FTC Centerstage Game Manual 1⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This manual is designed to provide a comprehensive guide for all teams participating in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) CENTERSTAGE game․ It details the essential components of the game‚ including team game elements‚ field layout‚ scoring system‚ and the rules and procedures that govern gameplay․ This manual serves as a foundational resource for understanding the CENTERSTAGE game‚ equipping teams with the knowledge necessary to strategize‚ build‚ and compete effectively․
Introduction
Welcome to the exciting world of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) CENTERSTAGE! This game challenges teams to design‚ build‚ and program robots capable of performing a series of intricate tasks autonomously and under driver control․ The CENTERSTAGE game is designed to ignite a passion for STEM in participants‚ fostering creativity‚ problem-solving skills‚ and teamwork․ This manual serves as your comprehensive guide to the CENTERSTAGE game‚ providing detailed information on all aspects of the competition‚ from game elements to scoring procedures․
The CENTERSTAGE game is a dynamic and engaging competition that requires strategic thinking‚ technical expertise‚ and a collaborative spirit․ Teams will face a multitude of challenges as they strive to outmaneuver their opponents and maximize their score․ This manual is intended to provide clarity and guidance‚ ensuring a fair and rewarding experience for all participants․
1․1․ Game Overview
CENTERSTAGE is a fast-paced and visually captivating game where teams compete to score points by strategically maneuvering their robots to interact with various game elements․ The playing field is a dynamic stage where robots move between two distinct areas⁚ the “Backstage” and the “Center Stage․” The game is divided into two periods⁚ an Autonomous Period‚ where robots operate independently using pre-programmed instructions‚ and a Driver-Controlled Period‚ where drivers control their robots in real-time․
Teams earn points in both periods by completing tasks such as placing game elements‚ navigating through designated zones‚ and interacting with specific targets․ The game features a unique element called the “Team Prop‚” which represents each team’s identity on the field․ Teams must demonstrate strategic thinking and precise robot control to successfully navigate the challenges of CENTERSTAGE and secure victory․
1․2․ Game Manual Purpose
The FTC CENTERSTAGE Game Manual Part 1 serves as the official guide for all aspects of the game‚ providing a comprehensive understanding of the rules‚ procedures‚ and requirements for teams participating in the FIRST Tech Challenge․ It is a vital resource for teams‚ coaches‚ and referees‚ ensuring a fair and consistent playing environment․ The manual outlines the fundamental principles of the game‚ including the game elements‚ scoring system‚ and competition structure; It aims to clarify the rules and expectations for all participants‚ enabling them to focus on innovation‚ strategy‚ and teamwork․
The manual also includes detailed information about the construction and inspection of robots‚ ensuring compliance with safety standards and fair play․ By providing a clear understanding of the rules and regulations‚ the Game Manual Part 1 fosters a competitive environment where teams can showcase their technical skills‚ problem-solving abilities‚ and strategic thinking․
Game Elements
The FTC CENTERSTAGE game features a dynamic set of game elements that teams must interact with to score points․ These elements‚ carefully designed to promote strategic thinking and technical innovation‚ are essential for achieving victory․ The game elements‚ including the Team Prop‚ are meticulously crafted to ensure a challenging and engaging gameplay experience․ The Team Prop‚ a crucial element for each team‚ is a custom-designed object that represents a team’s unique creative vision and technical prowess․
The game elements are strategically placed on the field‚ creating opportunities for teams to display their skills in robot design‚ programming‚ and strategic decision-making․ The careful placement of these elements encourages teams to develop diverse strategies for interacting with them‚ leading to dynamic and unpredictable gameplay․ The interplay between the game elements and the robots creates a captivating spectacle‚ showcasing the ingenuity and teamwork of the participating teams․
2․1․ Team Game Element⁚ The Team Prop
The Team Prop is a key component in the FTC CENTERSTAGE game‚ representing a team’s creative expression and technical prowess․ Each team is required to design and build two Team Props‚ one red and one blue․ These props are not merely decorative; they play an integral role in the game‚ serving as objects that robots can manipulate and interact with․ The design of the Team Prop is subject to specific rules and guidelines outlined in the game manual‚ ensuring a level playing field for all teams while allowing for creative freedom within defined parameters․
The Team Prop is a tangible manifestation of a team’s ingenuity and resourcefulness‚ reflecting the team’s design choices‚ programming skills‚ and overall understanding of the game mechanics․ Its construction and functionality are crucial for a team’s success‚ as it directly influences the team’s ability to score points through strategic manipulation and interaction․ The Team Prop is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the team members‚ showcasing their combined creativity and technical expertise․
2․2․ Field Layout and Description
The CENTERSTAGE playing field is a meticulously designed arena where robots compete‚ showcasing their abilities to navigate‚ manipulate objects‚ and score points․ The field is divided into distinct zones‚ each with its own unique features and scoring opportunities․ The layout of the field provides a dynamic environment for robots to maneuver‚ requiring teams to develop strategies that optimize their robots’ movement and interactions with the game elements․ The field is equipped with various elements‚ including the Team Props‚ which robots can interact with to gain points․
