2024-2025 FIRST® Tech Challenge

INTO THE DEEP

Competition Manual

 

 

 


INTO THE DEEP

Competition Manual

Contents

1     Introduction. 7

1.1      About FIRST®. 7

1.2      FIRST® Tech Challenge. 7

1.3      Gracious Professionalism®, a FIRST Credo. 7

1.4      Coopertition®. 8

1.5      Spirit of Volunteering. 8

1.6      Accessibility and Inclusion. 9

1.7      This Document & Its Conventions. 9

1.8      Translations & Other Versions. 11

1.9      Team Updates. 11

1.10    Question and Answer System.. 11

2     FIRST Season Overview.. 13

3     Competition Eligibility and Inspection (I) 15

3.1      Team Eligibility Rules. 15

3.2      Awards Eligibility Rules. 16

3.3      MATCH Eligibility Rules. 16

4     Advancement 19

5     Event Rules (E) 21

5.1      General Rules. 21

5.2      Machine Shops and Host Team Build Spaces. 24

5.3      Wireless Rules. 24

5.4      Load-In. 25

5.5      Pits. 25

5.6      ROBOT Carts. 27

5.7      Ceremonies. 27

5.8      In the Stands. 28

6     Awards (A) 29

6.1      Team Judged Awards Overview and Schedule. 29

6.2      Team Judged Award Descriptions. 34

6.2.1       Inspire Award. 34

6.2.2       Think Award. 35

6.2.3       Connect Award. 35

6.2.4       Motivate Award. 36

6.2.5       Innovate Award sponsored by RTX. 36

6.2.6       Control Award. 37

6.2.7       Design Award. 37

6.2.8       Judges’ Choice Award. 38

6.3      Tournament ALLIANCE Awards. 38

6.3.1       Winning Alliance Award. 38

6.3.2       Finalist Alliance Award. 38

6.4      Individual Awards. 38

6.4.1       Dean’s List Award. 38

6.4.2       Compass Award. 39

7     Game Sponsor Recognition. 41

8     Game Overview.. 43

9     ARENA.. 45

9.1      FIELD.. 46

9.2      Areas, Zones, & Markings. 46

9.3      TILE Coordinates. 47

9.4      ALLIANCE AREA.. 48

9.5      SUBMERSIBLE. 49

9.5.1       CHAMBERS. 50

9.5.2       RUNGS. 51

9.6      BASKETS. 52

9.7      SCORING ELEMENTS. 53

9.7.1       SAMPLES. 53

9.7.2       CLIP. 54

9.7.3       SPECIMEN.. 54

9.8      AprilTags. 55

9.9      FIELD STAFF. 56

9.10    Event Management System.. 57

10       Game Details. 59

10.1    MATCH Overview.. 59

10.2    DRIVE TEAM.. 59

10.3    Setup. 60

10.3.1     SCORING ELEMENTS. 61

10.3.2     DRIVE TEAMS. 62

10.3.3     OPERATOR CONSOLES. 62

10.3.4     ROBOTS. 63

10.4    MATCH Periods. 63

10.5    Scoring. 63

10.5.1     SAMPLE Scoring Criteria. 64

10.5.2     SPECIMEN Scoring Criteria. 64

10.5.3     ROBOT Scoring Criteria. 65

10.5.4     Point Values. 66

10.6    Violations. 66

10.6.1     YELLOW and RED CARDS. 67

10.6.2     YELLOW and RED CARD application. 68

10.6.3     YELLOW and RED CARDS during playoff MATCHES. 68

10.6.4     Violation Details. 68

10.7    Head REFEREE. 69

10.8    Other Logistics. 69

11       Game Rules (G) 71

11.1    Personal Safety. 71

11.2    Conduct 71

11.3    Pre-MATCH.. 75

11.4    In-MATCH.. 78

11.4.1     AUTO.. 78

11.4.2     TELEOP. 79

11.4.3     SCORING ELEMENT. 79

11.4.4     ROBOT. 81

11.4.5     Opponent Interaction. 83

11.4.6     Human. 85

11.5    Post-MATCH.. 87

12       ROBOT Construction Rules (R) 89

12.1    General ROBOT Design. 91

12.2    ROBOT Safety & Damage Prevention. 95

12.3    Fabrication. 96

12.4    ROBOT SIGN Rules. 98

12.5    Motors & Actuators. 101

12.6    Power Distribution. 104

12.7    Control, Command & Signals System.. 110

12.8    Pneumatic Systems. 116

12.9    OPERATOR CONSOLE. 116

13       Tournament (T) 119

13.1    Overview.. 119

13.2    General Tournament Rules. 119

13.3    MATCH Replays. 120

13.4    Clarifications on MATCH Play Results (“Question Box”) 122

13.5    Qualification MATCHES. 123

13.5.1     Schedule. 123

13.5.2     MATCH Assignment 123

13.5.3     Qualification Ranking. 124

13.6    Playoff MATCHES. 125

13.6.1     ALLIANCE Selection Process. 126

13.6.2     Playoff MATCH Bracket 126

13.6.3     2-ALLIANCE Bracket and Typical Timing. 128

13.6.4     4-ALLIANCE Bracket and Typical Timing. 129

13.6.5     6-ALLIANCE Bracket and Typical Timing. 130

13.6.6     8-ALLIANCE Bracket and Typical Timing. 131

13.7    Dual Division Events. 133

13.7.1     Dual Division playoffs. 133

14       League Play Tournaments (L) 135

15       FIRST Championship (C) 137

15.1    Advancement to the FIRST Championship. 137

15.2    Game Modification. 137

15.3    3-ROBOT ALLIANCES. 137

15.4    FIRST Championship Pit Crews. 138

15.5    FIRST Championship playoffs. 138

16       Glossary. 139

 

 

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1       Introduction

