FIRST^®, the FIRST^® logo, FIRST^® Robotics Competition, FRC^®, Coopertition^®, and Gracious Professionalism^® are registered trademarks, and Sport for the Mind™ and ULTIMATE ASCENT^SM are common law trademarks, of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST^®). ©2013 FIRST. All rights reserved.

Teams playing ULTIMATE ASCENT^SM use their ROBOTS to collect and score DISCS in a variety of GOALS. Teams earn additional points by CLIMBING their ALLIANCE’S PYRAMID by the end of the MATCH. This chapter contains two sections: the first section describes the game and what Teams may expect, and the second section covers the detailed rules by which competitors must abide. 

Details such as the FIELD set up, MATCH execution, point values, etc. are defined in this section. 

Before the start of each MATCH, the ARENA is populated with 118 White DISCS, 6 Red DISCS, and 6 Blue DISCS. DISCS are staged as follows:

1. No more than two (2) or three (3) White DISCS may be preloaded in each ROBOT by the TEAM, depending on the ROBOT’S starting position (see G06 for details).
2. At least ten (10) White DISCS are staged on the FIELD approximately as illustrated in Figure 3-1.
   1. Two (2) DISCS are centered between the GUARDRAILS and 78 in. from the Blue ALLIANCE WALL to the center of the DISC.
   2. Two (2) DISCS are centered under the Blue PYRAMID.
   3. At least two (2) DISCS are placed centrally between the GUARDRAILS and along the field CENTER LINE.
      Any DISCS not preloaded in ROBOTS per part Aabove (e.g. the ROBOT is preloaded with fewer than three (3) DISCS, the ROBOT isn’t in the MATCH, etc.) are placed adjacent to the DISCS on the CENTER LINE.  The non-preloaded DISCS are added to each side of the existing pair such that the group of DISCS on the CENTER LINE is centered. If there is an odd number of DISCS staged on the CENTER LINE, the extra DISC will be placed on the scoring table side of the group.
   4. Two (2) DISCS are centered under the Red PYRAMID.
   5. Two (2) DISCS are centered between the GUARDRAILS and 78 in. from the Red ALLIANCE WALL to the center of the DISC.
3. 6 Red & 45 White DISCS are located in the Red ALLIANCE STATION.
4. 6 Blue & 45 White DISCS are located in the Blue ALLIANCE STATION. 

Figure 3-1: Starting Locations for DISCS

A MATCH is two (2) minutes and fifteen (15) seconds long. The Autonomous (AUTO) Period is the first fifteen (15) seconds of the MATCH. The Teleoperated Period (TELEOP) is the remaining two (2) minutes. Each Period ends when the ARENA timer displays zero (0) seconds.

DISCS that are ejected from gameplay during a MATCH will be placed back in the FIELD by event staff approximately where they left and at the next safe opportunity.

Upon a rule violation, FOUL or TECHNICAL FOUL points will immediately be credited to the opposing ALLIANCE. Values are defined in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1: Penalty Point Values

Points are awarded to ALLIANCES per the details below. Final scores will be assessed five (5) seconds after the ARENA timer displays zero (0) or when all elements come to rest, whichever event happens first. 

Points are awarded for DISCS SCORED in the GOALS per Table 3-2.

A DISC is considered SCORED in an ALLIANCE’S GOAL if any part of the DISC has crossed through the opening of the GOAL, is in the GOAL at the end of the MATCH, and is not in contact with any ROBOT from that ALLIANCE. GOAL openings are outlined in yellow in Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3. 

Figure 3-2: LOW, MIDDLE, and HIGH GOAL openings

Additionally, for a DISC to be considered SCORED in an ALLIANCE’S PYRAMID GOAL, it must correspond to the PYRAMID color.

Figure 3-3: PYRAMID GOAL opening

Table 3-2: DISC Point Values

Points are awarded for the highest Level achieved for every ALLIANCE ROBOT that CLIMBS its PYRAMID. The Level to which a ROBOT has CLIMBED is determined by the lowest point of the ROBOT (in relation to the FIELD) at the point in which final scores are assessed per Section 3.1.5. CLIMB point values and Levels are defined in Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4: PYRAMID Levels

A ROBOT has CLIMBED its PYRAMID if it contacts the PYRAMID and/or the floor (Level 0) in

1. sequential order (Level 0, 1, 2, 3) during ascent and
2. no more than two (2) Levels simultaneously.

If a CLIMB is considered unacceptable (e.g. a ROBOT has touched non-adjacent Levels or more than two (2) Levels at a time), a Referee will indicate a rejected CLIMB by turning the offending ROBOT’S PLAYER STATION LED strings yellow. The ROBOT will be ineligible for CLIMB points unless and until it begins a new CLIMB from the floor, Level 0. 

