The FTC Game Manual is a comprehensive guide outlining rules, scoring, and gameplay for the FIRST Tech Challenge․ It ensures fair competition and provides detailed instructions for teams to follow․
1․1 Overview of the FTC Game Manual
The FTC Game Manual serves as the official rulebook for the FIRST Tech Challenge, providing detailed guidelines for teams to compete fairly and effectively․ It is divided into two main parts: Part 1 focuses on general rules and gameplay, while Part 2 delves into season-specific elements․ The manual covers essential aspects such as match play, scoring systems, robot inspection requirements, and penalties for rule violations․ It also includes resources for programming and software development, ensuring teams are well-equipped to design and operate their robots․ The document is regularly updated to reflect changes in the game for each new season, making it a critical resource for teams to stay informed and competitive․ By adhering to the manual, teams can ensure compliance with FTC regulations and participate successfully in the competition․
1․2 Key Features of the FTC Game Manual
The FTC Game Manual is structured to provide clarity and accessibility, featuring a detailed table of contents and clear section breakdowns․ It includes specific rules for autonomous and driver-controlled periods, ensuring seamless gameplay transitions․ Additionally, the manual offers guidelines for robot inspections, ensuring compliance with technical standards․ Resources such as the FTC Software Development Kit (SDK) and Gradle dependency management tools are highlighted, aiding teams in efficient programming․ Scoring systems and penalty procedures are clearly outlined to maintain fairness․ The manual also addresses updates for each season, ensuring teams adapt to new challenges․ Its comprehensive approach makes it an indispensable tool for FTC participants, helping them navigate the competition effectively while fostering innovation and collaboration․
Game Rules and Regulations
The FTC Game Manual outlines essential rules for match play, including field setup, scoring elements, and penalties for violations, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all teams․
2․1 General Rules for Match Play
Match play in FTC follows standardized rules to ensure fairness and consistency․ Teams compete in alliances, with two teams per alliance, on a shared field․ Matches are timed, typically lasting 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and are divided into autonomous and driver-controlled periods․ The field setup remains consistent across all competitions, with specific zones for scoring elements like cones, cubes, or other game-specific items․ Teams earn points by completing tasks such as scoring, navigating obstacles, and executing autonomous commands․ All actions must comply with field and robot rules to avoid penalties․ Violations, such as illegal contact or unauthorized modifications, result in penalties like point deductions or disqualifications․ Teams must install the official FTC Driver Station app for match play, ensuring proper communication between robots and driver stations․ Adherence to these rules ensures a balanced and competitive environment for all participants․
2․2 Consequences of Violating Rules
Violating rules during FTC matches can result in penalties that impact a team’s performance and standing․ Minor violations may incur point deductions, while more severe offenses can lead to disqualification from the match or event․ Repeated infractions may escalate consequences, potentially affecting a team’s eligibility for awards or advancement․ Penalties are imposed for actions such as illegal contact with opponents, unauthorized field interference, or non-compliance with robot specifications․ Disqualifications are reserved for egregious violations, such as intentional rule breaches or unsportsmanlike conduct․ Teams must address violations promptly to avoid further repercussions․ The FTC emphasizes fair play and sportsmanship, ensuring a competitive yet respectful environment for all participants․
2․3 Specific Rules for Autonomous and Driver-Controlled Periods
The FTC game manual delineates distinct rules for both autonomous and driver-controlled periods to ensure structured gameplay․ During the autonomous period, robots must operate without human intervention, relying solely on pre-programmed instructions․ Any external control or interference is strictly prohibited․ Teams earn points based on the robot’s ability to perform tasks independently․ Transitioning to the driver-controlled period, robots may be operated manually using approved controllers․ Drivers are responsible for navigating the field and executing game-specific tasks effectively․ The manual outlines timing constraints, permissible actions, and prohibited behaviors for each period․ Adherence to these rules is crucial for maintaining fair competition and ensuring a smooth progression of the game․ Violations during either period can result in penalties, affecting the team’s overall score and standing in the match․
Robot Inspection and Compliance
Robots must undergo pre-match inspection to ensure compliance with FTC rules․ This includes verifying electrical, mechanical, and software components meet specified standards to guarantee safety and fair competition․
3․1 Requirements for Robot Inspection
Robot inspection ensures compliance with FTC regulations․ Teams must present their robot for evaluation, confirming all components meet size, weight, and material guidelines․ Electrical systems, including the control award, must be approved, and software must use the official FTC SDK․ Inspectors verify that all parts are legal and properly documented․ Teams failing inspection may not participate until issues are resolved․ This process ensures fair competition and safety․
3․2 Guidelines for Robot Controller and Driver Station Setup
