributed to a ridiculous amount of confusion and inconsistency. Anyone remember the "Loading Zone Violation Penalties"? (shudder)

Well, we've still got another 6 weeks to sift through the rules to see if some ridiculous thing was overlooked, but overall it looks pretty tight. I'm really looking forward to this season.

-Chris

[Jack Jones]

"What the!?!?!"

8.3.4.2 Additional Parts and Materials Rules
...
However, COTS items that have been specifically designed are in and of themselves as a solution
to portion of the FIRST Robotics Competition challenge may or may not fit within the FRC intent,
and must be carefully considered.
...

English!?!?!

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

"What the!?!?!"


English!?!?!

It was English. IF a COTS is designed specifically for FIRST (not likely to be available to other robot comps or outsiders is how I see that), it will invite inspection. And, please consider the rest of that rule. IF it is just "plug and play" with little or no assembly or design work, it will not play. If it could be used in multiple places (e.g. AndyMark trannies), it will be allowed. For the record, here is the full text of that paragraph:

Originally Posted by Manual 8.3.4.2

However, COTS items that have been specifically designed are in and of themselves as a solution to portion of the FIRST Robotics Competition challenge may or may not fit within the FRC intent,and must be carefully considered. If the item provides general functionality that can be utilized in any of several possible configurations or applications, then it is acceptable (as the teams will still have to design their particular application of the item). However, COTS items that provide a complete “pre-packaged” solution for a major ROBOT function (e.g. a complete manipulator assembly, pre-built pneumatics circuit, or full mobility system) that require no effort other than just bolting it on to the ROBOT are against the intent of the competition, and will not be permitted.

[Nick 568]

One new rule I find interesting is the "your pit cannot be taller than 10 feet" rule.... Why you ask?
Well, last year, when I lived in the DC area, I was on team 1885. At the championship, we had a 42" plasma mounted about 9' off the ground, so it was over definitely above 10' total height, lol.




Is anyone else having problems with their sevaa server? Our mysql isn't working, so our forums and cpanel aren't accessible. I believe they were attacked or something because their support forums are filled with nothing but spam.

[AndyB]

I find it a bit disappointing that you can only really put one ring on a spider leg. I liked the format in 05' where you could keep stacking your tetras, i guess with this setup, it relies on more quick thinking as you only have 2 spoilers to your disposal, but still, it would have been interesting.

[Xufer]

RULE <R46> The last line says "Electric Solenoid actuators are prohibited from use" to that I say WHAT THE !?!?! its another added annoyance to overcome this year, its not a big deal but solenoids where always a nice component to fall back on... not this year! I'd imagine it s for safety reasons because I always foresaw an issue with a solenoid over heating and burning a person who did not know it was hot.