This thread will be used to publish updates to the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual .
Please start a separate thread in this forum for unofficial discussion of any of these changes. For any official questions, please post in the official VRC Tipping Point Q&A .
On June 15th, 2021, Version 0.2 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
Note: This is intended to be a linear, horizontal, “point-to-point” limit, measured across an expanded Robot. It is not a 3D volume, and it does not “rotate” with the Robot if the Robot tips over.
Note 2: If a Head Referee is uncertain whether a Robot has momentarily expanded beyond this limit, they may ask the Team after the Match to replicate the Robot’s state and check for compliance using a tape measure, VRC Expanded Sizing Tool, or other linear measuring device.
Robots may use a V5 Robot Brain, up to eight (8) V5 Smart Motors, and a legal VRC pneumatic system.
The 7-sided plastic bottom of a Mobile Goal with a maximal diameter of 13” (330.2mm). Rings may be Scored in the “bowl” of a Mobile Goal Base for points. Both the yellow, blue, or red “upper” portion, and the black “lower” portion, are considered parts of the Mobile Goal Base.
A blue Alliance Mobile Goal that ends the Match in the red Alliance Home Zone is not worth any points. However, it would still receive the points for any Rings which are Scored on / in it.
The next manual update, Version 1.0, will occur on June 29th, 2021.
On June 29th, 2021, Version 1.0 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
As stated in rule SG3, a Platform which is being contacted by an opposing Alliance Robot at the end of a Match automatically results in a DQ for the opposing Robot and / or Alliance, regardless of the above criteria.
Note
Incidental damage that occurs due to interaction with a Robot which is Possessing a Neutral Mobile Goal will, in most cases, not be considered a violation of G12. Intentional damage, tipping, or dangerous mechanisms may still be considered a violation of R3, S1, or G1 at the Head Referee’s discretion.
Red Box
VRC Tipping Point is intended to be an offensive, interactive game. Robots interacting with Neutral Mobile Goals should expect vigorous interactions from opponent Robots, especially if attempting to interact with multiple Mobile Goals at once.
The following “rules of thumb” apply when determining offensive / defensive roles in the context of rule G13:
-A Robot in Possession of its own Alliance Mobile Goal is generally playing an offensive role.
-A Robot in Possession of an opponent’s Alliance Mobile Goal is generally playing a defensive role.
-A Robot in Possession of a Neutral Mobile Goal is generally neither playing a defensive or offensive role.
In the case of a destructive interaction between two Robots competing for the same Neutral Mobile Goal, G12’s Note will apply.
Added a graphic to Rule SG2 to further illustrate “point-to-point” expansion.
Updated Rule SG3 to prevent Scoring Objects from causing interference with the opposing Alliance Platform during the last thirty (30) seconds of a Match.
Per SG10, using a Scoring Object to cause interference with the opposing Alliance’s Platform during the last thirty (30) seconds would be considered a violation of this rule.
Changed Rule R8e to allow rope / string no thicker than 1/4” (6.35mm).
Updated Appendix A to allow shorter standoffs for Platform construction.
Updated Appendix B to introduce the recommendation, and eventual requirement of VEX GPS Code Strips for all Programming Skills Matches.
Added a new definition of “Additional Electronics” in Appendix C.
Additional Electronics - Any sensor, processor, or other electronic component used in Robot construction, and connected to the V5 Robot Brain, that is not sold by VEX Robotics. Examples could include both commercially-available devices (e.g. Raspberry Pi) or custom devices designed and fabricated by the Team. See VUR10 for more details**
Updated Rules VUR1, VUR9 and VUR1 in Appendix C to clarify use cases of Additional Electronics.
Various minor typo corrections.
The next manual update, Version 1.1, will occur on July 27th, 2021.
On July 27th, 2021, Version 1.1 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
• The Alliance Home Zones are defined by the inner edges of the playing field walls and the designated white tape lines.
• The tape is considered to be part of the Alliance Home Zone.
• The Alliance Home Zones are a 3-dimensional volume, defined by the infinite upward projection from the foam tiles inside of the Alliance Home Zone boundaries.
• The Platforms are considered part of their respective Alliance Home Zone.
A Mobile Goal is considered Scored in an Alliance Home Zone if, at the end of the Match, any part of the Mobile Goal Base is at least partially within the Alliance Home Zone (i.e. “breaking the plane” of the Zone).
