Competition Dynamics Written by Larry Liu and Saints Robotics 1899

Competition DynamicsCompetition DynamicsWritten by Larry Liu and Saints Robotics 1899Written by Larry Liu and Saints Robotics 1899

Overview

• Preparation• Event logistics– Basic schedule– Competition structure

• Team member roles

Before the competition…

• Media release forms• Self-inspection

Safety

• Goggles – Wear in pits at all times– Goggles may be provided at event

• Shoes – No open toes• No loose clothing• Robot transportation – Slowly, make sure

people nearby know you’re coming through• Tethering to prevent interference

General Schedule: 3 Days

• Thursday: Pit setup, inspection, practice matches

• Friday: Seeding matches, award ceremony• Saturday: Seeding matches, alliance selection,

playoffs, award ceremony, cleanup

Opening Ceremonies

• National anthem of represented countries• A few quick speeches• Note: if you’re in the first match after the

opening ceremony, your robot should be on the field before the ceremony begins

Thursday: Pit Setup

• One adult and no more than three students• Arrive early, uncrate (or unbag), move all tools

to pit area• Vacate pit area afterwards until official

opening

Thursday: Inspection

• Must pass inspection to compete in official matches– Includes software inspection!

• Have people knowledgeable in build and programming around

• Tip: Go through the inspection checklist in game manual before crating/bagging robot during build season

Thursday: Practice Matches

• Schedule is not rigid– Scheduled teams get priority– Teams who have not yet completed a practice match

get priority afterwards

• Each team must participate in one practice match– Meant for testing compatibility of robot software with

field management system

• Inspection completion advised, but not required

Friday: Official Matches

• Matches count toward seeding the team• Seeded with three scoring systems (next slide)• Top 8 seeds become alliance captains for

playoffs

Scoring Systems (2010)

• Seeding Score: total points scored by the alliances the robot is on– Primary system used for seeding

• Coopertition Points: double the losing team’s unpenalized score– Breaks ties in seeding score

• Bonus Points: points scored from certain difficult objectives– E.g. Breakaway – Hanging points

Saturday: Alliance Selection

• One representative per team– Generally scout leader or captain

• Captains select two teams to form an alliance– If a top 8 team is selected, all lower ranked teams

move up (i.e. Seed 9 becomes captain 8)

• Selection order: Alliances 1 to 8, then 8 to 1

Practice Fields

• Availability varies by event• Queue up—there’s usually a line!• Must be tethered

Machining

• Availability varies by event• If available, there will be a someone to assist

you– Do not use in his/her absence

Scouting

• Qualitative: Pit scouting– Examine features of the robot off the field

• Empirical/Quantitative: Match scouting– Evaluate performance on the field

• Tip: Have a scout leader to organize and know all information; s/he should represent the team for alliance selection

Pits

• Robot repairs and programming• A representative to “sell the team” to other

teams• Have knowledgeable members ready to

discuss the robot with judges• Tip: Keep tools and parts organized, do not

crowd the pits with members

Media

• One media badge per team– Must be worn and visible– Grants access to competition field to one non-

drive team member

Drive Team

• Do NOT lose badges– Four badges: Two drivers, coach, human player

• Discuss strategy with alliance partners• Inform build and programming team about

malfunctions and necessary repairs

Playoffs

• Best two out of three• Single elimination bracket• If a robot breaks down, it will be replaced by

next highest seeded robot

Team Spirit

• Shirts – Team unity!• Pit decoration• Flags – Given to emcee before each match• Spirit Gear!– Buttons, candy, wristbands, etc.

• Promotional information– Flyers, trifold presentation, past trophies, etc.

Lunch

• Availability depends on venue• Parent network to provide food is most

reliable• Designated lunch time

Awards Ceremony

• One on Friday– Off-site awards, i.e. Website and Animation

• One on Saturday– Competition-related, i.e. Champion and Finalists– Chairman’s Award