The rules in this section legislate game play and define the consequences for rule violations.

Teams may only enter the FIELD if the PLAYER STATION LED strings are green.

Violation: YELLOW CARD

Teams may not climb on the PYRAMID.

Violation: YELLOW CARD

ROBOTS whose operation or design is unsafe are not permitted.

Violation: FOUL & DISABLED. If the issue is due to design: Re-Inspection.

After the MATCH, ROBOTS may only be removed from a PYRAMID under the following conditions:

1. by the TEAM while standing on the floor without special equipment,
2. unpowered,
3. and under the supervision of a FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA), FTA Assistant, Referee, or Field Supervisor.

Additionally, if any part of the ROBOT is in Level 3, TEAMS are required to attach a FIRST supplied belay line, detailed in Section 2.2.5, to their ROBOT to spot a ROBOT while the TEAM removes it from the PYRAMID.

Violation: YELLOW CARD

When placed on the FIELD, each ROBOT must be:

1. in compliance with all ROBOT rules (i.e. have passed Inspection),
2. confined to its STARTING CONFIGURATION,
3. fully supported by the floor, and
4. contacting its PYRAMID.

Violation: If fix is a quick remedy: the MATCH won’t start until all requirements are met. If it is not a quick remedy: the ROBOT will be DISABLED and must be re-Inspected.

TEAMS may preload White DISCS in or on the ROBOT before the MATCH.

1. If the ROBOT is in contact with any carpet outside its AUTO ZONE, the ROBOT may preload up to three (3) DISCS.
2. Otherwise, the ROBOT may preload up to two (2) DISCS.

Violation: If the situation is not corrected before the start of the MATCH, TECHNICAL FOUL per extra preloaded DISC in or on the ROBOT.

TEAMS may not cause significant or repeated delays to the start of a MATCH.

Violation: ROBOT will be DISABLED.

TEAMS may not leave items other than ROBOTS on the FIELD prior to or during the MATCH.

Violation: The MATCH will not start until the situation is corrected.

Each TEAM member must be:

1. in the ALLIANCE STATION and
2. behind the STARTING LINE.

Violation: MATCH will not start until the situation is corrected.

Only TEAM members and their ROBOT may report to the ARENA for a MATCH. TEAM members are limited to:

1. 1 COACH,
2. 2 DRIVERS, and
3. 1 FEEDER

Violation: MATCH will not start until the situation is corrected.

The COACH must wear the designated “COACH” button while in the ARENA.

Violation: MATCH will not start until the situation is corrected.

ROBOTS may not contact anything outside the FIELD.

Violation: ROBOT will be DISABLED. However, if it occurs during AUTO, and there is no safety concern, the Head Referee will allow a 10-second grace period at the beginning of TELEOP for the ROBOT to correct the situation.

ROBOTS may not intentionally detach or leave parts on the FIELD.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

The following actions are prohibited with regards to interaction with FIELD elements:

1. grabbing,
2. grasping
3. grappling
4. attaching to,
5. damaging,
6. becoming entangled

Actions A-D do not apply to ROBOT interactions with the PYRAMID.

Violation: FOUL. If the Head Referee determines that further damage is likely to occur, DISABLED. Corrective action (such as eliminating sharp edges, removing the damaging mechanism, and/or re-Inspection) may be required before the ROBOT will be allowed to compete in subsequent MATCHES.

ROBOTS may not intentionally eject DISCS from gameplay.

Violation: FOUL per DISC.

TEAMS and/or ROBOTS may not employ strategies that use DISCS to either aid or inhibit a ROBOT CLIMB.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL. If the DISC(S) inhibits an opponent’s CLIMB attempt, the opponent ROBOT’S ALLIANCE will be granted credit for a Level 3 CLIMB at the end of the MATCH.

An ALLIANCE may not put DISCS in their opponents’ PYRAMID GOAL.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL per DISC.

All Teams must be civil towards other Teams, competition personnel, and event attendees.

Violation: Potential RED CARD for violations in the ARENA.

Strategies aimed solely at forcing the opposing ALLIANCE to violate a rule are not in the spirit of FRC and are not allowed. Rule violations forced in this manner will not result in assessment of a penalty on the target ALLIANCE .

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

During AUTO, a ROBOT may not cross the CENTER LINE such that it is no longer in contact with the carpet on its starting half of the FIELD.

Violation: FOUL. If contact with an opponent ROBOT, TECHNICAL FOUL.