Contact with foam tiles, Platforms, and / or Robots does not affect whether a Mobile Goal is considered Scored. Contact is only relevant when determining whether a Mobile Goal is Elevated (see the definition of Elevated for more information). In this particular example, the Mobile Goal would not be considered Elevated, but would still be considered as Scored.
The rotation of Scoring Objects may vary from nominal to ±20°. Rings should always be oriented such that the “raised” portions are parallel to the Platforms. Mobile Goals should always be oriented such that the vision target found on the “point” of the heptagon Base resembles Figure 22.
• Violations of this rule which do not interfere with gameplay, such as bumping into the Platform and then driving away, will result in the opposing Alliance receiving credit for one additional Elevated Robot at the end of the Match. (Alliances may still only receive points for a maximum of two Elevated Robots).
• Violations of this rule which do interfere with gameplay, such as preventing a Platform from becoming Balanced, will result in a Disqualification, regardless of whether the interference was Match Affecting or not.
During the Autonomous Period, Robots may not contact the foam tiles, Scoring Objects, Robots, or Platforms which are fully contained in the opposing Alliance Home Zone.
• Rubber bands that are identical in length and thickness to those included in the VEX V5 product line (#32 and #64)
• Pneumatic components with identical SMC manufacturer part numbers to those listed on the VEX website
The red Alliance places last.
Removed Live Remote Skills from Appendix B
Various minor typo corrections.
The next manual update, Version 2.0, will occur on August 31st, 2021.
On August 31st, 2021, Version 2.0 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
Changed the value of the Autonomous Bonus to 6 points.
Updated Scoring Table 3 and the definition of Autonomous Win Point to clarify that Rings can be scored on or in Mobile Goals to receive credit for the Autonomous Win Point.
An Autonomous Win Point is awarded to any Alliance that has Cleared their AWP Line, and Scored at least one Ring on or in each Alliance Mobile Goal, at the end of the Autonomous Period.
The winner of the Autonomous Bonus receives a six (6) point bonus. In the case of a tie, both Alliances receive a three (3) point bonus.
When determining the Autonomous Bonus, Mobile Goals and Rings should both be considered Scored at the end of the Autonomous Period exactly the same as they would be at the end of the Driver Controlled Period.
The Platform should not be included in this scoring calculation (i.e. no additional points are received for Elevated Mobile Goals and/or Robots at the end of the Autonomous Period).
The 53.0” x 20.1” (1,346.2mm x 511mm) hinged polycarbonate device and the attached red or blue PVC pipes, located in each Alliance Home Zone, that sits 9.5” (241.5mm) high off of the ground when Balanced. The Platform is attached to a double hinge that allows it to tip towards the field in either direction.
Per SG10, using a Scoring Object to contact the opposing Alliance’s Platform during the last thirty (30) seconds would be considered a violation of this rule. Placing a Scoring Object underneath the opposing Alliance’s Platform, such that it inhibits the opposing Alliance’s ability to utilize the Platform during the last thirty (30) seconds, would also be considered a violation of this rule.
The intent of SG3 is to prohibit Alliances from directly inhibiting their opponents’ ability to utilize the Platform at the end of a Match. Teams partaking in any gameplay near their opponent’s Platform, especially if manipulating Scoring Objects, should be cognizant of this risk and may receive verbal warnings for doing so. Conversely, Teams attempting to invoke an edge-case SG3 call on their opponents should also be cognizant that it is not feasible for a Head Referee to track the exact movement of every Scoring Object throughout an entire Match. If a single Ring has incidentally found its way underneath a Platform during standard Match gameplay, it will be at the Head Referee’s discretion to determine whether a violation of SG3 has occurred or not
During the last 30 seconds of the Match:
-Any Scoring Object that leaves the field will not be returned.
-If a Scoring Object is leaving the Field (as determined by the Head Referee), but is deflected back into the field by a Drive Team Member, field monitor, ceiling / wall, or other external factor, it should still be considered “out of the field” and removed by a scorekeeper or Head Referee. If the redirection occurred due to contact with a Drive Team Member, it will be at the Head Referee’s discretion whether G9 or SG9 should apply.
Electronics from the VEX Cortex control system are not permitted. This includes the VEXnet Joystick, VEXnet Partner Joystick, VEX ARM® Cortex-based Microcontroller, VEXnet Key 1.0 and 2.0, 2-Wire Motor 393, and any other electronic components which are not compatible with the VEX V5 system.
The next manual update, Version 2.1, will occur on December 7th, 2021.