The FTC Robot Controller and Driver Station setup is essential for match play․ Teams must install the official FTC Robot Controller app on the robot’s Android device and the FTC Driver Station app on the driver’s station․ Both devices must be running the same version of the FTC SDK․ The robot controller manages the robot’s operations, while the driver station enables control during matches․ Proper network configuration between the devices is required for seamless communication․ Teams must ensure all software updates are applied, and devices are fully charged before matches․ Adherence to these guidelines ensures compliance with FTC regulations and optimal performance during competition․ Failure to meet these standards may result in penalties or disqualification․ Regular testing of the setup is recommended to identify and resolve any issues before match days․
Programming and Software Development
FTC programming involves using the Software Development Kit (SDK) for Android-based robots․ Teams utilize tools like Gradle for dependency management and follow best practices for efficient, modular coding and testing․
4․1 Overview of the FTC Software Development Kit (SDK)
The FTC Software Development Kit (SDK) provides essential tools and libraries for programming robots․ It supports Java and Kotlin, enabling teams to create custom behaviors and integrate hardware components seamlessly․ The SDK includes pre-built functions for motor control, sensor interaction, and autonomous operations, simplifying the development process․ Teams can leverage these resources to design innovative solutions tailored to game-specific challenges․ Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest FTC requirements, making it a cornerstone for effective robot programming․
4․2 Using Gradle for Dependency Management
Gradle is a powerful tool for managing dependencies in FTC robot development․ It simplifies the process of adding libraries and ensures consistent versions across projects․ The FTC SDK is pre-configured with Gradle, making it easy for teams to integrate necessary dependencies․ By modifying the build․gradle file, teams can add specific libraries required for their robot’s functionality․ Gradle also handles transitive dependencies automatically, reducing manual effort․ This tool is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient project structure․ Teams are encouraged to regularly update their dependencies to ensure compatibility and security․ Proper use of Gradle streamlines the development process, allowing teams to focus on programming and innovation․
4․3 Best Practices for Programming in FTC
Effective programming in FTC requires adherence to best practices to ensure reliability and performance․ Start by organizing code into modular components, allowing for easier maintenance and reusability․ Use clear and descriptive variable names to enhance readability․ Implement robust error handling to manage unexpected issues during runtime․ Regularly test and debug code to identify and resolve bugs early․ Utilize version control systems like Git to track changes and collaborate with team members․ Follow the FTC SDK guidelines to ensure compliance with official standards․ Document code thoroughly to facilitate understanding and modifications․ Prioritize efficiency in algorithms to optimize robot performance․ Stay updated with the latest FTC updates and best practices shared by the community․ By following these practices, teams can develop high-quality, competitive robot code․
Game-pecific Elements and Scoring
Game-Specific Elements and Scoring
The FTC game manual details scoring mechanisms, field elements, and bonus points․ Teams earn points by completing tasks like scoring objects, climbing, or achieving specific game-related objectives during matches․
5․1 Detailed Scoring System
The FTC Game Manual outlines a detailed scoring system to ensure fairness and clarity․ Points are awarded based on specific actions during matches, such as scoring objects, climbing, or completing tasks․ Each game element, like cones or cubes, has a designated point value․ Bonus points are awarded for achieving endgame goals or alliance collaborations․ Penalties for rule violations, such as illegal moves or interference, deduct points․ The scoring system is divided into autonomous and driver-controlled periods, with points allocated differently in each phase․ Teams can also earn additional points through penalties enforced on opponents․ The manual provides examples and scenarios to clarify scoring rules, ensuring consistency across all matches․ Understanding the scoring system is crucial for teams to strategize effectively and maximize their points during competitions․
5․2 Key Game Elements and Their Importance
The FTC Game Manual details key game elements that are essential for understanding the competition․ These elements include the field layout, game objects (e․g․, cones, cubes), and scoring zones․ The field layout dictates where robots can operate, while game objects are central to earning points․ Scoring zones, such as penalty zones or end zones, determine where points are awarded or deducted․ Other critical elements include alliance partnerships and timing constraints, which influence strategy․ Each element has specific rules and guidelines outlined in the manual to ensure fair play․ Understanding these components is vital for teams to design effective robots and develop winning strategies․ The manual also emphasizes the importance of adhering to these elements to maintain consistency across all matches and ensure a level playing field for all participants․
Penalties and Disqualifications
Penalties and disqualifications are enforced for rule violations, ensuring fair play․ Penalties may include point deductions, while disqualifications can remove teams from competition for severe or repeated offenses․
6․1 Common Penalties During Matches
During FTC matches, common penalties include illegal moves, such as improper robot handling or unauthorized field interference․ These violations result in point deductions or temporary disables․ Repeated offenses may escalate penalties․
6․2 Understanding Disqualification Criteria
Disqualification in FTC occurs for severe or repeated rule violations, such as intentional interference, unsportsmanlike conduct, or failing inspection․ Teams lose all match points and may face elimination from the competition․
Season Updates and Changes
