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.

Take dedicated, enthusiastic students, teachers, engineers and other professionals, add six weeks for design and fabrication and you get a wide range of amazing machines that are competition ready.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an exciting program that assimilates Teams, Sponsors, Colleges and technical professionals with high school students to develop their solution to a prescribed engineering challenge in a competitive game environment. The competitions combine the practical application of science and technology with the fun, intense energy and excitement of a championship-sporting event. The program results in life-changing, career molding experiences for its participants and is also great fun.

In 2013, FRC will reach nearly 60,000 students representing approximately 2,600 Teams.  FRC Teams come from every state in the United States, as well as from Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. FRC has become an international program and is continuously growing. FRC Teams will participate in fifty-eight (58) Regional Competitions, eleven (11) Michigan District Events, the Michigan State Championship, six (6) Mid-Atlantic Robotics District Events, and the MAR Region Championship. Four hundred (400) deserving Teams will qualify to go to the FIRST Championship at The Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO. 

This year’s challenge will be presented at the 2013 FRC Kickoff on Saturday, January 5, 2013.  At the Kickoff event, all Teams:

• see the 2013 game for the first time;
• learn about the 2013 game rules and regulations; and
• receive a Kit of Parts (KOP). The KOP includes, but is certainly not limited to, motors, sensors, chassis hardware, transmissions, software packages, control systems and batteries. The intent of the kit is to provide a level starting point for all Teams.

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and co-founder of FRC, asks:

"Why do FIRST folks talk so much about that phrase?”

Dr. Flowers elaborates on the significance of Gracious Professionalism™ in FIRST, at work and in life, below.

“FIRST does not celebrate being an incompetent jerk.  FIRST does celebrate high-quality, well-informed work done in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued.  Gracious Professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for a big part of the ethos of FIRST.  It is one of the things that makes FIRST different and wonderful. 

Gracious Professionalism has purposefully been left somewhat undefined because it can and should mean different things to each of us.  We can, however, outline some of its possible meanings.  Gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win.  Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions.  Professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly.  Thus, gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.

In FIRST, one of the most straightforward interpretations of Gracious Professionalism is that we learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.  We try to avoid leaving anyone feeling like they have lost.  No chest-thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes either.  Knowledge, pride and empathy comfortably blended.

Understanding that Gracious Professionalism works is NOT rocket science.  It is, however, missing in too many activities.  At FIRST, it is alive and well.  Please help us take care of it.

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life.  If one becomes a professional, and uses knowledge in a gracious manner, everyone wins.  One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that he or she has acted with integrity and sensitivity.  That’s good stuff!”

FIRST recognizes both on-field and off-field Team performance that promotes FIRST’s mission to change culture. Several awards celebrate Team competencies including, but not limited to, technical expertise, community involvement, and safety practices. The two most prominent FRC awards are described below (however, for a complete list and description of awards available to Teams, please reference The FRC Administrative Manual, Section 6).

Every year, veteran FRC Teams have the opportunity to compete for FIRST’s most prestigious award; i.e., the Chairman’s Award. This Award was created to maintain focus on changing culture in ways that would inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encourage more of today’s youth to become scientists, engineers and technologists.  It represents the spirit of FIRST. The Chairman’s Award honors the Team that best embodies the goals and purpose of FIRST and is a model for other Teams to emulate.

Teams who have won the Chairman’s Award at the Championship are entered into the FIRST Hall of Fame. Past Hall of Fame inductees are listed below.

Table 1-1: Chairman's Award Winning Teams

The Woodie Flowers Award celebrates mentors who lead, inspire and empower their Team. Woodie Flowers Award winners demonstrate effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. Founded in 1996 by Dr. William Murphy, the Woodie Flowers Award is presented to an outstanding engineer or teacher participating in FRC who lead, inspire, and empower using excellent communication skills.

Students submit an essay that nominates one mentor from their Team for consideration.  Past winners of this award are listed below.

Table 1-2: Woodie Flowers Award Winners

Safety is critical within FIRST and must be observed continuously by all participants. As a part of the Safety Awareness and Recognition Program, Teams are observed and evaluated at many different levels and by many individuals at the event.

“Safety Advisors” evaluate Team safety behavior and practices at Regional Competitions.

“Referees” observe safety on the playing field as well as adherence to the game rules.

“Judges” evaluate how Teams have integrated safety into their robot designs when considering the Team for technical awards.

Safe practices at the competitions are required. Teams are urged to adopt safe habits throughout the entire competition season including during travel to and from events and while working in their shops at home.

One of the purposes of the FRC is to provide Team members with the experience of conceiving, designing, and constructing their solution to the annual competition challenge.  We want each student to have the experience of creating a new system each year.  As the Team considers the creation of their machine, this aspect of the program should be kept in mind.  Solutions that merely bolt together a minimum number of externally-designed COTS subsystems may not offer the students the opportunity to understand the “why” or “how” of an item’s design.  Likewise, solutions that are merely minor modifications of a design utilized for a previous competition does not offer the current students complete insight into the full design process.   Purchasing optimization and design re-use are both important concepts; however, Teams must be cautious not to over-utilize them to the point that the student’s experience is compromised.

This intent is clearly met when a Team obtains a Mechanism or COTS items that was designed for non-FIRST purposes, and then modifies or alters it to provide functionality for the robot.  For example, if a Team obtains a gearbox from a power drill and modifies it to use on the robot, they gain insight into the design of the original gearbox purpose, learn to characterize the performance of the original design, and implement the engineering design process to create their customized application for the gearbox.

However, COTS items that have been specifically designed as a solution to part of the FRC challenge may or may not fit within the FRC intent, and must be carefully considered.  If the item provides general functionality that can be utilized in any of several possible configurations or applications, then it is acceptable (as the Teams will still have to design their particular application of the item).  However, COTS items that provide a complete solution for a major robot function (e.g. a complete manipulator assembly, pre-built pneumatics circuit, or full mobility system) that require no effort other than just bolting it on to the robot are against the intent of the competition and will not be permitted.

Figure1-1: ULTIMATE ASCENT ARENA

ULTIMATE ASCENT is played by two competing alliances on a flat, 27 x 54 ft field. Each alliance consists of three robots. They compete to score as many discs into their goals as they can during a two (2)-minute and fifteen (15)-second match. The higher the goal in which the disc is scored, the more points the alliance receives.

The match begins with a fifteen (15)-second Autonomous Period in which robots operate independently of driver inputs. Discs scored during this period are worth extra points. For the remainder of the match, drivers control robots and try to maximize their alliance score by scoring as many goals as possible.

The match ends with robots attempting to climb on pyramids located near the middle of the field. The robot earns points based on how high it climbs. Scoring for the match is summarized below.

Table 1-3: Disc Points

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.

Note: These illustrations are for a general visual understanding of the ULTIMATE ASCENT^SM ARENA only. Please refer to the 2013 Official FIRST Field Drawings & Models for exact dimensions and construction details.

Figure 2-1: ULTIMATE ASCENT ARENA

The ARENA includes all elements of the game infrastructure that are required to play ULTIMATE ASCENT: the FIELD, the ALLIANCE STATIONS, the DISCS, and all supporting communications, ARENA control, and scorekeeping equipment.

ROBOTS play ULTIMATE ASCENT in an octagonal space known as the FIELD.  During MATCHES, ROBOTS are controlled from ALLIANCE STATIONS located outside the ends of the FIELD.  Each ALLIANCE STATION consists of three PLAYER STATIONS that provide connectivity between the controls used by the DRIVERS and the ROBOTS.  There are GOALS mounted along the entire length of the ALLIANCE STATION and on top of the PYRAMID.

The drawings and CAD models, drawings for low-cost versions of the important elements of the ARENA, and links to CAD models hosted by Autodesk and PTC for ULTIMATE ASCENT  can be found on the 2013 Official FIRST Field Drawings & Models (dimensions stated in this document are nominal). 

The competition ARENA is a modular construction that is assembled, used, disassembled, and shipped many times during the competition season.  It may undergo wear and tear. The ARENA is designed to withstand rigorous play and frequent shipping, and every effort is made to ensure that the ARENAS are consistent from event to event.  However, as the ARENA is assembled in different venues by different event staff, some small variations do occur.  Fit and tolerance on large assemblies (e.g. the LOW GOALS) are ensured only to within ¼ in.  Overall gross dimensions of the entire FIELD may vary up to 4 in.  Successful teams will design ROBOTS that are insensitive to these variations.

Note: The official ULTIMATE ASCENT ARENA description, layout, dimensions and parts list are contained in FE-00036 - 2013 ARENA Layout and Marking. Diagrams and dimensions below are for illustrative purposes only.

The FIELD for ULTIMATE ASCENT is a 27 by 54 ft. carpeted area, bounded by ALLIANCE WALLS, FEEDER STATIONS, LOW GOALS, and GUARDRAILS.  The FIELD floor is covered with carpet (Shaw Floors, Philadelphia Commercial, Neyland II, 20, 30550, “Ground Pepper”).  Three (3) GOALS are located at each end of the FIELD above each ALLIANCE WALL.  A fourth GOAL and three (3) FEEDER STATIONS are located in the corners next to each ALLIANCE WALL. A PYRAMID is adjacent to each ALLIANCE’S AUTO LINE.  At the top of each PYRAMID sits a PYRAMID GOAL.  Each LOADING ZONE is a trapezoidal area bounded by two (2) FEEDER STATIONS, an ALLIANCE WALL, a GUARDRAIL, and Red or Blue tape.

Figure 2-2: Basic FIELD Layout

The ALLIANCE WALLS are 6 ½ ft. high, 18 ft. wide, and define the ends of the FIELD.  The ALLIANCE WALL protects the PLAYER STATIONS and is composed of a 3 ft. high base of diamond plate aluminum topped with a 3 ½ ft. high transparent polycarbonate panel.

