Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
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Official Q&A: VRC 2018-2019: Turning Point

Usage Guidelines All Questions

132: SG1 SG3 clarifying


41091A
1-Nov-2018

SG1> Starting a Match. Prior to the start of each Match, the Robot must be placed such that it is:

  1. Touching one of its colored Alliance Starting Tiles.
  2. Not touching any other foam field tiles or Game Objects that are not Preloads.
  3. Preloaded with one (1) Ball.

To be clear, we park in our Alliance starting tile with our wheels completely touching the Alliance Tile and part of our robot that is not touching the tile can be outside of the Alliance tile. I'm happy to share a picture of an example if needed.

Autonomous Line definition – The pair of white tape lines that run across the center of the field, underneath the Platforms. Per <SG3>, Robots may not contact the foam field tiles on the opposite Alliance’s side of the Autonomous Line during the Autonomous Period <SG3> Stay on your side in Autonomous. During the Autonomous Period, Robots may not do any of the following:

  1. Contact the foam tiles on the opposing Alliance’s side of the Autonomous Line.
  2. Contact the opposing Alliance Platform.
  3. Become Center Parked.

Can we cross the Autonomous line with part of our robot that isn't phyisically touching the foam tile?

Thank you

Answered by Game Design Committee

Regarding <SG1>, if the Robot meets the three criteria listed, then it is in a legal starting position. Keeping the entire Robot within an infinite vertical projection of the Starting Tile is not one of the criteria that is listed. So, while it is always impossible to issue a blanket ruling on a hypothetical description, your description sounds like it is legal, provided no other rules (such as <G3>) are violated.

Regarding <SG3>, if the Robot does not perform any of the three actions listed, then it has not committed a violation. Extending past the Autonomous Line without contacting the foam field tile, with the exception of being Center Parked, is not one of the actions listed. So, it will not be a violation, provided that no other rules are violated in the process.