1.1          About FIRST®

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest in science and technology. As a robotics community that prepares young people for the future, FIRST is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. For 30 years, FIRST has combined the rigor of STEM learning with the fun and excitement of traditional sports and the inspiration that comes from community through programs that have a proven impact on learning, interest, and skill-building inside and outside of the classroom. FIRST provides programs that span a variety of age groups:

-       FIRST® Robotics Competition for grades 9-12, ages 14-18

-       FIRST® Tech Challenge for grades 7-12, ages 12-18

-       FIRST® LEGO® League for grades Pre-K-8, ages 4-16

o   FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge for grades 4-8 (ages 9-16, ages vary by country)

o   FIRST® LEGO® League Explore for grades 2-4 (ages 6-10)

o   FIRST® LEGO® League Discover for grades Pre-K-1 (ages 4-6)

Please visit the FIRST website for more information about FIRST and its programs.

1.2          FIRST® Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge is a student-centered program that focuses on giving young people a unique and stimulating experience. Each year, small teams of students with the help of mentors engage in a new dynamic challenge where they design, build, test, and program robots that must perform a series of game tasks autonomously and under driver control. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. To learn more about FIRST® Tech Challenge and other FIRST® Programs, visit www.firstinspires.org.

1.3          Gracious Professionalism®, a FIRST Credo

Gracious Professionalism® is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Gracious Professionalism is not clearly defined for a reason. It can and should mean different things to everyone.

Some possible meanings of Gracious Professionalism include:

-       gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win,

-       gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions,

-       professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly, and

-       gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.

In the context of FIRST, this means that all teams and participants should:

-       learn to be strong competitors, but also treat one another with respect and kindness in the process and

-       avoid leaving anyone feeling as if they are excluded or unappreciated.

Knowledge, pride, and empathy should be comfortably and genuinely blended.

In the end, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. When professionals use knowledge in a gracious manner and individuals act with integrity and sensitivity, everyone wins and society benefits.

Figure 11: Dr. Woodie Flowers, Gracious Professionalism advocate and exemplar

Dr. Woodie Flowers speaking at a podium at the FIRST Championship

“The FIRST spirit encourages doing high-quality, well-informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious Professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful.”

- Dr. Woodie Flowers, (1943 – 2019)

Distinguished Advisor to FIRST

 

It is a good idea to spend time going over this concept with your team and reinforcing it regularly. We recommend providing your team with real-life examples of Gracious Professionalism in practice, such as when a team loans valuable materials or expertise to another team that they will later face as an opponent in competition. Routinely highlight opportunities to display Gracious Professionalism at events and encourage team members to suggest ways in which they can demonstrate this quality themselves and through outreach activities.

1.4          Coopertition®

At FIRST, Coopertition® is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with one another even as they compete. Coopertition involves learning from teammates and mentors. Coopertition means competing always but assisting and enabling others when you can.

1.5          Spirit of Volunteering

FIRST can only hope to achieve our mission of providing life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world with your help.

There are two phrases which drive and motivate the individuals that volunteer their time for FIRST: “Giving Back” and “Pay It Forward.” Each year, you have the extraordinary opportunity to help create the best-ever experience for our fellow volunteers, mentors, and students by becoming a FIRST volunteer.