Each season, the FTC Game Manual is updated with new rules, scoring adjustments, and field element changes to ensure a balanced and engaging competition for all teams․
7․1 Summary of Season-Specific Rules
Each FTC season introduces unique rules tailored to the game’s theme and objectives․ These updates ensure balanced competition and innovation․ Recent seasons have seen changes in field layouts, scoring systems, and autonomous period guidelines․ For example, the “Into the Deep” season emphasized underwater-themed challenges with specific rules for submerged elements․ Teams must adhere to these updates to maintain compliance․ The manual outlines penalties for non-compliance, ensuring fair play․ Season-specific rules are detailed in the Game Manual Part 2, with key terms defined in all capital letters for clarity․ Teams are encouraged to review these updates annually to stay competitive and informed․
7․2 Updates to the Game Manual for the Current Season
The FTC Game Manual for the current season includes several updates to enhance gameplay and clarity․ Key updates involve changes to autonomous and driver-controlled period rules, ensuring smoother match play․ The manual now specifies stricter penalties for rule violations, such as illegal robot modifications or interference․ Additionally, there are revised guidelines for robot inspections, emphasizing electrical and mechanical compliance․ The FTC has also introduced a new scoring system, with detailed explanations to avoid ambiguity․ Teams must familiarize themselves with these updates to maintain eligibility․ The manual is available in multiple languages, including Russian, to accommodate global participation․ Digital tools, such as the FTC Robot Inspection Guide, have been updated to reflect these changes, ensuring teams can prepare effectively for competitions․
Resources and Tools for Teams
This section covers official FTC resources, including the SDK, robot inspection guides, and recommended tools for development․ These tools help teams prepare and compete effectively in the competition․
8․1 Official FTC Resources and Documentation
Official FTC resources are essential for teams to navigate the competition successfully․ The FTC Game Manual is the primary document, detailing rules, scoring, and gameplay specifics․ Additionally, the FTC provides extensive online documentation, including guides for robot inspection, software development, and match play rules․ Teams can access these resources through the official FTC website, which offers a wealth of information to ensure compliance and optimal performance․ These resources are regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in the competition, making them indispensable for both rookie and experienced teams․ By utilizing these official materials, teams can stay informed and competitive throughout the season․ The FTC also offers forums and support channels for teams to address any questions or clarifications they may have․ These resources collectively form a comprehensive toolkit for achieving success in the FIRST Tech Challenge;
8․2 Recommended Tools for Robot Development
For successful robot development in FTC, several tools are highly recommended․ The FTC Software Development Kit (SDK) is essential, providing libraries and frameworks for programming robots․ Android Studio is a popular choice for coding, as it supports Java and Kotlin․ Additionally, tools like Gradle simplify dependency management․ For mechanical design, CAD software such as Fusion 360 or Tinkercad is invaluable for creating precise robot models․ Teams also benefit from simulation tools like Robot Operating System (ROS) for testing algorithms․ Version control systems like Git are crucial for collaborative development․ Physical tools such as multimeters and screwdriver sets are necessary for hardware assembly․ Finally, 3D printers or laser cutters can aid in prototyping custom parts․ These tools collectively enhance the robot-building process, ensuring efficiency and innovation․ By leveraging these resources, teams can design, build, and program competitive robots effectively․
The FTC Game Manual is essential for a successful competition experience․ It provides clear rules and guidelines, ensuring fair play and innovation․ Staying updated is crucial for teams to thrive and adhere to FTC standards․
9․1 Final Thoughts on the FTC Game Manual
The FTC Game Manual serves as the cornerstone of the competition, offering a detailed roadmap for teams․ It ensures consistency, fairness, and clarity, enabling participants to focus on innovation and strategy․ By adhering to its guidelines, teams can fully immerse themselves in the challenges, fostering a spirit of collaboration and healthy competition․ The manual’s thoroughness is a testament to FTC’s commitment to providing a structured yet dynamic environment for growth․ As the competition evolves, the manual remains a vital resource, helping teams navigate each season’s unique aspects with confidence․ Its importance cannot be overstated, as it not only governs gameplay but also inspires creativity and problem-solving among participants worldwide․
9․2 Importance of Staying Updated
Regularly updating knowledge about the FTC Game Manual is crucial for teams to remain competitive and compliant․ Each season introduces new rules, scoring systems, and technical requirements that directly impact gameplay and robot design․ Staying informed ensures that teams can adapt strategies, exploit scoring opportunities, and avoid penalties․ Updates often reflect feedback from previous seasons, addressing ambiguities and improving fairness․ By monitoring official FTC resources, teams can access the latest guidelines, ensuring their robots and gameplay align with current standards․ Proactive teams benefit from early preparation, minimizing last-minute adjustments and potential disqualifications․ Ultimately, staying updated empowers teams to focus on innovation and performance, fostering a competitive yet respectful environment․ The FTC community relies on this collective commitment to fairness and continuous improvement, making regular updates indispensable for success․