High Goal Out of Tolerance : Robot Events

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High Goal Out of Tolerance

920B

28-Jan-2023

Rule < T25> states:

Be prepared for minor field variance. Field Element tolerances may vary from nominal by ±1.0”, unless otherwise specified in this Game Manual, official Q&A, or Appendix. Disc weights may vary from nominal to ±20 grams. High Goal heights may vary from nominal to ±1.0” (25.4mm). Teams are encouraged to design their Robots accordingly. Please make sure to check Appendix A for more specific nominal dimensions and tolerances.

The high goal has no secure attachment to the white pole, allowing it to slide side-to-side along the white pole up to several inches in each direction. This is largely because the black pole connecting the high goal to the center pole of the net has a lot of leeway. This often leads to the goal being out of the ±1" tolerance, especially when the high goal gets bumped during field reset. This leads to inconsistent autonomouses (due to the field being out of tolerance) and unequal scoring areas for each alliance.

The only way we see for teams to ensure the field is in tolerance before every match is to manually check it every time. However this is not an optimal solution, as it is impractical to have to inspect the high goals before every match.

Are there any other ways teams can ensure that the high goals are in tolerance at the beginning of each match?
Additionally, if the high goal is found to be out of tolerance after/during the match, would that warrant a match replay as per rule < T7 a. i.>?
If the answer to the previous question was yes, then how should event partners/head referees deal with more than just a few match replays (if the high goal was found to be out of tolerance in more than just a few matches)?

These images were taken from the exact same location to illustrate how far the goal can move with minimal effort (a little push, something that could easily happen during field reset)

T7 T25

Answered by committee

The only way we see for teams to ensure the field is in tolerance before every match is to manually check it every time. However this is not an optimal solution, as it is impractical to have to inspect the high goals before every match.

Are there any other ways teams can ensure that the high goals are in tolerance at the beginning of each match?

Referees are expected to briefly and quickly check the Field setup, including Disc and Field Element positions, before each Match (see the Responsibilities section in the VRC Referee Guide). Additionally, as described in rule <G9>, Teams may also visually check the Field before each Match and raise any concerns with the Head Referee before the Match starts. Manually checking the Field before each Match is the only way to confirm that the Field is correct and ready.

Additionally, if the high goal is found to be out of tolerance after/during the match, would that warrant a match replay as per rule < T7 a. i.>?

As stated in rule <T7>, beginning a Match with Field Elements in incorrect starting positions may warrant a Match replay, but only in the most extreme circumstances. Determining whether or not a specific Match is replayed is a decision made by the Event Partner and Head Referee immediately following the Match, and based on the full context of the Match.

If the answer to the previous question was yes, then how should event partners/head referees deal with more than just a few match replays (if the high goal was found to be out of tolerance in more than just a few matches)?

If a Field Element is found to be out of tolerance only after several Matches, and no Teams in the earlier Matches disputed the Match due to the Field setup, those Matches should not be replayed.

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High Goal Out of Tolerance