To our team members and mentors: remember that the volunteers you interact with are dedicating their most precious asset - their time - to ensure that all teams have a fulfilling, fun, and memorable competition. Volunteers are the lifeblood of FIRST, and without them, FIRST would not be where it is today. We urge you to remember that Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. We strive to train each volunteer to always exhibit Gracious Professionalism - we hope we can work together to create an environment where all feel safe and welcome.

Please consider volunteering at local events near you but know that not all applicants can be placed in all roles at any given event. Please work with your volunteer coordinator and local program delivery partner (PDP) to help identify the most meaningful way you can help in your region. A complete set of all role-specific volunteer materials can be found on our Volunteer Resources Page.

1.6          Accessibility and Inclusion

FIRST is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and as such, FIRST makes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities that request accommodation. If a participant needs accommodation for an event, please contact your local leadership before the event so they can help ensure the accommodation is provided. Local leadership may make exceptions to rules to allow for reasonable accommodation given the exceptions do not create an undue hardship or cause safety concerns.

1.7          This Document & Its Conventions

The 2024 Competition Manual is a resource for all FIRST Tech Challenge teams for information specific to the 2024 season and the INTO THE DEEPSM presented by RTX game. Its audience will find the following detail:

-       a general overview of the INTO THE DEEP game,

-       detail about the INTO THE DEEP playing FIELD,

-       a description of how to play the INTO THE DEEP game,

-       rules (related to safety, conduct, gameplay, inspection, event, etc.),

-       ROBOT construction rules, and

-       a description of how teams advance at 2024-2025 tournaments and throughout the season.

The intent of this manual is that the text means exactly, and only, what it says. Please avoid interpreting the text based on assumptions about intent, implementation of past rules, or how a situation might be in “real life.” There are no hidden requirements or restrictions. If you’ve read everything, you know everything.

Specific methods are used throughout this manual to highlight warnings, cautions, key words, and phrases. These conventions are used to alert the reader to important information and are intended to help teams in constructing a ROBOT that complies with the rules in a safe manner.

Links to other section headings and rule references within this manual appear in blue underlined text with a grey background. Links to external resources appear blue underlined text.

For linked references not included in a preview release of this document, the links will appear with the section letter and ### for the rules number within square brackets. For example, a cross link to a game rule before a game rule is released will appear as [G###] and will be replaced with the current linked rule when that section of the manual is released.

Key words that have a particular meaning within the context of FIRST Tech Challenge and INTO THE DEEP are defined in section 16 Glossary and indicated in ALL CAPS throughout this document.

The rule numbering method indicates the section, subsection, and position of the rule within that subsection. The letter indicates the section in which the rule is published.

-       I for Section             3 Competition Eligibility and Inspection (I)

-       E for Section            5 Event Rules (E)

-       A for Section            6 Awards (A)

-       G for Section           11 Game Rules (G)

-       R for Section            12 ROBOT Construction Rules (R)

-       T for Section            13 Tournament (T)

-       L for Section            14 League Play Tournaments (L)

-       C for Section            15 FIRST Championship (C)

The following digit(s) represents the subsection in which the rule can be found. The final digits indicate the rule’s position within that subsection.

Figure 12 Rule numbering method

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Warnings, cautions, and notes appear in orange boxes. Pay close attention to their contents as they’re intended to provide insight into the reasoning behind a rule, helpful information on understanding or interpreting a rule, and/or possible “best practices” for use when implementing systems affected by a rule.

While orange boxes are part of the manual, they do not carry the weight of the actual rule (if there is an inadvertent conflict between a rule and its orange box, the rule supersedes the language in the orange box).

Imperial dimensions are followed by comparable metric dimensions in parentheses to provide metric users with the approximate size, mass, etc. Metric conversions (e.g., dimensions) round to the nearest tenths, e.g., "17.5 in. (~44.5 cm).” The metric conversions are offered for convenient reference only and do not overrule or take the place of the imperial dimensions presented in this manual and the official drawings (i.e., dimensions and rules will always defer to measurements using imperial units).

Rules include colloquial language, also called headlines, in an effort to convey an abbreviated version of the rule or rule set. There are two versions of headline formatting. Evergreen rules, rules which are expected to go relatively unchanged from season to season, are indicated with their headline presented in *bold green text with a leading asterisk. “Relatively unchanged” means that the overall intent and presence of the rule from season to season is constant, but game specific terms may be updated as needed (e.g., changing Cones to Pixels in a rule about what DRIVE COACHES may not contact during a MATCH). These rules also start their respective section, so their rule number is less likely to change from season to season. All other rule headlines use bold orange text. Any disagreement between the specific language used in the rules and the colloquial language is an error, and the specific rule language is the ultimate authority. If you discover a disparity, please let us know at firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org.