Nothing new to see, I just cleaned up a typo and the thread got bumped back to the top. Carry on.
On October 6th, 2021, Version 2.1 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
Updated Scoring Notes with new images and verbiage to clarify the following:
॰ Criteria of Scored Rings
॰ Criteria of Scoring Rings in a Mobile Goal Base
॰ Criteria of Scoring Rings on a Mobile Goal Branch
॰ Criteria for specific Scoring situations
Updated Live Remote Tournament section of Appendix E with Global Rankings
The next manual update, Version 2.2, will occur on December 7th, 2021.
On December 7th, 2021, Version 2.2 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
Hoarding - A Robot is considered to be Hoarding a Mobile Goal if it is actively blocking an opposing Robot’s access to a Mobile Goal without directly Possessing it, such as by expanding horizontally across a portion of the field. See Figure 12a and SG7.
Robots on the same Alliance working in tandem to block access to Mobile Goals would share the
Hoarding of said Mobile Goal. See Figure 12b.
Hoarding may occur anywhere around the field perimeter and / or Platforms; there is no requirement for it to be in a specific corner of the field.
Possession - A Robot is considered to be in Possession of a Mobile Goal if the Robot is carrying,
holding or controlling the movement of a Mobile Goal such that if the Robot changes direction, the Mobile Goal will move with the Robot. Therefore, pushing / plowing Mobile Goals is not considered Possession, however a Robot using concave portions to control the movement of Mobile Goals is considered Possession. See Figure 18.
Updated various figures throughout the Manual and Appendices to clarify the starting orientation of the Mobile Goals
Updated the caption of Scoring Figure 5 to clarify that no Rings would be considered Scored
Scoring Figure 5: Only the highlighted Rings would be considered fully or partially “encircling” the
Mobile Goal Branch. Since the non-highlighted Rings do not meet the definition of Scored, then
none of the Rings would be considered Scored, for the same reasons listed in Scoring Figure 2.
Figure 22: Examples of Legal and Illegal “point-to-point” expansions. Because the robot above has a “point-to-point” measurement greater than 36”, it would not pass inspection.
G12 - Note: Incidental damage that occurs due to interaction with a Robot in Possession of, or Hoarding, a Neutral Mobile Goal will, in most cases, not be considered a violation of G12. Intentional damage, tipping, or dangerous mechanisms may still be considered a violation of R3, S1, or G1 at the Head Referee’s discretion.
[red box] VRC Tipping Point is intended to be an offensive, interactive game. Robots interacting with Neutral Mobile Goals or opponents’ Alliance Mobile Goals should expect vigorous interactions from opponent Robots, especially if attempting to interact with multiple Mobile Goals at once.
G13 [red box] The following “rules of thumb” apply when determining offensive / defensive roles in the context of rule G13:
• A Robot in Possession of its own Alliance Mobile Goal, without Hoarding any other Mobile Goals, is generally playing an offensive role.
• A Robot Hoarding its own Alliance Mobile Goal is generally playing a defensive role.
• A Robot in Possession of, or Hoarding, an opponent’s Alliance Mobile Goal is generally playing a defensive role.
• A Robot in Possession of, or Hoarding, a Neutral Mobile Goal is generally neither playing a defensive or offensive role. In the case of a destructive interaction between two Robots competing for the same Neutral Mobile Goal, the Note from G12 will apply.
c. Rings should always be oriented such that the “raised” portions are parallel to the Platforms, i.e. that they “rock” in the same directions that the Platforms do. See Figure 22.
d. Mobile Goals should always be oriented such that the vision target found on the “point” of the heptagon Base, and the rotation of all outer “points”, resembles Figure 22.
[red box] Prior to version 2.2 of the Game Manual (released December 2021), there have been conflicting interpretations of the correct Mobile Goal rotation in the official game documentation. The layout defined in Figure 22 above, and Appendix A, in version 2.2 (or later) of the Game Manual is the only correct variation. This layout takes precedent over any other variations found elsewhere, such as other figures, websites, videos, etc that were created prior to December 2021.
