FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) is a robotics program inspiring students to explore STEM fields. The Game Manual Part 1 provides essential rules, robot design specs, and competition guidelines. Staying updated ensures teams understand the latest changes and can compete effectively.
1.1. About FTC
FTC, or FIRST Tech Challenge, is a robotics program designed for students in grades 7 through 12. Founded by Dean Kamen, it aims to inspire young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program challenges teams to design, build, and compete with robots while fostering teamwork, innovation, and community engagement. FTC is part of the FIRST organization, which also includes other programs like FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Lego League (FLL). The FTC season typically runs from September to April, culminating in regional, national, and international competitions. Teams are encouraged to develop not only technical skills but also essential life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership. The FTC Game Manual Part 1 serves as a foundational guide, outlining the rules, regulations, and expectations for the competition. It ensures a fair and consistent experience for all participants, helping teams prepare effectively for the challenges ahead.
1.2. Importance of the Game Manual
The FTC Game Manual Part 1 is a critical resource for all participants, providing a comprehensive guide to the competition. It outlines the rules, regulations, and expectations, ensuring fairness and consistency across all teams. By adhering to the manual, teams can avoid disqualification and ensure their robots meet eligibility standards. The document also clarifies scoring systems, competition formats, and judging criteria, helping teams prepare strategically. Additionally, it serves as a reference for coaches, mentors, and judges, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. The manual is regularly updated to reflect changes in the competition, making it essential for teams to review the latest version each season. Staying informed about the rules and guidelines is crucial for success in FTC, and the Game Manual Part 1 is the primary source for this information.
1.3. Key Updates in the Latest Version
The latest version of the FTC Game Manual Part 1, released on October 18, 2023, introduces several critical updates. These changes are essential for teams to understand and implement to ensure compliance and competitiveness. Key updates include revised robot design specifications, new game rules, and adjustments to the scoring system. Additionally, there are updates to match play rules and penalties for violations. The manual also clarifies judging criteria and award categories, providing clearer guidelines for teams to focus their efforts. Another significant update is the introduction of remote participation options for certain events, reflecting the evolving nature of competitions. The manual now includes more detailed explanations of legal and illegal robot components, ensuring teams can build their robots with confidence. Lastly, the scoring system has been refined to emphasize strategic gameplay and innovation. Teams are encouraged to thoroughly review these updates to stay competitive and avoid disqualifications. The latest version is available on the official FTC website, and a text-based version is provided for accessibility purposes.
FTC Game Manual Part 1 is essential for teams, detailing rules, robot specs, scoring, competition structure, judging criteria, and match play rules. It ensures compliance and success in FTC events, providing a foundational guide for the season.
2.1. Game Rules and Regulations
The FTC Game Manual Part 1 outlines the official rules and regulations governing robot design, gameplay, and team conduct. These rules ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across all competitions. Key sections include robot specifications, match play guidelines, and penalties for violations. Teams must adhere to these rules to maintain eligibility and ensure smooth competition flow.
Rules cover aspects like robot dimensions, weight limits, and allowable materials. They also detail game setup, match timing, and scoring mechanisms. Violations, such as illegal parts or unsportsmanlike conduct, result in penalties or disqualification. Staying updated with the latest manual revisions is crucial for compliance.
The manual also addresses field setup, alliance formations, and match formats. It provides clarity on acceptable strategies and prohibited actions during matches. By following these regulations, teams can focus on innovation and collaboration, fostering a competitive yet respectful environment.
Regular updates ensure the rules evolve with technological advancements and competition needs. Teams are encouraged to review the manual thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings and optimize their performance. Adherence to these rules is essential for a successful and enjoyable FTC experience.
2.2. Robot Design and Build Specifications
The FTC Game Manual Part 1 provides detailed guidelines for robot design and construction. Teams must ensure their robots adhere to specific dimensional, weight, and material restrictions. The manual outlines allowable components, prohibited materials, and design constraints to ensure safety and fairness.