Team resources that are not generally season specific (for example, what to expect at an event, communication resources, team organization recommendations, and award descriptions) can be found on the FIRST Tech Challenge website.

1.8          Translations & Other Versions

The FIRST Tech Challenge Competition Manual is originally and officially written in English and is occasionally translated into other languages for the benefit of FIRST Tech Challenge teams whose native language may not be English. These assets are posted on the Translated Manuals page.

A text-based English version can be provided only for use with assistive devices and not for redistribution. For more information, please contact FIRST Tech Challenge at firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org.

In the event that a rule or description is modified in an alternate version of this manual, the latest English PDF version as published on the Game and Season web page is the authoritative version.

1.9          Team Updates

Team Updates are used to notify the FIRST Tech Challenge community of revisions to the official season documentation (for example, the manual, drawings, etc.) or important season news. Team Update posts are scheduled as follows:

-       Every other Thursday beginning on kickoff day and ending two weeks prior to FIRST Championship.

Team Updates are posted on the Game and Season web page and are generally posted at 1pm Eastern.

Team Updates are indicated using the following formatting:

-       Additions are highlighted in yellow. This is an example.

-       Deletions are indicated with a strikethrough. This is an example.

1.10      Question and Answer System

The Question and Answer System (Q&A) is a resource for teams to ask questions about gameplay, competition rules, judging and advancement, ROBOT build rules, and FIELD setup. Teams can search for previously asked questions and responses or pose new questions. Questions can include examples for clarity or reference multiple rules to understand the relationships and differences between them.

The Q&A opens on September 16, 2024, 12:00p.m. ET. Access to the Game Q&A forum is through the Lead Coach/Mentor 1 and/or Lead Coach/Mentor 2’s account on the FIRST dashboard. Follow the instructions on how to create an official Q&A account. Teams may still create a separate view-only account to read the forum.

The Q&A may result in revisions to the text in the official manuals (which are communicated using the process described in section 1.9 Team Updates).

Moderators will answer team questions beginning each Monday, and close on Thursday at 12:00pm ET. The responses in the Q&A do not supersede the text in the manual, although every effort will be made to eliminate inconsistencies between the two. While responses provided in the Q&A may be used to aid discussion at each event, REFEREES and INSPECTORS are the ultimate authority on rules. If you have concerns about enforcement trends by volunteer authorities, please notify FIRST at firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org.

The Q&A is not a resource for firm predictions on how a situation will play out at an event. Questions about the following may not be addressed:

-       rulings on vague situations

-       challenging decisions made at past events

-       design reviews of a ROBOT system for legality

-       questions that are overly broad, vague, and/or include no rule references

Some examples of questions that may not be answered in the Q&A are:

-       how should the REFEREE have ruled when this specific gameplay happened?

-       duplicate questions

-       questions clearly defined/addressed in this manual

Good questions ask generically about features of parts or designs, gameplay scenarios, or rules, and often reference one or more relevant rules within the question. Some examples of questions that will likely be answered in the Q&A are:

-       A device we are considering using on the ROBOT comes with purple AWG 40 wire, does this comply with R?? and R??

-       We’re not sure how to interpret Rule G?? applies if blue ROBOT A does X and red ROBOT B does Y, can you please clarify?

-       If a ROBOT does this specific action, is it doing what this defined term is describing?

Questions from “FTC 1000” represent content asked by key volunteers (e.g., REFEREES, INSPECTORS), answered by FIRST, and are considered relevant to teams.

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2       FIRST Season Overview

 

FIRST DIVE presented by Qualcomm Logo

 

 

Explore the Future

 

The ocean is more than what you can see on the horizon. Beneath the surface lies our planet’s most complex ecosystems, full of life and potential for exploration and learning, where each inhabitant has a role to play in building a thriving environment.

During the 2024-2025 FIRST season, FIRST® DIVE presented by Qualcomm, teams will use their STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the surface of the ocean. Along the way, we’ll uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans. Join us as we explore the future.

 

FIRST Dive Season Program Logos


3       Competition Eligibility and Inspection (I)

3.1          Team Eligibility Rules

I101        *Teams must be registered with FIRST. Teams must be “competition ready” in order to compete in FIRST Tech Challenge official events and earn MATCH points or be eligible for judged awards.

