Answered: Game Definition of Field Element and SG8

[meng]

Hi Karthik,

I have a series of questions regarding the definition of Field Element and SG8.

(1)

Field Element – The foam field tiles, field perimeter, Fence, and all supporting structures.

I would like to clarify if the hanging bar is considered as one of the supporting structures.

I presume it is not listed as a field element so that robots can latch on it and hang itself up.
But I thought it will be better to get a confirmation - as it will affect the design of the hanging mechanism.

(2)

<SG8> Robots may not intentionally grasp, grapple or attach to any Field Elements. Strategies with
mechanisms that react against multiple sides of a field element in an effort to latch onto said field
element are prohibited. The intent of this rule is to prevent teams from both unintentionally damaging
the field, and from anchoring themselves to the field. Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the
match will result in a warning. Egregious (match affecting) offenses will result in
a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the
head referee’s discretion.

If hanging bar is considered as a field element, then it is obvious we are not allow to grasp or gapple or attach to it.

(a)
But if it is not a field element, the next question will be -
Are we then allow to anchor our robot against the hanging bar (assuming no other field elements are touched by the robot) in an attempt to block the opponents from scoring?

(b)
And will it makes a difference to the ruling if it is touching the opponent’s hanging bar (and assuming no other field elements are touched by the robot) instead?

I put these 2 questions in a same post because they are related to my queries.

Thank you so much for your time to read through this series of questions.

[Karthik]

@meng

Hi Karthik,

I have a series of questions regarding the definition of Field Element and SG8.

(1)

I would like to clarify if the hanging bar is considered as one of the supporting structures.

I presume it is not listed as a field element so that robots can latch on it and hang itself up.
But I thought it will be better to get a confirmation - as it will affect the design of the hanging mechanism.

(2)

If hanging bar is considered as a field element, then it is obvious we are not allow to grasp or gapple or attach to it.

(a)
But if it is not a field element, the next question will be -
Are we then allow to anchor our robot against the hanging bar (assuming no other field elements are touched by the robot) in an attempt to block the opponents from scoring?

(b)
And will it makes a difference to the ruling if it is touching the opponent’s hanging bar (and assuming no other field elements are touched by the robot) instead?

I put these 2 questions in a same post because they are related to my queries.

Thank you so much for your time to read through this series of questions.

Let’s take a look updated version of <SG8> that was posted on June 15th. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis.

@VEX Robotics Competition Starstruck Game Manual

<SG8> Robots may not intentionally grasp, grapple or attach to any Field Elements or the opposing Hanging Bar. Strategies with mechanisms that react against multiple sides of a field element in an effort to latch onto said field element are prohibited. The intent of this rule is to prevent teams from both unintentionally damaging the field, and from anchoring themselves to the field. Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the match will result in a warning. Egregious (match affecting) offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the head referee’s discretion.

a. Robots are permitted to attach to their own Hanging Bar for the sole purpose of Hanging.

Thus you are permitted to attach to your Hanging Bar for the purpose of hanging. You may not attach to the opposing Hanging Bar.