Welcome to the VEX Over Under Game Manual, your essential guide for the 2023-2024 VRC season. This document outlines rules, objectives, and gameplay specifics to ensure a successful competition experience.
Overview of the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC)
The VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) is a premier STEM-based program for students, fostering teamwork, creativity, and technical skills. Teams design and build robots to compete in challenges like Over Under, emphasizing strategy and innovation. VRC provides a platform for students to develop problem-solving abilities while promoting sportsmanship and collaboration. Each season introduces a new game manual outlining rules, objectives, and field configurations, ensuring dynamic and engaging competitions.
Importance of the Game Manual for Teams
The game manual is a critical resource for VRC teams, detailing rules, scoring systems, and robot specifications. It ensures compliance, fairness, and clarity, helping teams design and build robots effectively. Regular updates in the manual reflect rule changes, so staying informed is crucial for competitive success. Teams rely on it to understand gameplay mechanics, penalties, and tournament procedures, making it their primary reference throughout the season.
Key Updates in the 2023-2024 Season Manual
The 2023-2024 VEX Over Under Game Manual introduces significant updates, including revised field configurations and scoring mechanics. New rules for Match Load Triballs and autonomous periods enhance gameplay. Penalties for illegal moves have been clarified, and robot size restrictions have been adjusted. These changes ensure a balanced and competitive environment, with detailed explanations provided in the manual to guide teams in adapting their strategies effectively.
Game Overview and Objectives
VEX Over Under is played on a 12×12 field with two alliances. Teams score by placing balls in high and low goals, emphasizing strategic positioning and precision.
Field Configuration and Dimensions
The VEX Over Under field is a 12×12 square configuration, divided into zones for alliances. Each alliance has designated areas for scoring, with high and low goals placed strategically. The field features barriers and obstacles, including the Community Board, which plays a central role in gameplay. Teams must navigate these elements to achieve objectives efficiently. Dimensions and layouts are detailed in Appendix A for precise reference.
Gameplay Basics: Alliances and Match Structure
The VEX Over Under game involves two alliances, red and blue, competing on a 12×12 field. Matches are two minutes long, divided into autonomous and driver-controlled periods. Alliances must collaborate strategically to score points by completing objectives. The match structure emphasizes teamwork, with each alliance working together to maximize their score within the allotted time. Clear communication and coordination between teams are essential for success in this fast-paced competition format.
Primary and Secondary Objectives Explained
The primary objective is to score points by placing triballs into scoring zones or under the alliance’s platform. Secondary objectives focus on strategic plays, such as moving the platform to gain bonus points. Teams earn additional points for achieving specific tasks during the match, enhancing their overall score through a combination of primary and secondary strategies. Balancing both objectives is crucial for maximizing points and securing a win in the competition.
Scoring System and Point Allocation
Points are awarded based on triballs placed in scoring zones and strategic under/over interactions. Each action allocates specific point values, determining the match outcome efficiently.
Scoring Zones and Their Point Values
The field features high, mid, and low scoring zones with varying point values. High zones offer the most points, mid zones moderate, and low zones the least. Points are awarded based on triball placement and interactions, with specific values detailed in the manual. Understanding zone locations and point allocations is crucial for strategic gameplay and maximizing scores during matches.
Special Scoring Mechanics: Under and Over
The “Over” and “Under” mechanics introduce unique scoring opportunities. Triballs placed in elevated zones (“Over”) award higher points, while those in lower zones (“Under”) provide standard points. Bonus points are granted for stacking multiple triballs in a single zone, encouraging strategic placement and teamwork. These mechanics add depth to gameplay, rewarding both precision and coordination between alliances.
Penalties and Their Impact on Score
Penalties can significantly reduce a team’s score. Common infractions include illegal robot interactions, unsportsmanlike conduct, and field interference. Each penalty results in a predetermined point deduction, with repeated violations leading to escalating penalties. Strategic gameplay must balance risk and reward, as excessive penalties can undermine alliance performance. Teams must adhere to the manual’s guidelines to avoid setbacks and maintain competitive standing throughout the match.
Gameplay Mechanics and Rules
The 2023-2024 VEX Over Under game involves alliances of two teams competing on a 12×12 field. Matches include autonomous and driver-controlled periods, with specific rules governing robot interactions and the use of Match Load Triballs to achieve objectives.
Match Load Triballs: Usage and Guidelines
Match Load Triballs are essential components in the VEX Over Under game, used to score points by alliances. Teams must adhere to specific guidelines for loading and utilizing these triballs during matches. The game manual details rules for legal loading mechanisms and prohibited methods. Proper usage ensures fair competition and optimal scoring opportunities. Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification. Detailed instructions are provided in Appendix B of the manual.
Robot Interactions: Legal and Illegal Moves
Understanding legal and illegal robot interactions is crucial for fair competition. The game manual specifies allowed actions, such as intentional contact that doesn’t cause damage, and prohibited actions, like deliberate ramming or blocking without scoring. Illegal moves can result in penalties or disqualification. Teams must adhere to these guidelines to maintain a fair and safe environment. The manual provides detailed definitions and examples to guide teams in compliant behavior.
Autonomous and Driver-Controlled Periods
The VEX Over Under game manual outlines two key match periods: Autonomous and Driver-Controlled. The Autonomous period lasts 15 seconds, during which robots operate independently using pre-programmed instructions. The Driver-Controlled period follows, lasting 1 minute and 45 seconds, where drivers manually control the robots to score points. Both periods are crucial for maximizing points, with the Autonomous period showcasing programming skills and the Driver-Controlled period requiring strategic teamwork and precision.