A.     North America - competition ready requirements:

i.        complete annual registration process through the FIRST dashboard

ii.       pay annual registration fee

iii.     two adults must be assigned in the Lead Coach/Mentor 1/Lead Coach/Mentor 2 roles and have passed Youth Protection Program (YPP) screening

iv.     register all youth team members on the FIRST dashboard

B.     Outside North America - competition ready requirements:

i.        complete annual registration process through the FIRST dashboard

ii.       complete any additional requirements by the local FIRST program delivery partner with regards to program fees, registrations and youth protection screening.

The local program delivery partner may make exceptions for delayed payment on a case-by-case basis. Teams who have not paid annual registration fees will not earn any official season record and will not be allowed to advance.

I102        *Check-in at the event on time. Teams must check-in by the check-in deadline listed on the public event schedule or as instructed by the event director. Check-in must be completed by a team adult and at least one STUDENT must be present at the venue before check-in can be completed.

Additional check-in requirements will vary by region but may require one or more of the following items:

A.     team roster from the team’s FIRST dashboard (North America only)

B.     local program delivery partner team member registration or consent forms (varies by region)

C.     A ROBOT built to play the current season’s game if they intend to participate in MATCHES

D.     printed judging support materials (optional, see section 6 Awards (A))

All teams, regardless of how “ready” they think they are, are encouraged to participate in ROBOT gameplay and judging. Teams are encouraged to reach out to their program delivery partner and other teams to request help getting their ROBOT ready to compete before attending an event.

Teams who do not wish to or do not feel ready to participate in judging or ROBOT gameplay should notify their program delivery partner before the event if at all possible, for scheduling purposes.

I103        *A responsible adult must be present for the whole event. At least one, preferably two, adult(s) responsible for the STUDENT team members must be present at all times during the event. Adults attending FIRST Tech Challenge events are expected to follow the same rules as youth participants.


 

3.2          Awards Eligibility Rules

Complete details and rules about FIRST Tech Challenge judged awards can be found in section 6 Awards (A).

Notable changes from last season:

A.     Control Award does not have a separate submission form and should be included in the PORTFOLIO.

B.     Promote Award has been retired.

C.     not submitting a PORTFOLIO no longer eliminates a team from all Judged Award considerations.

D.     recording audio or video is not permitted during interviews.

3.3          MATCH Eligibility Rules

This section describes the rules governing MATCH participation. A team has participated in a MATCH if any member of their DRIVE TEAM is in the ALLIANCE AREA, with or without the ROBOT on the FIELD, at the start of the MATCH.

This section describes the rules and requirements for team participation in MATCH play. ROBOTS are required to pass ROBOT inspections before being allowed to compete. These inspections are to help ensure that all section 12 ROBOT Construction Rules (R) are satisfied.

At each event, the lead ROBOT INSPECTOR (LRI) has final authority on the legality of any COMPONENT, MECHANISM, or ROBOT. INSPECTORS may re-inspect ROBOTS at any time to ensure compliance with the rules. Teams are expected to consult with INSPECTORS or the LRI if they have any questions regarding the legality of a ROBOT or about how to make a ROBOT legal.

The inspection process may progress in blocks, i.e., it may pause for a team to make a correction. The process may employ various INSPECTORS throughout the process based on availability. At the team’s discretion, they may request a different INSPECTOR or invite the lead ROBOT INSPECTOR to participate in their ROBOT’S inspection.

Events may assign specific inspection time slots for teams to better facilitate a quick and orderly inspection process. Teams should plan to report to their assigned inspection times fully ready to complete inspection.

Prior to the start of a MATCH, any ROBOT which is unable or ineligible to participate in that MATCH, as determined by the team, FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA), LRI, or head REFEREE, is DISABLED and can be removed from the FIELD with permission of the head REFEREE or FTA. A team whose ROBOT is DISABLED or not present is eligible to receive qualification MATCH Points or playoff MATCH points provided that its ROBOT has passed inspection, per I302, and as long as at least one STUDENT DRIVE TEAM member is present in the ALLIANCE AREA.

An Inspection Checklist will be available to help teams self-inspect their ROBOT before their event. Teams are strongly encouraged to self-inspect prior to their event.

I301        *It is your team’s ROBOT. The ROBOT and its MAJOR MECHANISMS must be built by the FIRST Tech Challenge team that has registered for the event and intends to use the ROBOT to participate in MATCHES or as part of judged awards.