Here are some ways to visualize the correct orientation, using the V-shaped vision target as the “front” of the heptagon, and the rectangular vision target as the “back” of the heptagon:
- The Alliance Mobile Goals that rest on the Platforms are “pointing towards” their respective Platform
- The Alliance Mobile Goals that begin on the AWP Line are “pointing towards” the Neutral Zone
- The outer two Neutral Mobile Goals are “pointing towards” the field perimeter walls
- The center Neutral Mobile Goal is “pointing up”, when viewed from the audience perspective, or “pointing left” when viewed from the red Alliance Station
SG3 Platforms are “safe” during the endgame. During the last thirty (30) seconds, Robots may
not contact the opposing Alliance’s Platform. The intent of this rule is to prohibit Robots from directly inhibiting their opponents’ ability to utilize the Platform at the end of a Match.
Points “a”, “b”, and “c” apply to Robot actions during the last thirty (30) seconds of the Match:
a. For the purposes of this rule, contact is considered “transitive” through other Robots and Scoring Objects.
b. For the purposes of this rule, G13 supersedes rule G14. Any Robot which is contacting its
own Platform, provided that no other rules are being violated, will automatically receive the “benefit of the doubt”. Therefore, any contact with this Robot will be considered a violation, regardless of intent.
c. Per SG10 using a Scoring Object to contact the opposing Alliance’s Platform would be considered a violation of this rule.
Point “d” applies to Robot actions prior to the last thirty (30) seconds of the Match:
d. Placing a Scoring Object on or under the opposing Alliance’s Platform, at any point during the Match is considered a minor violation of this rule that, at a minimum, will result in a warning.
i. If the placement is accidental, and immediately rectified (i.e. the Scoring Object is immediately
removed), then this violation will be considered a warning.
ii. If the placement is intentional and / or not immediately rectified, as judged by the Head Referee,
then it will be considered a violation.
iii. Repeated, strategic, and / or egregious warnings may also escalate to a violation, at the Head
Referee’s discretion.
Violations of points “a”, “b”, or “c” which do not interfere with gameplay will result in the opposing
Alliance receiving credit for one additional Elevated Robot at the end of the Match. (Alliances may still only receive points for a maximum of two Elevated Robots).
Violations of this rule which do interfere with gameplay will result in a Disqualification, regardless of whether the interference was Match Affecting or not.
Note: If point “d” has escalated from a warning into a violation, then it will automatically be considered a violation which has interfered with gameplay, i.e. will result in a Disqualification.
Note 2: If points “a”, “b”, or “c” are being violated at the end of a Match (i.e. when the timer hits 0 and all Robots come to rest), then it will automatically be considered a violation which has interfered with gameplay, i.e. will result in a Disqualification.
[red box]
Some example applications of this rule, and their intended penalties, are as follows:
• Briefly bumping into an opponent’s Platform during the last 30 seconds, with no other Robots
nearby, and then driving away.
॰ Violation which does not interfere with gameplay
• Briefly contacting an opponent who is parked stationary on a field tile, contacting their Platform,
during the last 30 seconds.
॰ Violation which does not interfere with gameplay
• Contacting an opponent who is in the process of climbing the Platform during the last 30 seconds, such that it slows their progress (regardless of whether the Balance is then completed or not).
॰ Violation which does interfere with gameplay, per points “a” and “b”
• Placing a Scoring Object on top of an opponent’s Platform and driving away.
॰ If before the last 30 seconds, then a violation which does interfere with gameplay, per point “d”
॰ If during the last 30 seconds, then a violation which does interfere with gameplay, per point “c”
• Successfully retrieving a Mobile Goal from an opponent’s Platform prior to the last 30 seconds.
॰ No violation / penalty, provided that no other rules are violated.
• Attempting to retrieve a Mobile Goal from an opponent’s Platform (prior to the last 30 seconds),
losing control, and dropping it back onto / underneath the Platform.
॰ If the Robot is able to immediately regain control and successfully retrieve the Mobile Goal: A
warning, per point “d” part “i”
॰ If the Robot is unable to retrieve the Mobile Goal promptly: A violation which does interfere with
gameplay, per point “d” part “ii”
• Tipping an opponent’s Platform, which has Mobile Goals already on it, prior to the last 30 seconds.
॰ No violation/penalty, provided that no other rules are violated
SG7 Hoarding of Mobile Goals is limited. Robots may not Hoard more than one (1) Mobile Goal at
once.
Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the Match will result in a warning. Match Affecting
offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee’s discretion.
Note: Hoarding is not a time-based activity (i.e. a 5 second count, like Trapping). As soon as a Robot is observed by the Head Referee to be actively blocking an opponent’s access to more than one (1) Mobile Goal without Possessing it, they will, at a minimum, receive a warning.