The GUARDRAIL is a system that consists of horizontal pipes that are 20 in. above the floor and supported by vertical struts mounted on a 3 in. aluminum angle. A transparent polycarbonate shield is attached on the inside of the GUARDRAIL, extending from the floor to the top of the GUARDRAIL, and running the length of the GUARDRAIL.  The shield is intended to help prevent ROBOTS, in whole or in part, from inadvertently exiting the FIELD during a MATCH.  The GUARDRAIL defines the borders of the FIELD, except where it is bounded by the ALLIANCE WALL, FEEDER STATIONS or LOW GOALS.

Four gates in the GUARDRAIL allow access to the FIELD for placement and removal of ROBOTS.  The gates are 38 in. wide, and are closed and shielded during MATCHES.

FIELD markings are shown in Figure 2-3 and are for illustrative purposes only. Please refere to drawing FE-00036 for exact dimensions.

Figure 2-3: FIELD Markings

Three lines (Red, White, and Blue) span the width of the FIELD.  The White line is the CENTER LINE, marked with 2 in. White gaffers tape.  The Red and Blue lines are AUTO LINES, located 108 in. to either side of the CENTER LINE.  These are marked with 2 in. red or blue gaffers tape.

Each ALLIANCE has one LOADING ZONE that is located in front of their double FEEDER STATION.  This zone is defined by a 2 in. red or blue gaffers tape line that is offset 20 in. from the FEEDER STATIONS.

Figure 2-4: The GOALS

Each ALLIANCE’S LOW GOAL is located adjacent to the opponent ALLIANCE WALL and to the opponent DRIVERS’ left. The opening of the LOW GOAL is 29 in. wide and 24 in. tall.  The bottom edge of the LOW GOAL is located 19 in. from the playing surface of the FIELD.

Two MIDDLE GOALS and one HIGH GOAL are located above each ALLIANCE WALL. The two MIDDLE GOALS have openings that are 54 in. wide and 21 in. tall.  The bottom edge of the MIDDLE GOAL is located 88 ⁵/₈ in. above the FIELD.  The HIGH GOAL is 54 in. wide and 12 in. tall with the bottom edge of the opening located 104 ¹/₈ in. above the surface of the FIELD. Hanging from the top of the post are chains (Ace Hardware P/N: 5365283) to help dampen the DISCS as they enter the GOAL. These chains are 9 ½ in. back from the front of the GOAL and spaced 6 ½ in. apart.

Located atop each PYRAMID is a PYRAMID GOAL.  The PYRAMID GOAL is a polycarbonate and metal framed “basket” that is a 23 ⁵/₈ in. square that is 2 ³/₄ in. deep.  Rising out of the center of the PYRAMID GOAL is a 20 in. tall, 1 ¹/₂ in. diameter post.  Hanging from the top of the post are chains (Ace Hardware P/N: 5365283) to help dampen the DISCS as they enter the PYRAMID GOAL.

Figure 2-5: PYRAMID GOAL

Each GOAL has an associated VISION TARGET made of retro-reflective material (3M 8830 Silver Marking Film).

The VISION TARGETS for the LOW, MIDDLE, and HIGH GOALS consist of a 4 in. wide border of retro-reflective material around the GOAL opening. An additional VISION TARGET is located on either side of the center PLAYER STATION, made up of a 4 in. wide, 32 in. tall stripe of retro-reflective material bordered by 2 in. wide black gaffers tape on the left and right sides. These stripes begin 36 in. above the FIELD carpet and are 72 in. apart, measured center-to-center.

The PYRAMID GOAL VISION TARGET is made up of two components. The first component is a 4in. wide retro-reflective marker located on the center of each horizontal metal pole of the GOAL basket. The second component is retro-reflective material covering the 20 in. tall, 1 ½ in. diameter post in the center of the PYRAMID GOAL.

Figure 2-6: The VISION TARGETS

Figure 2-7: The PYRAMIDS

An ALLIANCE specific PYRAMID is located in each half of the FIELD.  The PYRAMID is made out of 1 ¹/₂ in. diameter steel tubing and powder coated Red or Blue.  It is 94 in. wide at the base and each side slanted at a 68-degree slope.  The rungs are located 30 in., 60 in., and 90 in. off of the floor.  At the top of the PYRAMID is the PYRAMID GOAL, detailed in Section 2.2.4 The GOALS.

The PYRAMID has four (4), 24 in. square, 11 GA. (.120 in.) steel bases with hook and loop tape (“hook” side) on the bottom.  These bases secure the PYRAMIDS to the carpet.  To prevent damage to venue floors, these metal bases are surrounded by floor protectors.  These floor protectors are made from ¹/₈ in. thick hardboard. The floor protectors begin 12 in. outside of all the PYRAMID bases and continue to cover the floor underneath the PYRAMID (not including the bases themselves).  Additional carpet covers both bases and floor protectors and is held to the carpet using 2 in. wide, Black gaffers tape. The protectors and carpet create a ¹/₄ - ³/₈ in. lip around the PYRAMID.

Figure 2-8: PYRAMID Floor Protectors

Teams may have to remove their ROBOT from the PYRAMID after the MATCH is over with the aid of a FIRST supplied belay system, per G04.  The belaying device acts as a brake to prevent accidentally dropped ROBOTS from causing injuries to teams.  The device attaches to the ROBOTS with two carabiners or loops of rope. Teams must supply two attachment points for the belaying device to mount to their ROBOTS, per R10. The belaying rope is fed through a brake that is anchored to the lowest rung on the opposite side of the PYRAMID from the ROBOT. It is then fed through the PYRAMID top and down the other side to be attached to the ROBOT. There is a "bridle" that splits the rope into two sections, which are 90 in. long.

Only trained event staff are allowed to use the belaying device.

Figure 2-9: ROBOT Using Belay Device

Figure 2-10: The ALLIANCE STATIONS

The ALLIANCE STATIONS are located at either end of the FIELD, behind the ALLIANCE WALLS. The ALLIANCE STATION extends 10 ft. back from the ALLIANCE WALL, and spans the entire width of the wall.  The ALLIANCE STATION includes the three (3) PLAYER STATIONS, one (1) FEEDER/GOAL STATION and one (1) double FEEDER STATION.  The STARTING LINE is marked with White 2 in. wide gaffers tape 4 ft. behind the ALLIANCE WALL. The ALLIANCE STATION includes the area behind the corners of the FIELD, with the end of the ALLIANCE STATION marked out in 2 in. white gaffers tape.  The tape boundaries are not considered part of the bounded areas. 

Figure 2-11: The FEEDER STATIONS

There are three (3) FEEDER STATIONS per ALLIANCE.  Two (2) FEEDER STATIONS are located side by side in one corner of the FIELD to the right of the ALLIANCE’S DRIVERS.  The third FEEDER STATION is located next to the opponent’s LOW GOAL on the opposite side of the ALLIANCE STATION.

All of the FEEDER STATIONS consist of a 44 in. wide shield of clear polycarbonate.   In the center of the shield are three horizontal FEEDER SLOTS, 12 in. wide by 3 in. high.  These slots are located 22 in., 42 in. and 62 in. from the FIELD carpet to the bottom of the slot. Each slot has a slide attached to it on the FEEDER side of the plastic.  These slides are 8 in. long and are at a 30-degree incline.

Attached to the ALLIANCE WALL in each PLAYER STATION is an aluminum shelf to support the OPERATOR CONSOLE for the FRC Team in that PLAYER STATION. The support shelf measures 69 in. wide by 12 in. deep.  There is a 54 in. long by 2 in. wide strip of hook-and-loop tape (“loop” side) along the center of the support shelf that may be used to secure the OPERATOR CONSOLE to the shelf.  Each setup location includes a competition cable (to provide Ethernet connectivity) that attaches to the Ethernet Port of the OPERATOR CONSOLE.  The cable provides communications with the ROBOT via the ARENA network.

Each PLAYER STATION also includes a power adapter cable that may be used to power the Classmate laptops that were provided to teams in the Kit of Parts starting in 2010. Emergency Stop (E-Stop) buttons for each ROBOT are located on the left side of each PLAYER STATION shelf.  ARENA components (including team number displays, competition ARENA hardware, ALLIANCE lights, control hardware cabinets and clock displays) are also located above the PLAYER STATIONS and below the shelf.

Once plugged in to the Field Management System (FMS) via the Ethernet cable provided, the only open ports in the ARENA network are as follows:

1. TCP 1180: This port is typically used for camera data from the cRIO to the Driver Station (DS) when the camera is connected to port 2 on the 8-slot cRIO (P/N: cRIO-FRC). This port is bidirectional.
2. TCP 1735: SmartDashboard, bidirectional
3. UDP 1130: Dashboard-to-ROBOT control data, directional
4. UDP 1140: ROBOT-to-Dashboard status data, directional
5. HTTP 80: Camera connected via switch on the ROBOT, bidirectional
6. HTTP 443: Camera connected via switch on the ROBOT, bidirectional

Teams may use these ports as they wish if they do not employ them as outlined above (i.e. TCP 1180 can be used to pass data back and forth between the ROBOT and the DS if the team chooses not to use the camera on port 2). 

In order to protect event attendees, a tall net runs parallel to both sides of the GUARDRAIL.  The net is made up of three panels that are 10 ft. tall and 14 ft. long.  The net is made from black nylon rope woven into a 5 in. mesh, with vinyl trim on all four sides.  The panels hang on poles that are connected to steel, free standing bases (not attached to the GUARDRAILS).  The net will be set up 12 to 36 in. away from the GUARDRAILS depending on venue space.  The panels will be able to be folded back to allow access to the FIELD between MATCHES.

