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

[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.

[JohnBoucher]

<G29> ROBOT orientation - ROBOTS must start the match with their long (maximum) dimension in a vertical orientation.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by JohnBoucher

<G29> ROBOT orientation - ROBOTS must start the match with their long (maximum) dimension in a vertical orientation.

I bet 67 is happy - flop-bots are back in style. There's another team that could use their '04-'05 design in this year's game with little modification. Heck, they even already have a ramp on their backs (although I imagine a little reinforcement would be in order).....

[Taylor]

The part I found interesting is that there is a 10 point penalty for scoring for the other alliance, yet qual points are awarded based on the losing team's score. I wonder how many times, for example, the Redabots will be winning by 60 (which, given the exponential structure of the scoring, is by no means out of the question!) and score for the Blueabots, taking the 10-pointer but still winning the match.

[petek]

Originally Posted by T. Hoffman

I bet 67 is happy - flop-bots are back in style. There's another team that could use their '04-'05 design in this year's game with little modification. Heck, they even already have a ramp on their backs (although I imagine a little reinforcement would be in order).....

I expect some clarification on this rule. As I read it, <G29> would mean that a basic Class 1 low-profile KOP robot (e.g. a rookie team boxbot) that is 28w x 38l x 18h in its normal running configuration would have to start the match standing on end and would have to flop to run.

[efoote868]

Originally Posted by 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.

uh, that rule actually isn't new. There was an update last year (about midway through the season) that said no pit displays were to be taller than 10 feet. No one really followed it, and the mentor in charge of the display was really angry whenever he saw something "soaring" into the air...

He was also joking with me about it this year:

If your robot has unfolded to more than 10 feet tall during the match, and it goes into your pit, is that a violation?