Robot dimensions are strictly enforced, with maximum size limits to prevent oversized designs. Weight restrictions are also in place to maintain competition balance. Teams must use approved materials and components, avoiding any modifications that could create unsafe conditions or provide an unfair advantage.
The manual specifies rules for drivetrains, actuators, and attachments. It also addresses autonomous and driver-controlled functionalities. Teams are required to pass inspections to verify compliance with these specifications before competing.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures robots are compatible with the game environment and promotes a level playing field. Non-compliance can result in penalties or disqualification, emphasizing the importance of careful design and adherence to the rules.
2.3. Scoring System Overview
The FTC Game Manual Part 1 outlines the scoring system, which is designed to reward teams for achieving specific objectives during matches. Points are awarded based on the completion of tasks, such as scoring game elements, completing autonomous actions, and executing endgame procedures.
The scoring system is divided into categories, including autonomous bonuses, tele-operated scores, and endgame multipliers. Teams earn points for placing game elements in designated zones, with higher-value zones rewarding more points. Autonomous actions, such as navigating to specific areas or scoring elements without driver input, provide additional bonuses.
Endgame actions, like lifting or balancing robots, can significantly increase a team’s score. The manual also specifies how penalties, such as illegal moves or rule violations, deduct points. The total score is calculated by summing earned points and applying any penalties.
The scoring system encourages strategic gameplay, precise robot design, and effective teamwork. Teams must balance scoring high-value actions with avoiding penalties to maximize their overall score.
Understanding the scoring system is crucial for developing competitive strategies and optimizing robot performance during matches.
2.4. Competition Structure and Event Types
The FTC competition structure is designed to provide a progression of events that test teams’ skills, strategy, and sportsmanship. Teams participate in a series of tournaments, starting with local qualifiers, followed by regional or state-level events, and culminating in the World Championship.
Qualifying tournaments are the entry point for most teams, where they earn ranking points based on performance. These events include match play, judging sessions, and awards ceremonies. Teams that perform well advance to regional championships, which bring together top performers from a broader area.
The World Championship is the pinnacle event, gathering teams from around the globe to compete in a high-stakes environment. The competition structure ensures that all teams have opportunities to showcase their robots and teamwork, regardless of their geographic location.
Additional event types include online competitions and remote judging options, which have become more prevalent to accommodate global participation. These formats allow teams to compete virtually, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
The FTC competition structure is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and healthy competition, preparing students for real-world challenges in STEM fields.
2.5. Judging Criteria and Awards
FTC competitions evaluate teams based on multiple criteria to recognize excellence in various areas. The judging criteria include robot performance, design quality, teamwork, and community engagement. Judges review the engineering notebook, which documents the team’s design process and strategy.
Awards are presented to teams that excel in specific categories. The Winning Alliance Award goes to the top-performing teams in match play, while the Design Award honors innovative and efficient robot designs. The Judges’ Award recognizes teams that demonstrate exceptional creativity or perseverance.
Other notable awards include the Motivate Award for spirited teamwork and community outreach, and the Think Award for robust engineering and design processes. Teams can also earn the Connect Award for effective communication and collaboration with other teams and mentors.
Awards are announced during ceremonies at each event, providing recognition and inspiration for teams. These accolades highlight the diverse skills and contributions of participants, emphasizing that FTC is about more than just robot performance. Teams strive to excel in all areas to stand out and earn these prestigious awards.
2.6. Match Play Rules and Violations
Match play is the competitive aspect of FTC where alliances of two teams operate their robots to score points. Matches are timed, typically lasting 2.5 minutes, and consist of autonomous and driver-controlled periods. Teams must adhere to field rules to avoid penalties.
Violations, such as illegal robot contact or field interference, result in penalties like point deductions or disqualification. Teams are expected to follow all game rules outlined in the manual to ensure fair play and sportsmanship.
- Robots must stay within the field boundaries during play.
- Unauthorized interactions with opposing robots or game elements are prohibited.
- Repeated violations may lead to penalties or match disqualification.
Referees monitor matches to enforce rules, and their decisions are final. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for teams to compete effectively and avoid unnecessary penalties during matches.
