Answered: Match affecting

VEX IQ Robotics Competition Discussion VIQC Ringmaster (2017-2018 Game)
1

I believe it’s safe to assume that “match affecting” means to affect the match in a positive way, given:

**<G2> When reading and applying the various rules in this document, please remember that common sense always applies in the VEX IQ Challenge. **

We had students whose robot knocked a couple of rings off of the bonus tray while trying to release the bonus tray. They then pushed in both latches to release the tray.

<G16> Robots are not allowed to removed Rings from the Bonus Tray when it is not Released. Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the match will result in a warning. Major (score affecting) offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee’s discretion.

(It appears that there is a grammatical error… “remove”)

  1. While the above scenario may have affected the score negatively by having less rings to work with, I believe this should just be a warning. Is this correct?

  2. What if the rings had fallen into the field and the tray had not been released by the end of the match?

  3. What if the rings had fallen into the field and the tray had been released by the end of the match?

  4. Should the ref keep an eye on the rings that have fallen out of the tray to make sure they are not scored?

  5. Finally, one time a group managed to empty the entire tray accidently while going for the latch. Half of the rings went onto the field and half out. The team then pushed in both latches.

Unfortunately, during our scrimmages there were lots of bonus tray issues! I think these kinds of problems will be common early in the season.

2

While the above scenario may have affected the score negatively by having less rings to work with, I believe this should just be a warning. Is this correct?

This is correct.

What if the rings had fallen into the field and the tray had not been released by the end of the match?
What if the rings had fallen into the field and the tray had been released by the end of the match?
Should the ref keep an eye on the rings that have fallen out of the tray to make sure they are not scored?

In general, this would be considered a minor violation of rule G16, as quoted, and thus a warning. If a team avoids scoring any Rings that have accidentally fallen out of the tray, that would help to demonstrate to a referee that the action was not strategic. The intent of G16 is to steer teams away from strategies or robot designs that pick specific rings (or the entire group) from the Bonus Tray without the action of Releasing via the Latches. It is not to punish teams if Rings incidentally fall out during standard gameplay.

Finally, one time a group managed to empty the entire tray accidently while going for the latch. Half of the rings went onto the field and half out. The team then pushed in both latches.

If the team was attempting a legal Release and the action was not strategic or intentional, then yes, this could still be scored as a Release. However, referees should issue a warning for G16 and possibly G11, depending on the action, and keep an eye out for it in future matches. Teams that receive multiple warnings may receive a disqualification at the head referee’s discretion.