Figure 2-12: The Netting

The DISCS are Wham-O part number 53214 (custom colored Red, White, or Blue) and have a nominal diameter of 11 in., a nominal height of 1.4 in., and a weight of 180 ± 5 grams.

Figure 2-13: Red, White, and Blue DISCS

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

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.

This section of the 2013 FRC^® Game Manual presents legislation relevant to the construction of a 2013 FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC) ROBOT.  ROBOTS will be Inspected at each FRC event to confirm compliance before being allowed to compete, per Section 5.5.2 in The Tournament, Eligibility and Inspection of the 2013 FRC Game Manual. 

The rules listed below explicitly address what and how parts and materials may be used on a 2013 FRC ROBOT.  There are many reasons for the structure of the rules, including safety, reliability, parity, creation of a reasonable design challenge, adherence to professional standards, impact on the competition, compatibility with the Kit of Parts (KOP), etc.  When reading these rules, please use technical common sense (engineering thinking) rather than “lawyering” the interpretation and splitting hairs over the precise wording in an attempt to find loopholes. Try to understand the reasoning behind a rule. 

In addition, another intent of these rules is to have all energy sources and active actuation systems on the ROBOT (e.g. batteries, compressors, motors, servos, cylinders, and their controllers) drawn from a well-defined set of options.  This is to ensure that all Teams have access to the same actuation resources, and to ensure that the Inspectors are able to accurately assess the legality of a given part.

Teams may be asked to provide documentation proving legality of non-2013 KOP items during Inspection where a Rule specifies limits for a legal part (e.g. pneumatic components, current limits, COTS electronics, etc.).

Some of these rules make use of English unit requirements for parts.  If your team has a question about a metric-equivalent part’s legality, please e-mail your question to frcparts@usfirst.org for an official ruling. To seek approval for alternate devices for inclusion in future FRC seasons, please contact frcparts@usfirst.org with item specifications.

Teams should acknowledge the support provided by the corporate Sponsors and Mentors with an appropriate display of their school and Sponsors names and logos (or the name of the supporting youth organization, if appropriate).

Each registered FRC team may enter only one (1) ROBOT into the 2013 FRC. The ROBOT must be built by the FRC Team to perform specific tasks when competing in ULTIMATE ASCENT. The ROBOT must include all of the basic systems required to be an active participant in the game – power, communications, control, mobility, and actuation. The ROBOT implementation must obviously follow a design approach intended to play ULTIMATE ASCENT (e.g. a box of unassembled parts placed on the FIELD, or a ROBOT designed to play a different game would not satisfy this definition). 

The ROBOT must have a FRAME PERIMETER, contained within the BUMPER ZONE, that is comprised of fixed, non-articulated structural elements of the ROBOT. Minor protrusions no greater than ¼ in. such as bolt heads, fastener ends, and rivets are not considered part of the FRAME PERIMETER.

The ROBOT must satisfy the following size constraints:

1. total length of the FRAME PERIMETER sides may not exceed 112 in. (see Figure 4-1 for examples),
2. PLAYING CONFIGURATION horizontal dimensions may never exceed a 54 in. diameter cylinder (see G23 and G23-1), and
3. height may never exceed 84 in. tall.

Figure 4-1: FRAME PERIMETER Length Calculations

In the STARTING CONFIGURATION, no part of the ROBOT may extend outside the vertical projection of the FRAME PERIMETER, with the exception of minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets, etc.

The ROBOT weight may not exceed 120 lbs. When determining weight, the basic ROBOT structure and all elements of all additional MECHANISMS that might be used in different configurations of the ROBOT shall be weighed together.

For the purposes of determining compliance with the weight limitations, the items listed below are not included in the weight assessment:

1. the ROBOT battery and its associated half of the Anderson cable quick connect/disconnect pair (including no more than 12 in. of cable per leg, the associated cable lugs, connecting bolts, and insulation) and
2. BUMPERS (including BUMPER covers, if appropriate).

Traction devices may not have surface features such as metal, sandpaper, hard plastic studs, cleats, or similar attachments. Traction devices include all parts of the ROBOT that are designed to transmit any propulsive and/or braking forces between the ROBOT and FIELD carpet.

ROBOTS must allow removal of DISCS from the ROBOT and the ROBOT from FIELD elements while disabled and powered off.

ROBOT parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, cause an unsafe condition, or interfere with the operation of other ROBOTS.

Protrusions from the ROBOT and exposed surfaces on the ROBOT shall not pose hazards to the ARENA elements or people.

Teams must supply at least two (2) attachment points for the belaying device (see Section 2.2.5) to mount to their ROBOTS.  Attachment points must be:

1. easily accessible after the ROBOT has CLIMBED the PYRAMID,
2. on opposite sides of the ROBOT,
3. located near the ROBOT’S balance point, and
4. made from exposed structural members that will allow a rope to be wrapped around it or two eyelets (McMaster PN3014T45 or similar) mounted to the frame.  Opening of the eyelets must be at least ¾ in. in diameter.

The total cost of all items on the ROBOT shall not exceed $4000 USD. All costs are to be determined as explained in Section 4.1.3: Budget Constraints. Exceptions are as follows:

1. individual fasteners, adhesives, and lubricants, that are less than $1 each and
2. Kit of Parts (KOP) items

No individual item shall have a value that exceeds $400 USD. The total cost of COMPONENTS purchased in bulk may exceed $400 as long as the cost of an individual COMPONENT does not exceed $400.

Individual COMPONENTS or MECHANISMS, not excluded in R11, that are retrieved from previous ROBOTS and used on 2013 ROBOTS must have their undepreciated cost included in the 2013 ROBOT BOM and applied to the overall cost assessment.

The BOM cost of each non-KOP item must be calculated based on the unit fair market value for the material and/or labor, except for labor provided by team members (including sponsor employees who are members of the team) and shipping.

If a COTS item is part of a modular system that can be assembled in several possible configurations, then each individual module must fit within the price constraints defined in R12. 

If the modules are designed to assemble into a single configuration, and the assembly is functional in only that configuration, then the total cost of the complete assembly including all modules must fit within the price constraints defined in R12.

ROBOT elements, including software, that are designed or created before Kickoff are not permitted, unless they are publicly available prior to Kickoff.

The ROBOT (including items intended for use during the competition in alternative configurations of the ROBOT, excluding items permitted per R21) must be bagged or crated (as appropriate for your event), and out of Team hands by Stop Build Day, February 19, 2013 (refer to the FRC Administrative Manual, Section 5 for more details).

Teams must stay “hands-off” their ROBOT during the following time periods:

1. from Stop Build Day until their first event,
2. during the period(s) between their events, and
3. outside of Pit hours while attending events.

Additional time is allowed as follows:

4. There are no restrictions on when software may be developed.
5. On days a team is not attending an event, they may continue development of any items permitted per R21, but must do so without interfacing with the ROBOT.

Teams attending 2-day events may access their ROBOTS per the rules defined in the Administrative Manual, Section 5.6, ROBOT Access Period - for Teams Attending 2-Day Events. 

COTS items from ROBOTS entered in previous FRC competitions that are no longer commercially available may be used only if they are functionally equivalent to the original condition as delivered from the VENDOR.

Lubricants may be used only to reduce friction within the ROBOT. Lubricants may not contaminate the ARENA or other ROBOTS.

Teams may bring a maximum of 30 lbs of FABRICATED ITEMS to each event to be used to repair and/or upgrade their ROBOT.

For Teams attending 2-Day Events, these FABRICATED ITEMS may be used during the Robot Access Period and/or brought to the Event, but the total weight may not exceed 30 lbs. FABRICATED ITEMS constructed during the Robot Access Period and bagged with the ROBOT are exempt from this limit.

The OPERATOR CONSOLE, BUMPERS, and any ROBOT battery assemblies (as described in R05-A) are exempt from this limit.

ROBOTS are required to use BUMPERS to protect all outside corners of the FRAME PERIMETER. For adequate protection, at least 8 in. of BUMPER must be placed on each side of each outside corner (see Figure 4-2).

Figure 4-2: BUMPER Corner Examples

Each set of BUMPERS (including any fasteners and/or structures that attach them to the ROBOT) must weigh no more than 20 lbs.

BUMPERS must be constructed as follows (see Figure 4-4):

1. be backed by ¾ in. (nominal) thick by 5 in. (± ½ in) tall plywood or solid, robust wood.

2. hard BUMPER parts (e.g. plywood, fasteners, etc) may not extend more than 1 in. beyond the end of the FRAME PERIMETER (see Figure 4-3and Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-3: Hard Parts of BUMPER Corners

3. use a stacked pair of approximately 2 ½ in. round, petal, or hex “pool noodles” (solid or hollow) as the BUMPER cushion material (see Figure 4-4). Cushion material may extend up to 2 ½ in. beyond the end of the plywood (see Figure 4-2).
4. be covered with a rugged, smooth cloth. 

The cloth must completely enclose all exterior surfaces of the wood and pool noodle material when the BUMPER is installed on the ROBOT. The fabric covering the BUMPERS must be a solid Red or Blue in color. The only markings permitted on the BUMPER fabric cover are the Team number (see Rule R31).

5. must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop or tie-wraps).  The attachment system must be designed to withstand vigorous game play. All removable fasteners (e.g. bolts, locking pins, pip-pins, etc.) will be considered part of the BUMPERS.

Figure 4-4: BUMPER Cross Section

BUMPERS must be located entirely within the BUMPER ZONE, which is between 2 and 10 in. from the floor, in reference to the ROBOT standing normally on a flat floor.

BUMPERS may not be articulated (relative to the FRAME PERIMETER).

Corner joints between BUMPERS must be filled with pool noodle material.  Examples of implementation are shown in Figure 4-5. 

Figure 4-5: Soft Parts of BUMPER Corners

BUMPERS (the entire BUMPER, not just the cover) must be designed for quick and easy installation and removal.

BUMPERS must be supported by the structure/frame of the ROBOT (see Figure 4-6). To be considered supported:

1. a minimum of 1 in. at each end of the BUMPER must be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER,
2. the gap between the backing material and the frame must not be greater than ¼ in., and
3. no section of BUMPER greater than 8 in. may be unsupported.

Figure 4-6: BUMPER Support Examples

Each ROBOT must be able to display Red or Blue BUMPERS to match their ALLIANCE color, as assigned in the MATCH schedule distributed at the event (reference Section 5.3.2).

Team numbers must be displayed on the BUMPERS and meet the following criteria:

1. consist of numerals at least 4 in. high, at least ½ in. in stroke width, and be either white in color or outlined in white
2. may not wrap around a corner of the FRAME PERIMETER
3. be positioned around the ROBOT such that an observer walking around the perimeter of the ROBOT can unambiguously tell the Team’s number from any point of view.

The only motors and actuators permitted on 2013 FRC ROBOTS include the following:

Table 4-1: Legal Motors

The integral mechanical and electrical system of any motor may not be modified. Motors, servos, and electric solenoids used on the ROBOT shall not be modified in any way, except as follows:

1. The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface may be modified to facilitate the physical connection of the motor to the ROBOT and actuated part.
2. The electrical input leads may be trimmed to length as necessary.
3. The locking pins on the window motors (P/N: 262100-3030 and 262100-3040) may be removed.
4. The connector housings on the window motors (P/N: 262100-3030 and 262100-3040) may be modified to facilitate lead connections.
5. The Integrated Encoder Module (P/N: 276-1321) may be installed on the VEX 2-wire Motor 393 (P/N 276-2177).
6. The VEX 2-wire Motor 393 (P/N: 276-2177) gears may be changed or replaced per the Supplier instructions.
7. The VEX BAG Motor (P/N: 217-3351) may be repaired per the Supplier instructions found at http://www.vexrobotics.com/217-3351.html

The only legal source of electrical energy for the ROBOT during the competition, the ROBOT battery, is one of the following 12VDC non-spillable lead acid batteries:

1. MK Battery (P/N: ES17-12) or
2. EnerSys (P/N: NP 18-12) 

Exception: Batteries integral to and part of a COTS computing device or self-contained camera are also permitted (e.g. laptop batteries), provided they’re only used to power the COTS computing device and any peripheral COTS USB input devices connected to the COTS computing device and they must be securely fastened to the ROBOT.

The ROBOT battery must be secured such that it will not dislodge should the ROBOT be turned over or placed in any arbitrary orientation.

Each electrical terminal on the ROBOT battery and its connection (lugs, stripped wire ends, etc.) to the 6AWG wire must be fully insulated.

Non-electrical sources of energy used by the ROBOT, (i.e., stored at the start of a MATCH), shall come only from the following sources:

1. compressed air stored in the pneumatic system,
2. a change in the altitude of the ROBOT center of gravity, and
3. storage achieved by deformation of ROBOT parts.

The ROBOT battery, the main 120-amp (120A) circuit breaker (Cooper Bussman P/N: CB185-120), and the Power Distribution (PD) Board shall be connected as shown in Figure 4-7. 

Figure 4-7: Main Power Distribution

All circuits, with the exceptions of those listed in R43 and R44, must connect to, and have power sourced solely by, a single protected 12VDC WAGO connector pair (the Load Terminals) or the 5VDC supply on the PD Board (not the M6 shanks) as shown in Figure 4-8.

All wiring and electrical devices, including all Control System COMPONENTS, shall be electrically isolated from the ROBOT frame. The ROBOT frame must not be used to carry electrical current.

The 120A circuit breaker must be quickly accessible from the exterior of the ROBOT.

The PD Board and all circuit breakers must be easily visible for Inspection.

The cRIO power input must be connected to the 24VDC supply terminals on the PD Board shown in Figure 4-8. With the exception of one Solenoid Breakout Board, no other electrical load can be connected to these terminals.

The wireless bridge power feed must be supplied by the 12VDC-to-5VDC converter (P/N: CLL25-24S05) connected to the marked 12VDC supply terminals at the end of the PD Board (i.e. the terminals located between the indicator LEDs, and not the main WAGO connectors along the sides of the PD Board) shown in Figure 4-8. No other electrical load may be connected to these terminals.

Figure 4-8: Wireless Bridge, cRIO, and 5VDC Power Connections

Only one wire may be connected to each WAGO connector on the PD Board.

The only circuit breakers permitted for use in the PD Board are:

1. Snap Action VB3-A Series, terminal style F57
2. Snap Action MX5-A40

Each branch circuit must be protected by one and only one circuit breaker on the PD Board per Table 4-2. No other electrical load can be connected to the breaker supplying this circuit.

Table 4-2: Branch Circuit Protection

All active circuits shall be wired with appropriately sized insulated wire:

Table 4-3: Legal Wire Size

Branch circuits may include intermediate elements such as COTS connectors, splices, COTS flexible/rolling/sliding contacts, and COTS slip rings, as long as the entire electrical pathway is via appropriately gauged/rated elements.

All active circuit wiring with a constant polarity (i.e., except for outputs of relay modules, motor controllers, or sensor outputs) shall be color-coded as follows:

1. Red, white, brown, or black-with-stripe on the +24VDC, +12VDC, and +5VDC connections
2. Black or blue for the common or negative side (-) of the connections.

The only power regulating devices for actuators permitted on the ROBOT include:

1. Jaguar motor controller (P/N: MDL-BDC, MDL-BDC24, and 217-3367),
2. Victor 884 motor controller (P/N: VICTOR-884-12/12),
3. Victor 888 motor controller (P/N: 217-2769),
4. Talon motor controller (P/N: CTRE_Talon, CTRE_Talon, am-2505 and am-2195),
5. VEX motor controller (P/N: 276-2193) for controlling VEX 2-wire Motor 393 (P/N: 276-2177) only, and
6. Spike H-Bridge Relay (P/N: 217-0220 and SPIKE-RELAY-H).

Each power regulating device may control electrical loads per Table 4-4. Unless otherwise noted, each power regulating device may control one and only one electrical load.

Table 4-4: Legal Power Regulating Device Use

Servos must be directly connected to the PWM ports on the Digital Sidecar. They must not be connected to motor controllers or relay modules.

Custom circuits shall not directly alter the power pathways between the ROBOT battery, PD Board, motor controllers, relays, motors, or other elements of the ROBOT control system (including the power pathways to other sensors or circuits). Custom high impedance voltage monitoring or low impedance current monitoring circuitry connected to the ROBOT’S electrical system is acceptable, if the effect on the ROBOT outputs is inconsequential.

ROBOTS must be controlled via one (1) programmable National Instruments cRIO (P/N: cRIO-FRC or cRIO-FRCII), with image version FRC_2013_v47.

One (1) D-Link wireless bridge (P/N: DAP-1522), hardware revision B, is the only permitted device for communicating to and from the ROBOT during the MATCH.

The DAP-1522 wireless bridge must be connected to the cRIO Ethernet port 1 (either directly or via a CAT5 Ethernet pigtail).

Ethernet-connected COTS devices or custom circuits may connect to any remaining Ethernet port but must not transmit or receive UDP packets using ports 1100-1200 with the exception of ports 1130 and 1140.

Communication between the ROBOT and the OPERATOR CONSOLE is restricted as follows:

1. Network Ports:
   1. TCP 1180: This port is typically used for camera data from the cRIO to the Driver Station (DS) when the camera is connected to port 2 on the 8-slot cRIO (P/N: cRIO-FRC). This port is bidirectional.
   2. TCP 1735: SmartDashboard, bidirectional
   3. UDP 1130: Dashboard-to-ROBOT control data, directional
   4. UDP 1140: ROBOT-to-Dashboard status data, directional
   5. HTTP 80: Camera connected via switch on the ROBOT, bidirectional
   6. HTTP 443: Camera connected via switch on the ROBOT, bidirectional

Teams may use these ports as they wish if they do not employ them as outlined above (i.e. TCP 1180 can be used to pass data back and forth between the ROBOT and the DS if the Team chooses not to use the camera on port 2).

2. Bandwidth: 7 Mbits/second

The cRIO, Driver Station software, and wireless bridge must be configured to correspond to the correct Team number, per the procedures defined in Getting Started with the FRC Control System.

All signals must originate from the OPERATOR CONSOLE and be transmitted to the ROBOT via the ARENA network.

No form of wireless communication shall be used to communicate to, from, or within the ROBOT, except those required per R56 and R61 (e.g. radio modems from previous FIRST competitions and Bluetooth devices are not permitted on the ROBOT during competition).

The wireless bridge must be mounted on the ROBOT such that the diagnostic lights are visible to ARENA personnel.

ROBOTS must use at least one (1) diagnostic ROBOT Signal Light (RSL) (P/N: 855PB-B12ME522).

Any RSL must be:

1. mounted on the ROBOT such that it is easily visible while standing three (3) ft in front of the ROBOT,
2. connected to the “RSL” supply terminals on a Digital Sidecar that is connected to an NI 9403 module in Slot 2 of the cRIO, and
3. wired for solid light operation, by placing a jumper between the “La” and “Lb” terminals on the light per Figure 4-9. 

Figure 4-9: Jumper on RSL

The Driver Station software, cRIO, motor controllers, relay modules, wireless bridge, and batteries shall not be tampered with, modified, or adjusted in any way (tampering includes drilling, cutting, machining, gluing, rewiring, disassembling, etc.), with the following exceptions:

1. User programmable code in the cRIO may be customized.
2. Dip switches on the cRIO may be set (applies to cRIO-FRC only).
3. Motor controllers may be calibrated as described in owner's manuals.
4. Fans may be attached to motor controllers and may be powered from the power input terminals.
5. If powering the compressor, the fuse on a Spike H-Bridge Relay may be replaced with a 20A Snap-Action circuit breaker.
6. Wires, cables, and signal lines may be connected via the standard connection points provided on the devices.
7. Fasteners may be used to attach the device to the OPERATOR CONSOLE or ROBOT.
8. Labeling may be applied to indicate device purpose, connectivity, functional performance, etc.
9. Brake/Coast jumpers on motor controllers may be changed from their default location.
10. Limit switch jumpers may be removed from a Jaguar motor controller and a custom limit switch circuit may be substituted.
11. If CAN-bus functionality is used, the Jaguar firmware must be updated as required by FIRST (see Rule R68-D).
12. The First Touch I/O module’s firmware may be modified. 

13. Devices may be repaired, provided the performance and specifications of the component after the repair are identical  to those before the repair.

Neither 12VDC power nor relay module or motor controller outputs may be connected to the Analog/Solenoid Breakout Boards or the Digital Sidecar (with the exception of the designated 12VDC input terminals). 

Every relay module, servo, and PWM motor controller shall be connected via PWM cable to the Digital Sidecar and be controlled by signals provided from the cRIO via the Digital Sidecar.  They shall not be controlled by signals from any other source.

Each Jaguar must be controlled with signal inputs sourced from the cRIO and passed via either a connected PWM cable or a CAN-bus connection. 

1. The Jaguar must receive signals via either a PWM cable or a CAN-bus connection.  Both may not be used simultaneously.
2. PWM configuration: If the Jaguar motor controller is controlled via PWM communications, the PWM port on the Jaguar motor controller must be connected directly to a PWM port on the Digital Sidecar with a PWM cable.  No other device may be connected to these PWM ports.  No other device may be connected to any other port on the Jaguar motor controller with the exception of connection to the coast/brake port or the limit switch ports.
3. CAN-bus configuration: If the Jaguar motor controller is controlled via CAN-bus communications, each Jaguar motor controller must be connected to either the cRIO or another CAN-bus device with a CAN-bus cable.
4. If the CAN-bus configuration is used, the firmware on gray Jaguar motor controllers must be updated to at least Version 101 of the official FIRST firmware and Version 107 for black Jaguars.

If CAN-bus communication is used, the CAN-bus must be connected to the cRIO through either the Ethernet network connected to Port 1, Port 2, or the DB-9 RS-232 port connection. 

1. Ethernet-to-CAN bridges or RS-232-to-CAN bridges (including the “black” Jaguars) may be used to connect the CAN-bus to the cRIO.
2. Additional switches, sensor modules, custom circuits, third-party modules, etc. may also be placed on the CAN-bus. 
3. No device that interferes with, alters, or blocks communications between the cRIO and the Jaguars will be permitted (tunneling packets for the purposes of passing them through an Ethernet-to-CAN bridge is acceptable as the commands are not altered).

Outputs from each Solenoid Breakout shall not cumulatively exceed 16W for the cRIO-FRC (8-slot) and 21W for the cRIO-FRC II (4-slot). 

Control components must be configured to report the ROBOT’S battery voltage. Specifically:

1. A National Instruments 9201 analog module must be installed in slot 1 of the cRIO. 
2. An Analog Breakout Board must be connected to this module.
3. A jumper must be installed in the “Power” position (two outer pins) on the Analog Breakout Board (see Figure 4-10).
4. The Analog Breakout Board must be powered from the PD Board. 

Figure 4-10: Jumper for Battery Voltage Reading

All outputs from sensors, custom circuits and additional electronics shall connect to only the following:

1. other custom circuits,
2. additional COTS electronics,
3. input ports on the Digital Sidecar,
4. input ports on the Analog Breakout Board,
5. the RS-232 port on the cRIO,
6. the Ethernet network connected to either Port 1 or Port 2 of the cRIO,
7. the CAN-bus if and only if all Jaguar motor controllers on the CAN-bus are wired in full compliance with R68 and R69, or
8. the sensor inputs on the Jaguar motor controller.

A noise filter may be wired across motor leads or PWM leads.  Such filters will not be considered custom circuits and will not be considered a violation of R54 or R72. 

Acceptable signal filters must be fully insulated and must be one of the following:

1. A one microfarad (1 µF) or less non-polarized capacitor may be applied across the power leads of any motor on your ROBOT (as close to the actual motor leads as reasonably possible).
2. A resistor may be used as a shunt load for the PWM control signal feeding a servo.

Any decorations that involve broadcasting a signal to/from the ROBOT, such as remote cameras, must be approved by FIRST (via e-mail to frcparts@usfirst.org) prior to the event and tested for communications interference at the venue.  Such devices, if reviewed and approved, are excluded from R62.

To satisfy multiple constraints associated with safety, consistency, Inspection, and constructive innovation, no pneumatic parts other than those explicitly permitted in Section  4.1.10 may be used on the ROBOT.

All pneumatic components must be COTS pneumatic devices rated by their manufacturers for working pressure of at least 125psi (with the exception of R78-D).

All pneumatic COMPONENTS must be used in their original, unaltered condition. Exceptions are as follows:

1. tubing may be cut,
2. wiring for pneumatic devices may be modified to interface with the control system,
3. assembling and connecting pneumatic COMPONENTS using the pre-existing threads, mounting brackets, quick-connect fittings, etc.,
4. removing the mounting pin from a pneumatic cylinder, provided the cylinder itself is not modified,
5. labeling applied to indicate device purpose, connectivity, functional performance, etc.

The only pneumatic system items permitted on 2013 FRC ROBOTS include the items listed below.

1. Items available in the 2013 KOP,
2. Pneumatic pressure vent plug valves functionally equivalent to those provided in the KOP,

3. Solenoid valves with a maximum ¹/₈ in. NPT port diameter, and a maximum Cv of 0.32,
4. Solenoid valves that are rated for a maximum working pressure that is less than 125 psi rating mandated above are permitted, however if employed,  an additional pressure relief valve must be added to the low pressure side of the main regulator. The additional relief valve must be set to a lower pressure than the maximum pressure rating for the solenoid valve,
5. Additional pneumatic tubing, with a maximum 0.160 in. inside diameter, functionally equivalent to that provided in the KOP,
6. Pressure transducers, pressure gauges, and connecting fittings,
7. Pressure regulators with a maximum bypass pressure of no more than 60 psi,
8. Pneumatic cylinders,
9. Pneumatic storage tanks, and
10. Compressors compliant with R80.

If pneumatic COMPONENTS are used on the ROBOT, the following items are required as part of the pneumatic system and must be connected in accordance with this section per Figure 4-11.

Figure 4-11: Pneumatic System Setup

Compressed air on the ROBOT must be provided by one and only one compressor.  Compressor specifications may not exceed nominal 12VDC, 1.05 cfm flow rate. Off-board compressors must be controlled and powered by the ROBOT.

“Stored” air pressure on the ROBOT must be no greater than 120 psi. “Working” air pressure on the ROBOT must be no greater than 60 psi.   All working air must be provided through one primary adjustable pressure regulator.

Only the compressor, relief valve (P/N: 16-004-011), pressure switch, pressure vent plug valve, pressure gauge, storage tanks, tubing, and connecting fittings may be in the high-pressure pneumatic circuit upstream from the regulator.

Pressure gauges must be placed in easily visible locations upstream and downstream of the regulator to display the “stored” and “working” pressures.

If the compressor is not included on the ROBOT (under the provisions of Rule R80), the regulator and high-pressure gauge may be located on-board or off-board (but must be together), provided all other pneumatic rules are satisfied.

If the regulator is kept off-board the ROBOT with the compressor, then only low-pressure (60 psi or less) “working” air can be stored on the ROBOT.

The relief valve must be attached directly to the compressor or attached by legal fittings connected to the compressor output port. If using an off-board compressor, an additional relief valve must be included in the high pressure side of the pneumatic circuit on the ROBOT.

The pressure switch requirements are:

1. It must be connected to the high-pressure side of the pneumatic circuit (i.e. prior to the pressure regulator) to sense the “stored” pressure of the circuit.
2. The two wires from the pressure switch must be connected directly to a digital input and ground pin on the Digital Sidecar.
3. The cRIO  must be programmed to sense the state of the switch and operate the relay module that powers the compressor to prevent over-pressuring the system.

The pressure vent plug valve must be:

1. connected to the pneumatic circuit such that, when manually operated, it will vent to the atmosphere to relieve all stored pressure, and
2. placed on the ROBOT so that it is visible and easily accessible. 

If the compressor is not used on the ROBOT, then an additional vent valve must be obtained and connected to the high-pressure portion of the pneumatic circuit off board the ROBOT with the compressor (see R80).

The outputs from multiple valves may not be plumbed together.

The Driver Station software provided on the Kit of Parts website is the only application permitted to specify and communicate the operating mode (i.e. Autonomous/Teleop) and operating state (Enable/Disable) to the ROBOT. The Driver Station software must be revision 1.29.13.00 or newer. 

The OPERATOR CONSOLE must include a graphic display to present the Driver Station disgnostic information. It must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the screen display can be clearly seen during Inspection and in a MATCH. 

Devices hosting the Driver Station software may only interface with the Field Management System (FMS) via the Ethernet cable provided at the PLAYER STATION. The Ethernet port on the OPERATOR CONSOLE must be easily and quickly accessible. 

The OPERATOR CONSOLE must not exceed 60 in. long by 12 in. deep (excluding any items that are held or worn by the DRIVERS during the match).

Other than the system provided by the ARENA, no other form of wireless communications shall be used to communicate to, from, or within the OPERATOR CONSOLE. 

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.

Each 2013 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) event is played in a tournament format. Each tournament consists of three sets of MATCHES called “Practice MATCHES,” “Qualification MATCHES,” and “Elimination MATCHES.”

The purpose of the Practice MATCHES is to provide each Team with an opportunity to operate its ROBOT on the FIELD prior to the start of the Qualification MATCHES.

The purpose of the Qualification MATCHES is to allow each Team to earn a seeding position that may qualify them for participation in the Elimination MATCHES.

The purpose of the Elimination MATCHES is to determine the event Champions.

Each MATCH is conducted with approximately two (2)-minutes for set up, two minutes and fifteen seconds (2:15) of game play, and one (1)-minute to clear the FIELD. After each MATCH, the ARENA must be cleared of ROBOTS and OPERATOR CONSOLES from the MATCH that just ended. The ROBOTS and OPERATOR CONSOLES for the following MATCH must be placed in position and ready to start before the start of the next MATCH. Event staff will reset the ARENA elements during this time.

Practice MATCHES are played on the first day of each event. The Practice MATCH schedule is available as soon as possible, but before Practice MATCHES start. Practice MATCHES are randomly assigned and each Team is assigned an equal number of Practice MATCHES. If the number of Teams multiplied by number of Practice MATCHES is not divisible by six, the FMS randomly selects some Teams to play an extra Practice MATCH.

Although Teams may not switch practice times, there will be a designated Filler Line at each event. Teams wanting additional Practice MATCHES may join the Filler Line if the criteria below are met. Teams from the Filler Line will be used on a first come, first served basis to fill empty spots in Practice MATCHES left by other Teams that do not report to Queueing. The number of TEAMS in the Filler Line is dependent upon space at venues. The criteria for joining the Filler Line are as follows:

1. ROBOTS in the Filler Line must have passed Inspection;
2. Teams must join the Filler Line with their ROBOT;
3. Teams may not work on their ROBOT while in the Filler Line;
4. Teams may not occupy more than one spot in the Filler Line; and
5. If a Team is queued up for their Practice MATCH, they may not also join the Filler Line.

The Qualification MATCH schedule is made available as soon as possible, but no later than 1 hour before Qualification MATCHES are scheduled to begin.

The Field Management System (FMS) assigns each Team two (2) ALLIANCE partners for each Qualification MATCH using a predefined algorithm. The algorithm employs the following criteria, listed in order of priority:

1. Maximize time between each MATCH played for all Teams
2. Minimize the number of times a Team plays opposite any Team
3. Minimize the number of times a Team is allied with any Team
4. Minimize the use of SURROGATES
5. Provide even distribution of MATCHES played on Blue and Red ALLIANCE

All Teams are assigned the same number of Qualification MATCHES. If the number of Teams multiplied by number of MATCHES is not divisible by six, the FMS randomly selects some Teams to play an extra MATCH. For the purpose of seeding calculations, those Teams are designated as SURROGATES for the extra MATCH. If a Team plays a MATCH as a SURROGATE, it is indicated on the MATCH schedule, and it is always their third Qualification MATCH. Figure 5-1 details information shown on a MATCH schedule.

The Qualification MATCH schedule indicates ALLIANCE partners and MATCH pairings.  It also indicates the ALLIANCE color assignment, “Red” or “Blue,” for each MATCH.

Figure 5-1: Sample MATCH Schedule

Qualification Points are awarded to each Team at the completion of each Qualification MATCH and are dependent on the final score:

• Each Team on the winning ALLIANCE receives two (2) Qualification Points.
• Each Team on the losing ALLIANCE receives zero (0) Qualification Points.
• In the event of a tied score, all six Teams receive one (1) Qualification Point.

Exceptions to these scenarios are as follows:

• A SURROGATE receives zero (0) Qualification Points.
• A Team is declared a no-show if no member of the TEAM is in the ALLIANCE STATION at the start of the MATCH; a no-show Team is disqualified from that MATCH and receives zero (0) Qualification Points.
• During the Qualification MATCHES, Teams may be individually DISQUALIFIED in a MATCH. A DISQUALIFIED (including via a RED CARD) Team receives zero (0) Qualification Points.

The total number of Qualification Points earned by a Team throughout their Qualification MATCHES is their Qualification Score.

All Teams in attendance are seeded during the Qualification MATCHES. If the number of Teams in attendance is 'n', they are seeded '1' through 'n', with '1' being the highest seeded Team and 'n' being the lowest seeded Team.

The FMS ranks all Teams in decreasing order, using the following sorting criteria:

At the end of the Qualification MATCHES, the top eight (8) seeded Teams become the ALLIANCE Leads. The top seeded ALLIANCES are designated, in order, ALLIANCE One, ALLIANCE Two, etc., down to ALLIANCE Eight.  Using the ALLIANCE selection process described below, each Team chooses two (2) other Teams to join their ALLIANCE.

Each Team chooses a student Team Representative who will proceed to the ARENA at the designated time (typically before the lunch break on the final day of the event) to represent their Team. The Team Representative from each ALLIANCE Lead is called the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN.

The ALLIANCE selection process consists of two rounds during which each ALLIANCE CAPTAIN invites a Team seeded below them in the standings to join their ALLIANCE. The invited Team must not already have declined an invitation.

Round 1: In descending order (ALLIANCE One to ALLIANCE Eight), each ALLIANCE CAPTAIN invites a single Team. The invited Team Representative steps forward and either accepts or declines the invitation.

If the Team accepts, it is moved into that ALLIANCE. If an invitation from a top eight ALLIANCE to another ALLIANCE Lead is accepted, all lower ALLIANCE Leads are promoted one spot and the next highest seeded unselected Team moves up to become ALLIANCE Eight.

If the Team declines, that Team is not eligible to be picked again and the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN extends another invitation to a different Team. If an invitation from a top eight ALLIANCE to another ALLIANCE Lead is declined, the declining Team may still invite Teams to join their ALLIANCE; however, it cannot accept invitations from other ALLIANCES. 

The process continues until ALLIANCE Eight makes a successful invitation.

Round 2: The same method is used for each ALLIANCE CAPTAIN'S second choice except the selection order is reversed, with ALLIANCE Eight picking first and ALLIANCE One picking last.  This process results in eight (8) ALLIANCES of three (3) Teams each.

Of the remaining eligible Teams, the highest seeded Teams (up to eight) should remain on standby and be ready to play as a BACKUP TEAM.  If a ROBOT from any ALLIANCE in an Elimination MATCH becomes inoperable the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN may have the highest seeded BACKUP TEAM still available join the ALLIANCE.  The resulting ALLIANCE is then composed of four (4) Teams. The replaced Team remains part of the ALLIANCE for awards but cannot play, even if their ROBOT is repaired.

Each ALLIANCE only has one opportunity to draw from the BACKUP TEAMS.  If a second ROBOT from the ALLIANCE becomes inoperable, then the ALLIANCE must play the following MATCHES with only two (2) (or even one(1)) ROBOTS.  It is in the best interest of all Teams to construct their ROBOTS to be as robust as possible to prevent this situation.

The Elimination MATCHES take place on the afternoon following the completion of the Qualification MATCHES. Elimination MATCHES are played in a bracket format as follows:

Figure 5-2: Elimination MATCH Bracket

In order to allow time between MATCHES for all ALLIANCES, the order of play is as follows: 

QF1-1, QF2-1, QF3-1, QF4-1,

QF1-2, QF2-2, QF3-2, QF4-2,

QF1-3*, QF2-3*, QF3-3*, QF4-3*

Any Quarter-Final replays due to ties*

SF1-1, SF2-1, SF1-2, SF2-2, SF1-3*, SF2-3*

Any Semi-Final replays due to ties*

F-1, F-2, F-3*

 Any Final replays due to ties*

(* - if required)

In the Elimination MATCHES, Teams do not earn Qualification Points; they earn a Win, Loss or Tie. Within each series of the Elimination MATCH bracket, the first ALLIANCE to win two MATCHES will advance.

In the case where the MATCH score of each ALLIANCE is equal, the tie is broken by awarding an extra point to the ALLIANCE with (in the following order):

1. highest number of FOUL points awarded (i.e. the ALLIANCE that played the cleaner MATCH)
2. if FOUL points are equal, highest number of AUTO GOAL points
3. if AUTO GOAL points are equal, highest number of CLIMB points

If the criteria above are equal, the MATCH is a Tie and will be replayed if needed.

All event attendees must wear safety glasses while in the ARENA.

Wireless ROBOT control is not permitted outside the FIELD or Practice Field. ROBOTS must only be operated by tether when outside the FIELD or Practice Field. 

ROBOTS must use the provided Practice Field radio for communication if operating wirelessly on the Practice Field.

Teams are not allowed to set up their own 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz or 5GHz) wireless communication (e.g. access points or ad-hoc networks) in the venue.

No Team or Team member shall interfere or attempt to interfere with any other Team’s or FIRST’s wireless communication. Except as expressly allowed for purposes of communicating with the Team’s own ROBOT on the FIELD or a Practice Field, no Team or Team member shall connect or attempt to connect to any other Team’s or FIRST’s wireless network.

Violation: Up to and including DISQUALIFICATION of the Team from the event. Legal action may also be pursued based on applicable law.

At each event, the Lead ROBOT Inspector (LRI) has final authority on the legality of any COMPONENT, MECHANISM, or ROBOT. Inspectors may re-Inspect ROBOTS to ensure compliance with the rules.

ROBOTS are allowed to participate in scheduled Practice MATCHES prior to passing Inspection.  However, the FTA, LRI or Head Referee may determine at any time that the ROBOT is unsafe, per Section 3.2.1, and may prohibit further participation in Practice MATCHES until the condition is corrected and the ROBOT passes Inspection. 

A TEAM is only allowed to participate in a MATCH and receive Qualification Points if their ROBOT has passed Inspection. If it is discovered after the start of the MATCH that a ROBOT did not pass Inspection, the entire ALLIANCE will receive a RED CARD for that MATCH.

Any ROBOT construction technique or element that is not in compliance with the ROBOT Rules must be rectified before a ROBOT will be allowed to compete or continue competing. ROBOTS must fully pass Inspection before they will be allowed to compete in Qualification or Elimination MATCHES. 

At the time of Inspection, the ROBOT must be presented with all MECHANISMS (including all COMPONENTS of each MECHANISM), configurations, and decorations that will be used on the ROBOT during the entire competition event.  It is acceptable, however, for a ROBOT to play MATCHES with a subset of the MECHANISMS that were present during Inspection.  Only MECHANISMS that were present during the Inspection may be added, removed or reconfigured between MATCHES.  If MECHANISMS are changed between MATCHES, the reconfigured ROBOT must still meet all Inspection criteria.

The ROBOT Bill of Materials (BOM) must be presented at the time of Inspection.

If a ROBOT is modified after it has passed Inspection, other than modifications described in T8, that ROBOT must be re-Inspected. 

At events, Teams may only produce FABRICATED ITEMS in the pit areas or provided machine shops, as defined in the Administrative Manual, Section 4.8, The Pit.

For the safety of all those involved, Inspections must take place with the ROBOT powered off, pneumatics unpressurized, and springs or other stored energy devices in their lowest potential energy states (i.e. battery removed).

Power and air pressure should only be enabled on the ROBOT during those portions of the Inspection process where it is absolutely required to validate certain system functionality and compliance with specific rules (firmware check, etc.). Inspectors may allow the ROBOT to be powered up beyond the parameters above if both criteria below are met.

1. The ROBOT design requires power or a charged stored energy device in order to confirm that the ROBOT meets volume requirements, and
2. The Team has included safety interlocks that prevent unexpected release of such stored energy.

The Head Referee has the ultimate authority in the ARENA during the event, but may receive input from additional sources, e.g. Game Designers, FIRST personnel, and technical staff. The Head Referee rulings are final. The Head Referee will not review recorded replays under any circumstances.

If a TEAM needs clarification on a ruling or score, one (1) pre-college student from that TEAM should address the Head Referee after the ARENA reset signal (i.e. PLAYER STATION LED strings turn green). A TEAM member signals their desire to speak with the Head Referee by standing in the Red or Blue Question Box, which are located on the floor at each end of the scoring table. Depending on timing, the Head Referee may postpone any requested discussion until the end of the subsequent MATCH.

The Head Referee may assign a YELLOW or RED CARD as a result of egregious ROBOT or Team member behavior at the ARENA. 

A YELLOW or RED CARD is indicated by the Head Referee standing in front of the Team’s PLAYER STATION and holding a YELLOW or RED CARD in the air after the completion of the MATCH.

Once a Team receives a YELLOW or RED CARD, its Team number will be colored yellow on the audience screen at the beginning of all subsequent MATCHES as a reminder to the Team, the Referees, and the audience that they carry a YELLOW CARD.

A Team is issued a RED CARD (DISQUALIFICATION) in any subsequent MATCH in which they receive an additional YELLOW CARD.  This occurs after the completion of the MATCH. 

A RED CARD is indicated by the Head Referee standing in front of the Team’s PLAYER STATION and holding a YELLOW CARD and RED CARD in the air simultaneously.  The Team will still carry their YELLOW CARD into subsequent MATCHES.

YELLOW CARDS do not carry forward between Qualification MATCHES and Elimination MATCHES (i.e. all Teams move into the Elimination MATCHES with a clean slate).

During the Elimination MATCHES, if a Team receives a RED CARD, the entire ALLIANCE is DISQUALIFIED for that MATCH.

At the conclusion of a MATCH, TEAMS must remain in their ALLIANCE STATION until the ARENA reset signal is issued, as indicated by the PLAYER STATION LED strings illuminating green.

ROBOTS will not be re-enabled after the conclusion of the MATCH, nor will Teams be permitted to tether to the ROBOT.

If, in the judgment of the Head Referee, an “ARENA fault” occurs that affects the outcome of the MATCH, the MATCH will be replayed.  Example ARENA faults include broken FIELD elements, power failure to a portion of the FIELD, improper activation of the FMS, errors by FIELD personnel, etc. 

There are no TIMEOUTS in the Qualification MATCHES. If a ROBOT cannot report for a MATCH, the Lead Queuer should be informed and at least one member of the TEAM should report to the ARENA for the MATCH to avoid receiving a RED CARD, with the exception of a Team that has not passed Inspection, per Rule T6.

In the Elimination MATCHES, each ALLIANCE will be allotted one (1) TIMEOUT.

During a TIMEOUT, the ARENA Timer will display the time remaining in the TIMEOUT. Both ALLIANCES will enjoy the complete 6-minute window. If an ALLIANCE completes their repairs before the ARENA Timer expires, the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN is encouraged to inform the Head Referee that they are ready to play. If both ALLIANCES are ready to play before the TIMEOUT expires, the next MATCH will start.

During the Elimination MATCHES, if circumstances require an ALLIANCE to play in back-to-back MATCHES, there will be a FIELD TIMEOUT to allow Teams to prepare for the next MATCH.

If an ALLIANCE wishes to call a TIMEOUT, they must submit their TIMEOUT coupon to the Head Referee within two (2) minutes of the ARENA reset signal preceding their MATCH.

There are no cascading TIMEOUTS. If an ALLIANCE calls a TIMEOUT during a FIELD TIMEOUT, the FIELD TIMEOUT will immediately expire and the ALLIANCE’S TIMEOUT will begin.

TIMEOUTS are not transferrable between ALLIANCES. 

If during a TIMEOUT an ALLIANCE CAPTAIN determines that they need to call up a BACKUP ROBOT, they must submit their BACKUP ROBOT coupon to the Head Referee while there is still at least two (2) minutes remaining on the ARENA Timer.  After that point, they will not be allowed to utilize the BACKUP ROBOT.

Alternatively, an ALLIANCE CAPTAIN may choose to call up a BACKUP ROBOT without using their TIMEOUT by informing the Head Referee directly within two (2) minutes of the Head Referee issuing the ARENA reset signal preceding their MATCH.

In the case where the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN’S ROBOT is replaced with the BACKUP ROBOT, the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN is allowed in the ALLIANCE STATION as a thirteenth ALLIANCE member so they can serve in an advisory role to their ALLIANCE.

An ALLIANCE may request neither a TIMEOUT nor a BACKUP TEAM after an Elimination MATCH is stopped by the Head Referee (e.g. due to an ARENA fault or a safety issue).  The sole exception is if the replay is due to an ARENA fault that rendered a ROBOT inoperable.

The ARENA will be open for at least one (1) hour prior to the start of Practice MATCHES, during which Teams may survey and/or measure the FIELD. The specific time that the FIELD is open will be communicated to Teams at the event. Teams may bring specific questions or comments to the FTA. 

The only equipment, provided it does not jam or interfere with the remote sensing capabilities of another Team, including vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, infrared proximity detectors, etc. (e.g. including imagery that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the VISION TARGET), that may be brought in to the ALLIANCE STATION are as follows:

1. the OPERATOR CONSOLE,
2. non-powered signaling devices,
3. reasonable decorative items,
4. special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability
5. devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy provided they meet all of the following conditions:
   1. do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
   2. do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
   3. do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
   4. do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
   5. do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, Wi-Fi, etc.)
   6. do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing PLAYERS to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other ALLIANCE members.

At the 2013 FIRST Championship, Teams are split into four (4) Divisions: Archimedes, Curie, Galileo, and Newton.  Each Division plays like a Regional Event to produce the Division Champions. Those four (4) ALLIANCES proceed to the Championship Playoffs, on the Einstein FIELD, to determine the 2013 FRC Champions.

The procedures in Sections 5.1 - 5.5 apply during the Championship, with the additions defined below.

During the Elimination MATCHES, extra Team members may be needed to maintain the ROBOT between MATCHES because of the distance between the FIELD and the pit area. For this reason, each Team is permitted to have three (3) additional “pit crew” members who can also help with needed ROBOT repairs/maintenance. 

Only Team members wearing proper badges are allowed on the ARENA floor.  FIRST will distribute these badges to the ALLIANCE CAPTAINS during the ALLIANCE CAPTAIN meeting, which takes place on the Division FIELDS.  These badges will provide the necessary access to the ARENA for pit crew members.

Teams should assume they may be chosen for an ALLIANCE and think about the logistics of badge distribution and set a plan prior to the pairings.  It is each ALLIANCE CAPTAIN’S responsibility to get the Team’s badges to the pit crew members.

If an ALLIANCE has not already used a BACKUP ROBOT, and an ALLIANCE ROBOT becomes inoperable during the Championship Playoffs and cannot continue, the ALLIANCE may request a BACKUP ROBOT. The ALLIANCE CAPTAIN will be presented the option of having one (1) of the three (3) Division Finalist ROBOTS, chosen randomly, from their Division join the ALLIANCE as a BACKUP ROBOT.

If an ALLIANCE has won their Division with a BACKUP ROBOT and moved on to the FRC Championship Playoffs, the BACKUP ROBOT continues to play for the ALLIANCE in the Championship Playoffs. 

As noted in Section 5.4.2, the original ALLIANCE shall only have one (1) opportunity to use a BACKUP ROBOT.  If the ALLIANCE has already used a BACKUP ROBOT during the Division Elimination MATCHES or the Championship Playoffs, they may not use a second BACKUP ROBOT.  If a second ROBOT from the ALLIANCE becomes inoperable during the Championship Playoffs, then the ALLIANCE must play the remaining MATCHES with only two (2) (or even one(1)) ROBOTS. 

Figure 5-3: Championship Playoff MATCH Bracket

In order to allow time between MATCHES for all ALLIANCES, the order of play is as follows:

SF1-1, SF2-1, SF1-2, SF2-2, SF1-3*, SF2-3*

Any Semi-Final replays due to ties*

F-1, F-2, F-3*

 Any Final replays due to ties*

(* - if required)

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.

ALLIANCE: a set of three Teams (four if counting a BACKUP ROBOT) who play ULTIMATE ASCENT together.

ALLIANCE CAPTAIN: a designated student representative from the ALLIANCE Lead.

ALLIANCE STATION: the area bounded by the ALLIANCE WALL, FEEDER STATIONS, LOW GOAL, white tape and carpet perimeter depicted in Figure 2.3.

ALLIANCE WALL: a 6 ½ ft high, 18 ft wide, wall that defines the ends of the FIELD.

ARENA: all elements of the game infrastructure required to play ULTIMATE ASCENT: the FIELD, the ALLIANCE STATIONS, the DISCS, and all supporting communications, ARENA control, and scorekeeping equipment.

AUTO: the first 15 seconds of the MATCH in which ROBOTS operate without direct DRIVER control.

AUTO LINE: a line, marked in Red or Blue gaffers tape, located 108 in. from and parallel to the CENTER LINE.

AUTO ZONE: an area on either end of the FIELD bounded by the ALLIANCE WALL, FEEDER STATIONS, LOW GOAL, GUARDRAILS, and the nearest AUTO LINE.

BACKUP TEAM: a Team used to replace an inoperable ROBOT on an ALLIANCE during Elimination MATCHES per Section 5.5.6.

BUMPER: a protective assembly designed to attach to the exterior of the ROBOT and constructed as specified in Section 4.1.6, BUMPER Rules.

BUMPER ZONE: the volume contained between two virtual horizontal planes, 2 in. above the floor and 10 in. above the floor.

CENTER LINE: the line, marked in White gaffers tape, which bisects the length of the FIELD.

CLIMBING/CLIMB: the action of ascending the PYRAMID, defined in Section 3.1.5.2.

COACH: a student or adult Mentor identified as the person wearing the designated "COACH" pin or button during a MATCH.

COMPONENT: any part in its most basic configuration, which cannot be disassembled without damaging or destroying the part or altering its fundamental function.

COTS: a “Commercial, Off-The-Shelf” COMPONENT or MECHANISM, in its unaltered, unmodified state. A COTS item must be a standard (i.e. not custom order) part commonly available from the VENDOR, available from a non-Team source, and available to all Teams for purchase. 

DISABLED: a state in which a ROBOT has been commanded by the Driver Station to deactivate all outputs.

DISC: the game piece used in ULTIMATE ASCENT.

DISQUALIFIED: the status of a TEAM, as determined by the Head Referee, in which they receive zero (0) Qualification Points in a Qualification MATCH or receive zero (0) points in, and lose, an Elimination MATCH.

DRIVER: a pre-college student TEAM member responsible for operating and controlling the ROBOT.

FABRICATED ITEM: any COMPONENT or MECHANISM that has been altered, built, cast, constructed, concocted, created, cut, heat treated, machined, manufactured, modified, painted, produced, surface coated, or conjured partially or completely into the final form in which it will be used on the ROBOT.

FEEDER: a pre-college TEAM member that feeds DISCS to ROBOTS.

FEEDER SLOT: an opening in a FEEDER STATION through which FEEDERS enter DISCS on to the FIELD.

FEEDER STATION: the FIELD border element containing the FEEDER SLOTS.

FIELD: the area bounded by and including the GUARDRAILS, ALLIANCE WALLS, LOW GOALS, and FEEDER STATIONS.

FIELD TIMEOUT: a TIMEOUT called by the Head Referee. 

FOUL: a penalty assessed by a Referee which credits the opponent with three (3) points.

FRAME PERIMETER:  the polygon defined by the outer-most set of exterior vertices on the ROBOT (without the BUMPERS attached) that are within the BUMPER ZONE. To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT at the level of the BUMPER ZONE - the string describes this polygon. 

GOAL: a FIELD element in which DISCS are SCORED to earn points for an ALLIANCE.

GUARDRAIL: a system that borders the length of the FIELD and consists of horizontal pipes, vertical struts, and polycarbonate shields.

HIGH GOAL: the GOAL centered over the ALLIANCE WALL.

Kit of Parts (KOP): the collection of items listed on any Kit of Parts Checklist, available in FIRST^® Choice, or obtained via a Product Donation Voucher (PDV)

LOADING ZONE: a trapezoidal area bounded by two (2) FEEDER STATIONS, an ALLIANCE WALL, a GUARDRAIL, and Red or Blue tape.

LOW GOAL: the GOAL located between a FEEDER STATION and ALLIANCE WALL.

MATCH: a two (2) minute and fifteen (15) second period of time in which ALLIANCES compete in ULTIMATE ASCENT.

MECHANISM: a COTS or custom assembly of COMPONENTS that provide specific functionality on the ROBOT. A MECHANISM can be disassembled (and then reassembled) into individual COMPONENTS without damage to the parts.

MIDDLE GOAL: a GOAL located above the ALLIANCE WALL and adjacent to the HIGH GOAL.

OPERATOR CONSOLE: the set of COMPONENTS and MECHANISMS used by the DRIVERS to relay commands to the ROBOT.

PLAYER STATION: a position behind the ALLIANCE WALL from where a TEAM operates their ROBOT.

PLAYING CONFIGURATION: The physical configuration and orientation of the ROBOT while playing the game (i.e. after the MATCH has started, and the ROBOT has deployed mechanisms, moved away from the starting location, and/or interacted with the field, GAME PIECES, or other ROBOTS). This configuration is dynamic, and may change multiple times during the course of a single MATCH.

PYRAMID: the Red or Blue steel structure on which ROBOTS CLIMB for points.

PYRAMID GOAL: a GOAL positioned on top of a PYRAMID.  

RED CARD: a penalty assessed which DISQUALIFIES a TEAM, see Section 5.5.4.

ROBOT: an electromechanical assembly built by an FRC Team to perform specific tasks when competing in ULTIMATE ASCENT. It includes all of the basic systems required to be an active participant in the game: power, communications, control, mobility, and actuation. The implementation must obviously follow a design approach intended to play ULTIMATE ASCENT (e.g. a box of unassembled parts placed on the FIELD or a ROBOT designed to play a different game would not satisfy this definition).

SCORED: 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 the DISC is not in contact with any ROBOT from that ALLIANCE. Additionally, for a DISC to be considered SCORED in an ALLIANCE’S PYRAMID GOAL, it must correspond to the PYRAMID color.

STARTING CONFIGURATION: The physical configuration and orientation of the ROBOT when the MATCH is started. This is the state of the ROBOT immediately before being Enabled by the Field Management System, before the ROBOT takes any actions, deploys any mechanisms, or moves away from the starting location. This configuration is static, and does not change during a single MATCH (although it may change from MATCH to MATCH). In the STARTING CONFIGURATION, no part of the ROBOT may extend outside the vertical projection of the FRAME PERIMETER, with the exception of minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets, etc.

STARTING LINE: the line, marked in White tape, located 4 ft. behind the ALLIANCE WALL behind which TEAM members must stay during AUTO.

SURROGATE: a Team randomly assigned by the Field Management System to play an extra Qualification MATCH, detailed in Section 5.3.2.

TEAM: 1 COACH, 2 DRIVERS, and 1 FEEDER from the same FRC Team.

TECHNICAL FOUL: a penalty assessed by a Referee which credits the opponent with twenty (20) points.

TELEOP: the remaining two (2)-minutes of a MATCH in which ROBOTS may be directly controlled by DRIVERS.

TIMEOUT: a period of up to six (6) minutes, which an ALLIANCE can use to pause Elimination MATCH progression.

VENDOR: a legitimate business source for COTS items that satisfies all of the following criteria:

1. has a Federal Tax Identification number. In cases where the VENDOR is outside of the United States, they must possess an equivalent form of registration or license with the government of their home nation that establishes and validates their status as a legitimate business licensed to operate within that country.
2. is not a “wholly owned subsidiary” of an FRC Team or collection of FRC Teams.  While there may be some individuals affiliated with both an FRC Team and the VENDOR, the business and activities of the Team and VENDOR must be completely separable.
3. must be able to ship any general (i.e., non-FIRST unique) product within five business days of receiving a valid purchase request. It is recognized that certain unusual circumstances (such as 1,000 FIRST Teams all ordering the same part at once from the same VENDOR) may cause atypical delays in shipping due to backorders for even the largest VENDORs.  Such delays due to higher-than-normal order rates are excused.
4. should maintain sufficient stock or production capability to fill Teams’ orders within a reasonable period during the build season (less than 1 week).  (Note that this criterion may not apply to custom-built items from a source that is both a VENDOR and a fabricator. For example, a VENDOR may sell flexible belting that the Team wishes to procure to use as treads on their drive system. The VENDOR cuts the belting to a custom length from standard shelf stock that is typically available, welds it into a loop to make a tread, and ships it to a Team. The fabrication of the tread takes the VENDOR two weeks. This would be considered a Fabricated Item, and the two weeks ship time is acceptable.)  Alternately, the Team may decide to fabricate the treads themselves. To satisfy this criterion, the VENDOR would just have to ship a length of belting from shelf stock (i.e. a COTS item) to the Team within five business days and leave the welding of the cuts to the Team.)
5. makes their products available to all FRC Teams.  VENDOR must not limit supply or make a product available to just a limited number of FRC Teams.

VISION TARGET: a retro-reflective target, made of 3M 8830 Silver Marking Film, that may be used by ROBOTS to sense FIELD elements.

YELLOW CARD: a warning for egregious ROBOT or FRC Team member behavior.