FTC Center Stage Game Manual 2⁚ A Comprehensive Guide

This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the FTC Center Stage game, covering all aspects of the game, from gameplay mechanics and scoring to rules and regulations. It includes detailed information about the game elements, field setup, competition format, and resources available to teams. Whether you’re a veteran FTC competitor or a newcomer, this manual will serve as your essential reference for the Center Stage season.

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of FTC Center Stage! This game manual provides a comprehensive guide to the 2023-2024 FTC season, where teams will design, build, and program robots to compete in an alliance format. This season, robots will be challenged to activate Rescue Beacons, relocate Climbers to Shelters, climb Mountains, and park in a Rescue Beacon Repair Zone or Floor Goal. This manual will serve as your primary resource for understanding the rules, regulations, and gameplay mechanics of Center Stage, helping you develop a winning strategy and maximize your team’s potential.

Game Overview

FTC Center Stage is a fast-paced and strategic game where two Alliances of two teams each compete to earn the highest score. The game is played on a 12ft x 8ft field, featuring various elements like Rescue Beacons, Climbers, Shelters, Mountains, and a Floor Goal. Teams score points by activating Rescue Beacons, relocating Climbers to Shelters, climbing Mountains, and parking in the designated zones. The game consists of two periods⁚ a 30-second Autonomous Period where robots operate autonomously, and a 2-minute Driver-Controlled Period where drivers control their robots. The Alliance with the highest score at the end of the match wins.

Gameplay Mechanics

The Center Stage game involves a complex interplay of autonomous and driver-controlled actions. During the Autonomous Period, robots must perform pre-programmed tasks like activating Rescue Beacons, moving Climbers, and climbing Mountains. The Driver-Controlled Period allows teams to strategize and adapt to the evolving game situation, using their robots to score points by placing Climbers in Shelters, parking in the Rescue Beacon Repair Zone, or scoring in the Floor Goal. Teams must balance their robots’ abilities to perform autonomous tasks efficiently with their driver-controlled capabilities to maximize their scoring potential and secure victory.

Autonomous Period

The Autonomous Period is a crucial 30-second segment of each match where robots operate independently, executing pre-programmed routines. Teams are challenged to design robots capable of activating Rescue Beacons, relocating Climbers to Shelters, climbing Mountains, and strategically parking in a Rescue Beacon Repair Zone or the Floor Goal. This period demands meticulous programming and precise robot control to maximize scoring potential and gain an early advantage in the match.

Driver-Controlled Period

Following the Autonomous Period, the Driver-Controlled Period commences, granting teams a two-minute window to manually control their robots. This phase emphasizes driver skill and strategic decision-making as robots strive to place Rings on Pegs, the Center Floor Goal, or Corner Goals. The Rack, featuring two independent 3×3 grids of Pegs, presents a challenging target for precise placement. This dynamic period allows for real-time adjustments and strategic maneuvering, offering teams a chance to capitalize on opportunities and secure victory.

Scoring

The Center Stage game awards points for a variety of actions, both in the Autonomous and Driver-Controlled Periods. Points are awarded for tasks like activating Rescue Beacons, relocating Climbers to Shelters, climbing Mountains, and parking in specific zones. The game also features bonus points for strategic actions such as balancing a Climber on a Mountain or successfully placing Rings on the Rack. Teams can earn points throughout the match by executing these tasks efficiently and strategically.

Game Elements

The Center Stage game field is filled with various interactive elements that challenge teams to design robots capable of performing complex tasks. These elements include Team Props, Rescue Beacons, Climbers, Shelters, Mountains, Rescue Beacon Repair Zones, and a Floor Goal. Each element plays a crucial role in the game, creating strategic opportunities for teams to score points and demonstrate their robotic ingenuity.

Team Prop

The Team Prop is a unique element in the Center Stage game that allows teams to showcase their creativity and design skills. Teams are required to construct two Team Props, one red and one blue, which are designed to represent a specific theme or concept. These props are carefully inspected to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations outlined in the Game Manual Part 1.

