RobotEvents.com
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Inspiring students, one robot at a time.
This Q&A is now read-only

Official Q&A: VIQC 2019-2020: Squared Away

Usage Guidelines All Questions

Broken cube scored on a platform

24R
25-Nov-2019

If a part of a green Cube breaks off during a match, can the Cube placed on the platform be considered "scored"? I am specifically considering a scenario where part of the cube breaks off and falls to the floor within the field perimeter. What remains of the cube is successfully placed on the platform. Is the part of the cube that has become detached considered as "contacting the floor"?

From the definition of "Scored" d. A Cube is Scored on a Platform if it meets the following criteria: i. The Cube is contacting the Platform (including its supporting structures). ii. The Cube is not contacting the Floor. iii. The Cube is not contacting the Field Perimeter. iv. The Cube matches the color of the Platform (i.e. is a green Cube). Note: A maximum of one (1) Cube may count for points per Platform

Scoring  
Answered by Game Design Committee

In the specific scenario you have described (e.g. one VEX IQ beam detached from a Cube), we would advise the Head Referee to give Teams the "benefit of the doubt" and consider the Cube to be Scored. However, this is not a blanket ruling, and will ultimately be at the Head Referee's discretion; if a Cube has completely broken in half, then it should not be considered Scored.

To minimize the possibility of difficult judgment calls, Head Referees are advised to check any VEX IQ part connections between matches, as noted in the associated Referee Training video. Teams should also bear in mind rule G13:

<G13> Don’t damage the Field or Game Objects. Robots may not grasp, grapple, or attach to any Field Elements, including the Platforms. Strategies with mechanisms that react against multiple sides of a Field Element in an effort to latch or clamp onto said Field Element are prohibited.

While Robots are permitted to grasp, grapple, or attach to Game Objects, Robots which cause damage to Game Objects would be considered in violation of this rule and/or <S1>.

The intent of this rule is to prevent Robots from unintentionally damaging the Field or Game Objects. Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the Match will result in a warning. Score affecting offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee’s discretion.