A MAJOR MECHANISM is a group of COMPONENTS and/or MECHANISMS assembled together to address at least 1 game challenge: ROBOT movement, SCORING ELEMENT manipulation, FIELD element manipulation, or performance of a scorable task without the assistance of another ROBOT.

This rule requires that the ROBOT and its MAJOR MECHANISMS were built by its team but is not intended to prohibit or discourage assistance from other teams (e.g., fabricating elements, supporting construction, writing software, developing game strategy, contributing COMPONENTS and/or MECHANISMS).

Examples that would generally not be considered MAJOR MECHANISMS, and thus are not subject to this rule include, but are not limited to, the following:

A.     a gearbox assembly,

B.     a COMPONENT or MECHANISM that is part of a MAJOR MECHANISM, or

C.     COTS items.

I302        *Get inspected before playing a qualification/playoff MATCH. A team is only permitted to participate in a qualification or playoff MATCH and receive RANKING POINTS if their ROBOT has passed an initial, complete inspection. INSPECTORS are available to help, but teams are expected to ensure their ROBOT and other supporting equipment are within the rules at all times when competing.

Violation: If prior to the start of the MATCH, the team is DISQUALIFIED and not eligible to participate in the MATCH. If after the start of the MATCH, the team receives a RED CARD for that MATCH.

I303        *Bring the complete ROBOT and supporting equipment to inspection. At the time of inspection, the OPERATOR CONSOLE and the ROBOT with battery must be presented with all MECHANISMS (including all COMPONENTS of each MECHANISM), configurations, and decorations that will be used on the ROBOT in MATCHES without re-inspection per I304.

A.     ROBOTS are allowed to play MATCHES with a subset of the mechanisms that were present during inspection. Only mechanisms that were present during inspection may be added, removed, or reconfigured between MATCHES. The ROBOT should be assembled in a typical configuration used for MATCH play when reporting for inspection. ROBOT and all mechanisms must be inspected in every STARTING CONFIGURATION.

B.     If MECHANISMS are swapped out between MATCHES, the reconfigured ROBOT must still meet all rules.

C.     The total of all electronics (motors, servos, Android Devices, etc.) used to build all mechanisms and base ROBOT, whether they are used on the ROBOT at the same time or not, may not exceed the constraints specified in section 12 ROBOT Construction Rules (R).

I304        *Unless the change is listed below, any change to a ROBOT must get re-inspected. A ROBOT may play MATCHES with a subset of the MECHANISMS that were present during inspection provided the reconfigured ROBOT still complies with all ROBOT construction rules. Only MECHANISMS that were present during the inspection may be added, removed, or reconfigured between MATCHES without re-inspection per this rule. If a ROBOT is modified after its most recently passed inspection, it must be re-inspected before the ROBOT is eligible to participate in a MATCH.

Exceptions are listed below (unless they result in a significant change to the ROBOT’S size, legality, or safety).

A.     addition, relocation, or removal of fasteners (e.g., cable ties, tape, and rivets),

B.     addition, relocation, or removal of labeling or marking,

C.     addition, relocation, or replacement of the team SIGN,

D.     revision of ROBOT code,

E.     replacement of a COTS COMPONENT with an identical COTS COMPONENT,

F.     replacement of a MECHANISM with an identical MECHANISM (size, weight, material), and

G.     additions, removals, or reconfiguration of ROBOT with a subset of MECHANISMS already inspected per I303

Violation: ROBOT must be inspected before participating in a MATCH or the team will receive a RED CARD.

I305        *Do not exploit re-inspection. Teams may not use the re-inspection process in I304 to circumvent any other rules.

I306        *ROBOTS can be powered on for inspection only for specific verification steps. For the safety of all those involved, ROBOTS must be presented for inspection with the ROBOT powered off and springs or other non-electrical stored energy devices in their lowest potential energy states (e.g., springs relaxed).

Power should only be enabled on the ROBOT during those portions of the inspection process where it is required to validate certain system functionality and compliance with specific rules (software check, etc.). INSPECTORS may allow the ROBOT to be powered beyond the parameters above if both criteria below are met:

A.     the ROBOT design requires power or a charged stored energy device in order to confirm that the ROBOT meets STARTING CONFIGURATION requirements and

B.     the team has included safety interlocks that mitigate unexpected release of such stored energy.

Batteries can remain installed in the ROBOT for inspection, but all other stored energy from springs or other material deformation should be in the most relaxed low energy state possible.

The team may be asked to demonstrate these interlocks during the inspection process.