[red box] The intent of this rule is to prohibit one Alliance from actively stifling gameplay by “locking down” Mobile Goals against the field perimeter and / or underneath Platforms. The following examples are not considered violations of this rule:
• Possessing multiple Mobile Goals (i.e. carrying, holding, or controlling the movement of multiple
Mobile Goals)
• Passively driving past a Mobile Goal while Possessing another Mobile Goal
• Parking next to multiple Mobile Goals while opponents are on the other side of the field, i.e. without “actively blocking” an opponent who is trying to access them
• Placing Mobile Goals on top of an Alliance’s own Platform In general, unless a Robot or Alliance is intentionally and blatantly utilizing a Hoarding strategy, violations of this rule should be rare.
Updated R6, R16 and R17 to include VEX EXP Electronics
Various minor typo corrections
On December 14th, 2021, Version 2.3 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
Updated point D of Rule SG3, and the corresponding red box to clarify that only Mobile Goals placed under an opposing Alliance Platform would be considered a violation
Updated R8 to include Zip Ties
The next manual update, Version 2.4, will occur on February 1st, 2022.
On February 1st, 2022, Version 2.4 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
b. A V5 Robot Brain lockup that is outside of the Team’s control and results in a complete shutdown of the Robot. To qualify for a Match replay, all of the following criteria must be met:
i. The screen on the V5 Brain turning completely white, including the status bar at the top of the screen
ii. The Brain becoming unresponsive to any inputs from Controllers or sensors
iii. The Brain becoming unresponsive to the “power” button on the Brain (i.e. the only way to reboot the Brain is to remove the battery)
iv. All connected devices not showing a solid red light at their Smart Port connections (i.e. blinking or off)
Note: The phrase “as cut from a single 12” x 24" sheet" is intended to mean that all individual plastic pieces must be able to theoretically “nest” or rearrange into a 12" x 24" area. The plastic pieces do not have to be cut from the same original 12" x 24" sheet.
Certain non-VEX fasteners are allowed. Robots may use any commercially available #4, #6, #8, M3, M3.5, or M4 screw up to 2.5” (63.5mm) long (nominal), and any commercially available nut, washer, standoff, and / or non-threaded spacer (up to 2.5” (63.5mm) long) to fit these screws.
Mechanical fasteners may be secured using Loctite or a similar thread-locking product. This may ONLY be used for securing hardware, such as screws and nuts.
Updated Rule R27, to remove passing a functional enable / disable test as part of robot inspection.
Updated Rule VUR12, to add tubing to the list of legal pneumatic items.
Updated the LRT Rankings in Appendix D.
The next manual update, Version 3.0, will occur on April 5th, 2022.
On April 5th, 2022, Version 3.0 of the VRC Tipping Point Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
During the last fifteen (15) seconds, Robots may not contact the opposing Alliance’s Platform. The intent of this rule is to prohibit Robots from directly inhibiting their opponents’ ability to utilize the Platform at the end of a Match.
Electronics from the VEX Cortex control system are not permitted. This includes the VEXnet Joystick, VEXnet Partner Joystick, VEX ARM® Cortex-based Microcontroller, VEXnet Key 1.0 and 2.0, 2-Wire Motor 393, and any other electronic components which are not compatible with the VEX V5 system. The Yaw Rate Gyro (276-2333), Analog Accelerometer (276-2332), and LED Indicator (276-2176) are permitted, and may be used through the V5 Robot Brain’s 3-wire ports.
In general, if the screw could be replaced with a standard VEX screw with no resulting functional changes to the mechanism in question, then they would be legal. However, if the mechanism takes advantage of a functional difference between the two screws (such as the additional flexibility of a nylon vs metal fastener), then they would likely be ruled illegal.
VRC Middle School - 7 divisions
VRC High School - 10 divisions
To determine Division Champions, these divisions will play as separate standalone tournaments. Divisions will have 16 Elimination Alliances. Elimination Matches are “Best of 1” from Round-of-16 up through the Semi-Finals Matches. The Division Finals Matches are played as a “Best of 3” where an Alliance needs two wins to receive the title of Division Champion.
The Division Champions from each grade level will then play each other in a standard Elimination bracket (shown below for reference). To seed this bracket, Divisions will be ranked / seeded based on the following criteria:
Teams may use any commercially available fastener on their Robot. Examples of fasteners may include (but are not limited to) screws, nuts, washers, spacers, bushings, standoffs, rivets, hinges, pins, rod ends, threaded rods, or hose clamps
