Game Rules and Game Play - Answer Thread

[Raj]

Can a robot contain an device that is intended to prevent the scoring tube from flipping without "grabbing" the tube (i.e a bumper of sorts)? Also, if a robot has an opening in the robot frame that allows the scoring tube to fit into it, would that be considered "grabbing" the tube (i.e a "U" shaped bot that pushes the scoring tube within the opening of the "U")?

A: As described above, there is no rule preventing that kind of robot design. However, any ruling as to whether the Ball Tube is grabbed is purely up to the referee.

[Sheldon]

(1.4.4) Does end game center score measurement start from the floor (90mm) or from the bottom of the center goal tube (0mm)?

A: The Center Goal scoring starts from the bottom of the Center Goal, not from the floor. The center Goal is 30 cm tall so the maximum score for filling the Center goal is 30 cm X 6 pts/cm = 180 pts.

[Raj]

<GS8> says "Robots may grab onto their own Alliance's Rolling Goal in any location except for the Ball Tube. Incidental contact with the Ball Tube during Scoring or pushing is allowed. Robots that grab their Rolling Goals by the Ball Tube will incur a Minor Penalty immediately and will incur additional Minor Penalties per five (5) second interval that this situation continues"

If a robot pushes against the rolling goal tube intentionally without grasping it, is that considered "incidental contact" for the purpose of this rule?

A: <GS8> says pushing a Rolling Goal is allowed. It also allows incidental contact with the Ball Tube. Pushing a Rolling Goal by the Ball Tube will NOT be considered incidental contact with the Ball Tube.

UPDATE: The initial answer to this question indicated that pushing the Ball Tube would be allowed. This is no longer true. Intentional contact with the Ball Tube will NOT be considered incidental contact. The traditional definition of incidental will be applied, i.e., "accompanying but not a major part". Applicable synonyms include; minor, nonessential, inconsequential, insignificant, etc.

[Raj]

(1.4.2) Does the 60 point center goal autonomous score apply once per alliance, once per robot, or once per ball scored during autonomous?

A: The Center Goal Autonomous Score (60 points) counts once per alliance.

[Raj]

Instead of pushing the base of the tube is it legal to grab the colored base holding the tube? The rule book states that you are not allowed to grab the tube itself but makes no mention of the base. We are currently working on a design that would grab the base and make no contact with the tube. Any guidance would be appreciated!

A: Yes, it is legal to grab the base as long as no other rules are violated.

[Raj]

Is it the intent of the GDC that <GS2> applies to autonomous balls? That is, if you don't score one or both auto balls in the autonomous period, do they have to touch the floor before they can be scored in the driver-controlled period?

A: No, the autonomous balls don't have to touch the floor if they were not scored during the Autonomous period. They do count towards the five ball limit.

[Raj]

Can a robot pull a goal behind it if the goal has more than 5 balls in it?

A: Yes it can. Balls scored in the Ball Tube or balls resting on the Rolling Goal base are not considered to be in control of the robot.

[Raj]

Is there a multiplier to the goals in end game on the ramp, according to the height of the goal?

A: No, there is not a "multiplier" on the Rolling Goals that are on the ramp. You will receive 30 points per goal that is Off the Field plus the score of the goal based on the ball height and ball tube.

[Raj]

I have a question about the descoring of rolling goals. I know that in the rule book it states that, "Robots may not de-score Balls from any of the opponent Alliance's Goals" (GS5). My question then is, Is it legal to descore your OWN goal during the telly-op and endgame periods?

Also if you were to descore your own tubes, would they be counted as descored at the moment it occurred, or would it be counted as descored at the end of the match?

It is legal to descore balls from your own goals, however be careful not to violate <GS14> - Goal tipping ANY goal. All scoring is determined at the end of the match.

[Raj]

<GS8> says “Robots may grab onto their own Alliance’s Rolling Goal in any location except for the Ball Tube.” What constitutes a “grab”? In particular, if a robot puts a funnel-like tube into or around the top of a ball tube to direct balls into the top, is that a grab?

A "grab" can be considered to be a way to squeeze the Ball Tube that encircles a majority of the tube. It can also be thought of employing a mechanism in or around the Ball Tube that causes the Rolling Goal to follow the robot. As described above, inserting a funnel-like structure into the top of the Ball Tube and then driving around with it can be considered to be a violation of <GS8>.