Robot Rules and Specifications
The VEX Over Under game manual specifies robot size, weight, and power limits to ensure safety and fair competition. Robots must pass inspections and adhere to approved components and safety standards, with detailed guidelines provided in the manual.
Size, Weight, and Power Restrictions
Robots in VEX Over Under must adhere to specific size, weight, and power restrictions. The maximum robot size is determined by a 12×12-inch starting template. The weight limit is strictly enforced to ensure safety and fair competition. Power consumption is also capped to prevent excessive performance advantages. Teams must comply with these rules to avoid penalties and ensure their robots meet all specifications outlined in the game manual.
Approved Components and Safety Features
All robots must use components approved by VEX Robotics, including motors, pistons, and control systems. Safety features such as bumpers, made from specific materials, are mandatory to protect alliances and field elements. Teams must ensure compliance with these standards to pass inspections and avoid penalties. Non-approved components or missing safety features will result in disqualification or point deductions, as outlined in the game manual.
Inspection and Compliance Requirements
Robots must undergo pre-match inspections to ensure compliance with size, weight, and component regulations. Inspectors verify that all parts are approved and meet safety standards. Teams must present their robots for inspection before qualifying matches. Failure to comply with regulations results in penalties or disqualification. Inspection checks include dimensional measurements, component verification, and safety feature validation. Passing inspection is mandatory for match participation, as outlined in the VEX Over Under Game Manual.
Tournament Rules and Conduct
The VEX Over Under Game Manual outlines tournament rules, emphasizing sportsmanship, fair play, and respect among teams. Teams must adhere to alliance interactions and match procedures, with penalties for misconduct.
Pre-Match and Post-Match Procedures
Pre-match procedures involve field setup, robot inspections, and alliance check-ins. Teams must ensure robots comply with manual guidelines and complete inspection processes. Post-match, teams are expected to exit the field promptly, avoiding interference. Any questions or issues should be addressed through designated referees. Proper conduct and sportsmanship are essential throughout all procedures to maintain a fair and respectful competition environment. Adherence to these protocols ensures smooth tournament operations.
Sportsmanship and Team Behavior Guidelines
Sportsmanship is a cornerstone of the VEX Robotics Competition. Teams must exhibit respect, integrity, and fairness toward opponents, referees, and volunteers. Avoid disruptive or disrespectful behavior, and ensure all actions align with the spirit of teamwork and collaboration. Adherence to these guidelines fosters a positive and inclusive environment, promoting the values of STEM education and competition. Teams are expected to follow all rules and maintain professionalism throughout the event.
Disqualification and Appeals Process
Disqualification occurs when teams violate rules or exhibit unsportsmanlike conduct. Warnings are issued before disqualification, with penalties affecting match results or rankings. Teams may appeal decisions through formal channels, providing evidence to support their case. Appeals are reviewed by event officials, with final decisions typically standing. Understanding this process ensures fairness and clarity for all participants in the competition.
Field Elements and Their Functions
The 12×12 field features key elements like the Community Board, scoring zones, and obstacles. These components are designed to facilitate gameplay, scoring, and strategic interactions between alliances.
Community Board and Its Role
The Community Board is a central field element in the VEX Over Under game. It features slots where alliances can place Triballs to earn bonus points. Teams earn points by inserting Triballs into specific slots, with the board’s configuration changing periodically. This dynamic element encourages strategic planning and interaction between alliances during matches, adding an extra layer of complexity and scoring opportunities to the competition.
Scoring Zones: Placement and Dimensions
Scoring Zones in the VEX Over Under game are strategically placed across the 12×12 field to maximize gameplay dynamics. High, Mid, and Low Zones are positioned in corners and mid-field areas, varying in size and point value. Their dimensions and locations are designed to encourage alliance coordination and efficient scoring. The Community Board also integrates with these zones, offering bonus opportunities for precise Triball placement, enhancing overall match strategy and scoring potential.
Field Obstacles and Their Impact
The VEX Over Under field features obstacles that challenge robot navigation and strategy. Barriers like the Community Board and field walls require precise movement to avoid penalties. Robots must maneuver around these structures to access scoring zones effectively. Illegal interactions with obstacles can result in penalties, emphasizing the importance of accurate autonomous and driver-controlled navigation to maintain gameplay flow and maximize scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Game Manual Appendices and Resources
The appendices provide detailed field diagrams, robot skills guidelines, and additional resources to help teams understand and prepare for the VEX Over Under competition effectively.
Appendix A: Field Diagrams and Layout
Appendix A provides detailed field diagrams and layouts for the VEX Over Under game. It includes precise dimensions, scoring zone placements, and obstacle configurations. Teams can use this section to visualize the 12×12 square field, understand the positioning of key elements like the community board, and plan their strategies accordingly. The diagrams are essential for building an accurate field replica and ensuring compliance with game rules.
Appendix B: Robot Skills and Match Load Details
Appendix B outlines the specifics of robot skills and match load details for the VEX Over Under game. It provides guidelines for utilizing Match Load Triballs, ensuring compliance with game rules. This section also details the technical aspects of robot performance, such as legal moves and component usage, to ensure fair competition. Teams can reference this appendix to understand how to effectively prepare their robots for matches and adhere to all regulations.
Additional Resources for Teams
Additional resources for teams include online forums, VEX U training materials, and official VEX Robotics websites. These platforms provide detailed guides, video tutorials, and community support to help teams understand the game manual and improve their robot designs. Teams can also access CGCircuit for learning advanced design techniques and stay updated on the latest competition strategies and rule interpretations to ensure optimal performance in the Over Under game.