Rescue Beacons

Rescue Beacons are strategically placed on the playing field and serve as a critical element in the Center Stage game. Teams must design robots capable of activating these beacons during the autonomous period, earning valuable points. The activation process involves maneuvering the robot to interact with the beacon, triggering a visual and auditory confirmation. This strategic action highlights the importance of precise robot movement and programming for success in the game.

Climbers

Climbers are essential game pieces in the Center Stage game, requiring robots to transport them to designated shelters on the field. These climbers are designed to be picked up and moved by robots, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay. Teams must strategize to efficiently and accurately move these climbers to their designated locations, maximizing their score potential. The ability to manipulate and relocate climbers demonstrates the robot’s dexterity and precision.

Shelters

Shelters are strategically placed locations on the Center Stage field, serving as designated areas for Climbers to be placed. These shelters provide a scoring opportunity for teams, with points awarded for successfully placing Climbers within their boundaries. The location and number of shelters on the field introduce strategic considerations for teams, requiring them to plan their robot’s movement and actions to maximize their score potential. The placement of Climbers in Shelters demonstrates a team’s ability to execute precise movements and achieve strategic objectives.

Mountains

Mountains are iconic game elements in FTC Center Stage, towering structures that challenge robots with their verticality. These structures provide an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their robot’s climbing capabilities, rewarding them with points for successfully navigating these obstacles. Robots can climb the mountains using a variety of mechanisms, adding a layer of complexity and innovation to robot design. The inclusion of mountains in the game encourages teams to develop robots with specialized climbing features, showcasing their engineering prowess and problem-solving skills.

Rescue Beacon Repair Zone

The Rescue Beacon Repair Zone is a designated area on the FTC Center Stage field where robots can interact with disabled Rescue Beacons. Teams can strategize to position their robots in this zone to repair damaged beacons, earning valuable points and potentially affecting the outcome of the match. This element introduces a strategic element to the game, requiring teams to consider both offensive and defensive strategies in relation to the Rescue Beacons and their repair.

Floor Goal

The Floor Goal is a central element on the FTC Center Stage field, positioned in the center of the playing area. Robots can score points by placing game pieces, such as Climbers, onto the Floor Goal during both the Autonomous and Driver-Controlled periods. The Floor Goal serves as a primary target for robots, encouraging teams to develop strategies for precise movements and accurate placement of game pieces to maximize their score.

Rules and Regulations

The FTC Center Stage game operates under a comprehensive set of rules and regulations, designed to ensure fair competition and a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. These rules cover all aspects of the game, from robot design and construction to gameplay mechanics and scoring. Teams are expected to adhere to these rules at all times, and any violations may result in penalties. The rules are intended to promote innovation, sportsmanship, and a level playing field for all teams.

Game Manual Part 1

Game Manual Part 1 is a crucial resource for all FTC teams, providing foundational information about the game, including general rules, robot design specifications, and safety guidelines. It outlines the fundamental principles of the FTC competition, ensuring a level playing field and a consistent framework for all teams. This manual is a vital starting point for teams as they begin to understand the intricacies of the Center Stage challenge. It also serves as a reference for teams throughout the season, providing a comprehensive overview of the competition’s core elements.

Game Manual Part 2

Game Manual Part 2 delves deeper into the specifics of the Center Stage game, providing detailed rules and regulations for both traditional and remote events. It covers everything from scoring mechanisms and game elements to specific requirements for robot design and construction. This manual is essential for teams seeking a comprehensive understanding of the game’s nuances and strategies, allowing them to develop sophisticated game plans and optimize their robots for success. It serves as a detailed guide, ensuring teams are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the Center Stage competition.