During AUTO, TEAMS must remain behind the STARTING LINE.

Violation: FOUL. If contact with the OPERATOR CONSOLE, TECHNICAL FOUL.

During AUTO, any control devices worn or held by the DRIVERS must be disconnected from the OPERATOR CONSOLE and not connected until TELEOP.

Violation: FOUL

ROBOT height (as defined in relation to the ROBOT) must be restricted as follows during the MATCH:

1. If in contact with the carpet in its AUTO ZONE and/or its PYRAMID, ≤ 84 in.
2. Otherwise, ≤ 60 in.

Violation: FOUL. If continuous or repeated violations, TECHNICAL FOUL.

While not in contact with the PYRAMID, a ROBOT’S horizontal dimensions may never exceed a 54 in. diameter vertical cylinder.

Violation: FOUL. If continuous or repeated violations, TECHNICAL FOUL.

Figure 3-5a: ROBOT inside 54 in. diameter cylinder

While in contact with the PYRAMID, a ROBOT

1. may not have its horizontal dimensions exceed a 54 in. diameter vertical cylinder relative to the ROBOT and
2. may not extend any part of itself beyond a vertical plane defined by a perimeter offset from the base of the PYRAMID by 54 in., see Figure 3-5b and Figure 3-5c.
    

Violation: FOUL. If continuous or repeated violations, TECHNICAL FOUL.

Figure 3-5b: Offset Plane from PYRAMID Base

Figure 3-5c: ROBOT Contacting PYRAMID

ROBOTS may not actively control more than four (4) DISCS at any one time.

Violation: FOUL per extra DISC

ROBOTS on the same ALLIANCE may not blockade the FIELD in an attempt to stop the flow of the MATCH. This rule has no effect on individual ROBOT-ROBOT interaction.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

ROBOTS may not intentionally fall down or tip over to block the FIELD.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

ROBOTS may not contact or otherwise interfere with their opponents’ PYRAMID. Inconsequential contact will not be penalized.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL. If an opponent’s CLIMB is affected,

1. RED CARD, and
2. Each affected opponent ROBOT will be granted credit for a Level 3 CLIMB at the end of the MATCH.

Strategies aimed at the destruction or inhibition of ROBOTS via attachment, damage, tipping, or entanglement of ROBOTS are not in the spirit of the FRC and are not allowed.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL and YELLOW CARD

Deliberate or damaging contact with an opponent ROBOT on or inside its FRAME PERIMETER is not allowed.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

Regardless of who initiates the contact, a ROBOT may not contact an opponent ROBOT

1. contacting its PYRAMID or
2. touching the carpet in its LOADING ZONE.

Violation: FOUL. If purposeful or consequential, TECHNICAL FOUL. If an opponent's CLIMB is affected, each affected opponent ROBOT will be granted credit for a Level 3 CLIMB at the end of the MATCH.

An ALLIANCE may not pin an opponent ROBOT for more than five (5) seconds. A ROBOT will be considered pinned until the ROBOTS have separated by at least six (6) ft. The pinning ROBOT(S) must then wait for at least three (3) seconds before attempting to pin the same ROBOT again. Pinning is transitory through other objects.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

Fallen (i.e. tipped over) ROBOTS attempting to right themselves (either by themselves or with assistance from an ALLIANCE partner) have one (1) ten (10)-second grace period per fallen ROBOT in which the fallen ROBOT may not be contacted by an opposing ROBOT.

This protection lasts for either ten (10) seconds or until the protected ROBOT has completed the righting operation, whichever comes first.

Violation: If inadvertent, FOUL. If intentional, TECHNICAL FOUL.

A ROBOT may only be supported (fully or partially) by another ROBOT if one of the ROBOTS is in contact with a PYRAMID.

Violation: If extended, strategic, or repeated, TECHNICAL FOUL.

Only FEEDERS may touch DISCS. Inadvertent or inconsequential contact by others will not be penalized.

Violation: FOUL

DISCS may be fed onto the FIELD only under the following circumstances:

1. during TELEOP through the FEEDER SLOTS for any DISCS and
2. during the last thirty (30) seconds of TELEOP over the FEEDER STATIONS for Red and Blue DISCS.

Violation: FOUL

During the MATCH, TEAMS must be within their ALLIANCE STATION. Exceptions will be granted for inadvertent or inconsequential infractions and in cases concerning safety.

Violation: FOUL

TEAMS may not extend any body part into the FIELD or contact any ROBOT at any time during the MATCH.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL

During a MATCH, the ROBOT shall be operated solely by the DRIVERS of that TEAM.

Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL