The FTC Game Manual 1 is a comprehensive guide for teams, outlining rules, scoring, and field setup. It is essential for understanding the competition and preparing strategies effectively. FTC Game Manual 1 ensures clarity and consistency, helping teams navigate the competition with confidence.
1.1 Overview of the FTC Program
The FTC program is designed to inspire young minds in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It challenges teams to design, build, and compete with robots, fostering collaboration and innovation. The program emphasizes gracious professionalism and teamwork, encouraging participants to develop problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Through competitions, FTC provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity and technical abilities, preparing them for future STEM careers. The program is structured to be accessible yet challenging, ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants.
1.2 Importance of the Game Manual
The FTC Game Manual is a critical resource for teams, providing detailed rules, regulations, and guidelines. It ensures clarity and fairness in competition, helping teams understand expectations. The manual outlines scoring systems, field setup, and robot specifications, enabling teams to design and strategize effectively. By adhering to the manual, teams can avoid penalties and focus on innovation. Regular updates ensure the manual aligns with current season goals, making it an indispensable tool for successful participation in FTC competitions.
Key Rules and Regulations
The FTC Game Manual outlines essential rules for team participation, robot design, and competition conduct. It ensures fair play and adherence to technical and behavioral standards.
2.1 General Rules for Team Participation
Teams must adhere to eligibility criteria, roster requirements, and participation guidelines. Each team member must be within the specified age range and meet registration deadlines. Teams are responsible for ensuring all members understand and follow the rules outlined in the Game Manual. Participation in meetings, events, and competitions is mandatory, and teams must comply with all safety protocols. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in penalties or disqualification. Proper conduct and sportsmanship are expected at all times, aligning with FTC’s core values of gracious professionalism.
2.2 Specific Rules for Robot Design and Construction
Robots must comply with size, weight, and material restrictions outlined in the manual. All components must be approved and safely integrated to ensure functionality and durability. Teams are prohibited from using hazardous materials or designs that pose risks to participants or the field. Robots must be designed to operate autonomously and through driver control, adhering to specific dimensional and weight limits. Proper documentation of the robot’s design and construction is required for inspection and verification purposes, ensuring adherence to FTC’s technical and safety standards.
Scoring and Awards
Scoring is based on points earned during matches, with awards recognizing excellence in design, performance, and teamwork. Awards motivate teams to innovate and excel in competition.
3.1 How Points Are Earned in Matches
Points in FTC matches are earned through completing specific tasks and achieving scoring objectives. Teams earn points by working together as alliances, with scoring opportunities during both autonomous and driver-controlled periods. Points are awarded for actions like placing game elements, completing challenges, and executing precise movements. Additional points are granted for endgame procedures and penalties may deduct points for rule violations. The scoring system is designed to reward strategic gameplay, teamwork, and efficient robot performance, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment for all teams.
3.2 Award Descriptions and Eligibility Criteria
FTC awards recognize outstanding team achievements in design, performance, and community impact. Awards include the Most Valuable Player, Rising Star, and Dean’s List, each with specific criteria. Judges evaluate robot performance, engineering notebooks, and team interviews. Eligibility requires meeting deadlines and adhering to rules. Awards emphasize innovation, teamwork, and gracious professionalism. Teams must demonstrate excellence in their respective categories to qualify. Detailed descriptions ensure transparency, guiding teams on what to focus on for recognition. Awards are announced at tournaments, celebrating creativity and dedication to FIRST core values.
Field Setup and Configuration
The FTC field is designed with specific elements like alliance stations and scoring zones. Teams must assemble it accurately to ensure fair and consistent competition conditions;
4.1 Field Elements and Layout
The FTC field includes alliance stations, scoring zones, and specific game elements. Teams must arrange these components precisely to match official specifications. Accurate setup ensures fair competition and consistent gameplay across all matches. Proper field assembly is crucial for teams to practice and compete effectively, as it directly impacts robot performance and scoring opportunities. The layout must adhere to the official dimensions and configurations outlined in the manual to maintain consistency and fairness throughout the competition season.
4.2 Instructions for Building the Field
Building the FTC field requires precise assembly of all elements. Teams must follow step-by-step instructions to ensure accuracy. The field setup includes attaching alliance stations, assembling scoring zones, and positioning game-specific components. Proper alignment and secure fastening are critical to prevent structural issues during matches. It is essential to use the official materials and tools specified in the manual to maintain safety and functionality; Teams should double-check their work to ensure the field meets official standards before competition, ensuring smooth gameplay and fair scoring opportunities for all participants.
Gracious Professionalism and Team Conduct
Gracious Professionalism emphasizes respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Teams must support each other, respect referees, and maintain a positive attitude. This fosters a collaborative and inclusive competition environment.
5.1 Core Values in FTC Competitions
The FTC program emphasizes core values such as discovery, innovation, and teamwork. These values guide team behavior and decision-making, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. Teams are encouraged to embrace gracious professionalism, showing respect for opponents and referees. The values also promote continuous learning and community engagement, ensuring that participants grow both as individuals and as contributing members of society. By adhering to these principles, FTC competitors create a positive and inclusive environment for all.
5.2 Engineering Notebook Requirements
The FTC Engineering Notebook is a critical document showcasing a team’s journey. It must be organized, with 8.5×11-inch pages and clear tabs for sections like design, build, and testing. Teams should document their progress, including challenges, solutions, and reflections. The notebook must reflect FTC’s core values and demonstrate gracious professionalism. It should also include details on programming and community outreach. Notebooks are submitted digitally and reviewed for awards. Incomplete or disorganized notebooks may impact a team’s eligibility for certain awards.
Timeline and Deadlines
The FTC competition season includes key dates for team registration, game manual releases, and submission deadlines. Mid-July typically marks the release of Game Manual Part 1, outlining rules and requirements. Teams must adhere to deadlines for submitting documents, robot updates, and award applications. Missing deadlines may result in penalties or ineligibility for awards. November 1st is often a critical deadline for submissions. Staying organized and meeting deadlines is crucial for a successful competition experience.
6.1 Key Dates for the Competition Season
Key dates for the FTC competition season are outlined in Game Manual Part 1. Mid-July marks the release of Game Manual Part 1, detailing rules and requirements. The competition season typically begins in late spring and concludes in early spring. Teams must note important deadlines, such as registration cutoffs and event sign-ups. For example, the 2024-2025 season’s Into the Deep game was released in June 2023. Staying updated on these dates ensures teams are prepared for a successful competition cycle.
6.2 Submission Deadlines for Documents and Robot Updates
Submission deadlines for documents and robot updates are critical for FTC participation. Teams must submit their Engineering Notebook by specified dates, ensuring compliance with competition requirements. Robot updates, including design modifications, must also adhere to deadlines to avoid penalties. Late submissions may result in disqualification or reduced scoring opportunities. Teams should regularly review the official FTC Q&A forum for updates and clarifications on submission timelines to ensure compliance and maintain eligibility for awards and advancements.
Resources and Support
The FTC provides extensive resources, including the official Q&A forum and game manual, to support teams. Visit the FTC website for additional materials, ensuring teams stay informed and compliant.
7.1 Official FTC Game Q&A Forum
The Official FTC Game Q&A Forum is a vital platform where teams can ask questions and receive official clarifications on the Game Manual 1. This forum ensures all teams have access to consistent and accurate interpretations of the rules, helping to resolve any ambiguities. By actively monitoring and updating the forum, FTC ensures fairness and transparency throughout the competition; Teams are encouraged to use this resource to address any concerns or seek further details about the game rules and requirements.
7.2 Additional Materials for Teams
Beyond the Game Manual, FTC provides supplementary resources to support team success. These include scoring guides, field setup instructions, and engineering notebook templates. Additional materials such as tutorial videos and example strategies are also available. Teams can access these resources to better understand game mechanics and prepare for competitions. These materials complement the Game Manual, ensuring teams have everything needed to build, compete, and succeed. They are regularly updated to reflect the latest rules and competition requirements.