Clarifications and Rulings

As the game evolves and new situations arise, it is inevitable that questions and ambiguities will emerge. To address these, the FTC provides a dedicated forum, ftcforum.firstinspires.org, where teams can submit inquiries and receive official clarifications. Forum rulings take precedence over information found in the game manuals, ensuring a consistent and fair playing field for all teams. These clarifications and rulings are crucial in ensuring a smooth and equitable competition, allowing teams to focus on their robots and strategies without unnecessary confusion or disputes.

Field Setup and Dimensions

The Center Stage playing field is a 12 ft. x 8 ft. (3.66 m x 2.44 m) rectangular area with a soft foam mat floor and walls approximately 1 ft. (0.3 m) high. This field serves as the stage for the robots’ performances, providing a platform for them to demonstrate their skills in navigating, interacting with game elements, and scoring points. The field’s dimensions are carefully chosen to accommodate the robots and game elements, ensuring a balanced and challenging competition for all teams.

Competition Format

The Center Stage competition format is designed to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and innovation. Matches are played in an alliance format, with two alliances (red and blue) each consisting of two teams. Each match consists of a 30-second autonomous period, an 8-second transition period, and a 2-minute driver-controlled period, totaling 2 minutes and 38 seconds. This format allows teams to showcase their robot’s capabilities in both autonomous and driver-controlled modes, promoting a balanced and dynamic competition.

Match Structure

A Center Stage match is a fast-paced and exciting competition. It begins with a 30-second autonomous period where robots operate independently, relying on pre-programmed instructions. This is followed by an 8-second transition period, allowing teams to prepare for the driver-controlled period. The driver-controlled period lasts for 2 minutes, giving drivers the opportunity to take control of their robots and execute complex maneuvers. The match concludes with a final score calculated based on the points earned during the autonomous and driver-controlled periods.

Alliance Format

Center Stage competitions are organized around an alliance format, where two teams join forces to compete against another alliance. This format encourages collaboration and strategic thinking as teams work together to maximize their combined score. Each alliance has two robots, allowing for greater flexibility and strategic depth. The teams within an alliance can choose to specialize in different aspects of the game, such as autonomous scoring or driver-controlled maneuvers, or they can focus on a more collaborative approach, where both robots work together to achieve a common goal.

Resources and Materials

FIRST Tech Challenge provides a wealth of resources to support teams in their Center Stage journey. These resources include the official Game Animation, which visually showcases the game elements and scoring opportunities. The Game Manuals (Part 1 and Part 2) offer comprehensive rules and regulations, while the Forum Q&A section serves as a platform for teams to seek clarifications and interact with other teams. Video resources, such as Mentor Talks and Navigation Targets, provide valuable insights and guidance on building and programming robots. These resources, accessible through the FIRST website, are essential tools for teams to excel in Center Stage.

Game Animation

The Center Stage Game Animation is an invaluable resource for teams, providing a visual representation of the game elements, scoring opportunities, and overall gameplay. This animation allows teams to visualize the field setup, understand the movement of game pieces, and identify strategic opportunities. It’s a vital tool for team members to grasp the game’s dynamics and develop effective strategies for scoring points and achieving success in competition. By studying the Game Animation, teams can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s intricacies and make informed decisions regarding robot design, programming, and strategy.

Game Manuals

The FTC Center Stage Game Manuals are the official rulebooks for the competition, providing comprehensive information about the game’s rules, regulations, scoring, and field setup. Game Manual Part 1 outlines general rules, robot design specifications, and safety guidelines, while Game Manual Part 2 delves into game-specific details, including scoring, field dimensions, and competition format. These manuals are essential resources for teams, ensuring a level playing field and promoting fair competition. Teams should carefully review both manuals to understand the rules and regulations that govern the Center Stage game.

Forum Q&A

The FTC Forum is a valuable resource for teams seeking clarification on rules, strategies, and technical aspects of the Center Stage game. Coaches, mentors, and students can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights with fellow competitors and FIRST Tech Challenge officials. The forum provides a platform for resolving ambiguities, addressing rule interpretations, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Teams are encouraged to actively participate in the forum, leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the FTC community to enhance their understanding of the game and improve their performance.