I307        *STUDENTS must be present during the inspection process. At least 1 STUDENT team member must accompany the ROBOT for any inspection efforts.

Exceptions may be made for major conflicts, e.g., religious holidays, major testing, transportation issues, etc.

Violation: Inspection will not continue until a STUDENT is present.

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4       Advancement

Teams are only eligible to advance from events within their own region. Teams may be invited to compete at tournaments outside of their region, however, they do so for the opportunity of additional gameplay and to compete with other teams from outside of their area and are not advancement eligible from these out-of-region events.

Teams can check what region they are assigned to on the FTC Events page by looking up their team number. Teams in regions that do not have a local program delivery partner, or who are geographically isolated within their home region can work with FIRST by emailing ftcteams@firstinspires.org to get reassigned to another more accessible region for advancement.

Figure 41: Region assignment display on FTC Events page

Screenshot highlighting region assignment on FTC Events page.

FIRST Tech Challenge tournament progression is shown in Figure 42. Teams can advance from any of their first three entry-level events: Qualifying Tournaments (QT) and League Tournaments (LT). Teams may only participate in one league per season. See section 14 League Play Tournaments (L) for more details on League Tournaments. Teams may participate in more than 3 entry-level events, but they are not eligible for advancement from those events.

Figure 42: Tournament advancement structure

Tournament advancement structure diagram

Teams may advance from their Qualifying Tournaments or League Tournament to either a Super Qualifying Tournament (SQT) or directly to a Regional Championship (RCMP). Super Qualifying Tournaments (SQT) are an optional advancement level often used in large regions which need more levels of competition. A team may only participate in one Super Qualifying Tournament.

The local program delivery partner determines the advancement numbers from each tournament in their region, up to the Regional Championship. FIRST Headquarters staff determine the advancement from each Regional Championship to the FIRST Championship.

If the team listed has already advanced or is ineligible for advancement, selection will continue down the list in Table 41 until all available advancement slots are filed.

Table 41: Advancement Order

 

Single Division

Events 4-10 Teams

Single Division

Events ≥11 Teams

Dual Division

0

Qualifying Tournament Host Team*

1

Inspire Award, 1st Place

2

Event 1st Place Alliance Captain

3

Event 1st Place Alliance Partner

4

Think Award, 1st Place

Inspire Award, 2nd Place

Inspire Award, 2nd Place

5

Connect/Motivate Award

Inspire Award, 3rd Place

(if Awarded)

Inspire Award, 3rd Place

6

2nd Place Alliance Captain

2nd Place Alliance Captain

1st Place Alliance Captain,

finalist division

7

Design/Control/Innovate Award

Think Award, 1st Place

Think Award, 1st Place

8

2nd Place Alliance Partner

2nd Place Alliance Partner

1st Place Alliance Partner,

finalist division

9

 

Connect Award, 1st Place

Connect Award, 1st Place

10

 

3rd Place Alliance Captain

2nd Place Alliance Captain, winning division

11

 

Innovate Award, 1st Place

Innovate Award, 1st Place

12

 

3rd Place Alliance Partner

2nd Place Alliance Captain, finalist division

13

 

Control Award, 1st Place

Control Award, 1st Place

14

 

Motivate Award, 1st Place

Motivate Award, 1st Place

15

 

Design Award, 1st Place

Design Award, 1st Place

16

 

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced

2nd Place Alliance Partner, winning division

17

 

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced

2nd Place Alliance Partner, finalist division

18**

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced

Next Highest Award

(2nd and 3rd places)

Not Already Advanced

Next Highest Award

(2nd and 3rd places)

Not Already Advanced

19**

 

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced,

winning division

20**

 

 

Next Highest Ranked Team

not already advanced,

finalist division

*At the discretion of the program delivery partner, a Qualifying Tournament (QT) host team may be granted advancement. The team must still compete at one other tournament within the region.

**If advancement selection goes beyond the 20th position, rows 18-20 will repeat as needed.

Blue circles on a black background

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5       Event Rules (E)

This section includes general rules which apply from the beginning of the public schedule when teams arrive through the end of the event with departure from the venue. They are high-level rules intended to promote an orderly and safe experience for all participants. The event director may specify additional restrictions beyond those listed here based on local venue requirements. 

Safety is always paramount, and many rules are intended to establish norms at each event that will mitigate injury risk to all participants.

The event director has the final decision authority for all safety-related issues within a venue.

5.1          General Rules

The rules below apply throughout an event from the beginning of the public schedule when teams arrive through the end of the event with departure from the venue.

Universal Violation Note: A violation of any Event Rules (E) will result in a verbal warning. Egregious or subsequent violations will be addressed by the head REFEREE, the lead ROBOT INSPECTOR (LRI) and/or event director and may result in disqualification for the team from MATCHES and awards. Criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will result in removal of individual(s) involved and/or disqualification for the team from the event. 

Additional rule specific violations, if applicable, are listed with their corresponding rule.

E101       *Personal safety comes first. All team members must observe the following safety practices throughout the event:

A.     wear safety glasses or safety rated glasses with side shields (ANSI-approved, UL Listed, CE EN166 rated, AS/NZS certified, or CSA rated) while in and around the playing FIELD and in the pit area. Clear or lightly tinted safety glasses are preferred. Shaded glasses are allowed for those who need them and do not require a specific accommodation request. The only instances where teams are not required to wear safety glasses are in their first 10 minutes of their event load in, and for the first 10 minutes pits are open each day of the event as long as they’re not working on the ROBOT or setting up their pit.

B.     wear closed toed/heeled shoes.

C.     control entanglement risks by tying back long hair and removing other dangling decorations including lanyards, spirit wear and rings as needed while working on or around a ROBOT or ROBOT related materials or tools.

D.     wear appropriate clothing.

E.     walk in the venue.

F.     comply with government and venue-specific health and safety requirements in place for that event (i.e., mask wearing).

Teams are responsible for bringing their own personal protective equipment.

For more information about safety at FIRST events, please reference the FIRST Safety Manual.

E102       *Be a Gracious Professional. All participants must be gracious and professional at all times while attending a FIRST Tech Challenge event. Uncivil behavior toward any participants is not tolerated.

Examples of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to:

A.     use of offensive language or other uncivil conduct towards someone, 

B.     intentionally blocking the view of other participants or spectators for an extended period (Team members momentarily holding up team signs while directly supporting their team is not considered a violation of this rule.), and

C.     jamming or interfering with the remote sensing capabilities of a ROBOT or the FIELD while in open-access spectator seating areas.

Examples of remote sensing capabilities include, but are not limited to, vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, and infrared proximity sensors.

Use of imagery that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the AprilTags employed on the FIELD is a violation of this rule.

Examples of particularly contemptible behavior that may result in ejection from the event include, but are not limited to, the following:

A.     assault, e.g., throwing something that hits another person (even if unintended),

B.     threat, e.g., saying something like “if you don’t reverse that call, I’ll make you regret it,”

C.     harassment, e.g., badgering someone with no new information after a decision has been made or a question has been answered,

D.     bullying, e.g., using body or verbal language to cause another person to feel inadequate or unsafe,

E.     insulting, e.g., telling someone they do not deserve to be on a team,

F.     swearing at another person (versus swearing under one’s breath or at oneself), and

G.     yelling at another person(s) in anger or frustration.

E103       *Children with adults, please. Children under 12 must be accompanied in the pits by an adult at all times.

E104       *Respect the venue. Teams may not damage the venue, including but not limited to bleachers, floors, walls, railings, in any way. This includes littering with team giveaways including candies, flyers and stickers.

E105       *Teams must check in. An adult team member must check in at the Pit Administration station, or the designated check in location, no later than 45 minutes before qualification MATCHES are scheduled to start unless otherwise specified or approved by the event director.

Violation: Failure to check in may result in a team not participating in the event.

E106       *Event resources are for competing teams only. Only teams registered for an event may use that event’s competition FIELD, practice FIELD, and inspection unless pre-approved by the event director or the program delivery partner. Host teams supplying practice FIELD elements and/or machine shop resources may use them, however teams registered for that event must be granted priority.


 

E107       *Practice only when/where permitted. Teams may only practice with their ROBOT in their pit space, in the designated event practice areas, or while in a practice MATCH.

Teams may not set up their own practice equipment outside their pit in other areas of the event venue. When practicing in their pit, safety must remain the top priority. If the event director determines a pit practice setup is unsafe or interferes with activity in adjacent pits or aisles, the team must discontinue the activity.

E108       *Work in designated areas only. At the event venue, teams may only produce FABRICATED ITEMS as follows:

A.     in their pit area,

B.     in another team’s pit area with permission from that team,

C.     while queued for a MATCH or practice FIELD (given space constraints, extra scrutiny regarding safety is required),

D.     any area designated by event staff (e.g., playoff pit area), or

E.     as permitted at provided machine shops that are available to all teams.

E109       *Some things do not 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.