The field is designed to foster a competitive and engaging environment‚ encouraging teams to think strategically and creatively to maximize their scores․ The layout of the field‚ with its various zones and elements‚ presents a challenge for teams to overcome‚ requiring them to develop robots capable of navigating complex environments and executing precise movements․ The field layout is a key element of the game‚ shaping the strategic decisions teams make and influencing the design and programming of their robots․
Game Rules and Procedures
The CENTERSTAGE game is governed by a set of rules and procedures that ensure fairness‚ safety‚ and a consistent playing experience for all teams․ These rules define the parameters of gameplay‚ outlining the permissible actions for robots and teams․ The rules cover various aspects of the game‚ including robot design‚ construction‚ operation‚ and interaction with the field elements․ They also outline the scoring system‚ defining the criteria for awarding points and the procedures for determining match winners․
The rules are designed to encourage teams to demonstrate their creativity‚ problem-solving skills‚ and engineering prowess․ They also promote sportsmanship and a sense of community among participants‚ fostering a positive and supportive environment where teams can learn from each other and celebrate their achievements․ Teams are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations‚ ensuring a fair and equitable competition for all participants․ The rules and procedures are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and promoting a positive and competitive environment for all involved․
3․1․ Scoring System
The CENTERSTAGE game features a multifaceted scoring system that rewards teams for successfully completing various tasks and achieving specific objectives․ Teams can earn points throughout the match‚ both during the autonomous period and the driver-controlled period․ The scoring system encourages teams to develop robots that can perform a wide range of actions‚ including moving objects‚ placing elements‚ navigating the field‚ and interacting with other robots․
Scoring criteria are defined by a set of points values assigned to different actions and outcomes․ For instance‚ placing a specific object in a designated location‚ moving a robot to a particular zone‚ or successfully completing a complex sequence of actions can all contribute to a team’s score․ The scoring system is designed to be dynamic and engaging‚ promoting strategic decision-making and encouraging teams to develop innovative solutions for maximizing their points potential․ Teams must carefully consider the scoring criteria and develop strategies that effectively utilize their robots’ capabilities to achieve the highest possible score․
3․2․ Autonomous Period Scoring
The autonomous period in the CENTERSTAGE game is a crucial segment where robots operate independently‚ programmed to perform a series of tasks without any human intervention․ This period is a test of a team’s programming prowess and their ability to design robots that can execute complex maneuvers and actions with precision․ Scoring during the autonomous period is designed to reward teams for successfully completing predetermined tasks within a specific timeframe․
Teams can earn points for a variety of autonomous actions‚ such as placing objects in designated locations‚ moving robots to specific zones‚ interacting with game elements‚ or navigating the field according to pre-programmed instructions․ The scoring criteria for the autonomous period are clearly outlined in the game manual‚ providing teams with a detailed understanding of the points available for each successful action․ Teams must carefully analyze the scoring system and optimize their autonomous programs to maximize points earned during this critical phase of the match․
Game Manual Resources
The FIRST Tech Challenge provides a wealth of resources to support teams in understanding and implementing the CENTERSTAGE game rules․ These resources are designed to be accessible and informative‚ ensuring teams have the tools they need to excel in their game preparations․ The primary resource is the game manual itself‚ which serves as the definitive guide for all aspects of the game‚ including rules‚ scoring‚ field dimensions‚ and technical specifications․ In addition to the game manual‚ FIRST offers supplemental resources‚ such as game animations‚ which visually demonstrate the game elements‚ scoring opportunities‚ and robot interactions․
These resources can be accessed online through the FIRST website‚ allowing teams to conveniently access the information they need whenever they need it․ Furthermore‚ the FIRST Tech Challenge forum provides a platform for teams to ask questions‚ discuss strategies‚ and share insights with other teams and mentors․ This collaborative environment fosters a spirit of teamwork and continuous learning‚ empowering teams to overcome challenges and enhance their understanding of the game․
4․1․ Online Game Manual Access
The FIRST Tech Challenge game manuals‚ including the CENTERSTAGE Game Manual Part 1‚ are readily available online for teams to access and download․ This digital accessibility ensures that teams can easily obtain the latest versions of the manuals‚ regardless of their location or access to physical copies․ The game manuals are hosted on the FIRST website‚ specifically on the “Game and Season Materials” page‚ which serves as a centralized hub for all relevant game information․ Teams can navigate to this page and locate the specific manual they need‚ whether it be for the current season or for past seasons․
Moreover‚ the online platform allows teams to easily search within the PDFs of the game manuals‚ enabling them to quickly locate specific sections or information they need․ This feature streamlines the research process‚ allowing teams to efficiently find answers to their questions and gain a comprehensive understanding of the game rules and requirements․
4․2․ Game Animation and Materials
To provide a visual representation of the CENTERSTAGE game and its elements‚ FIRST has created a game animation․ This animation serves as a valuable resource for teams‚ offering a dynamic and engaging introduction to the game’s mechanics and objectives․ The game animation visually depicts the playing field‚ the game elements‚ and the various scoring opportunities available to teams․ It allows teams to visualize the game’s flow‚ understand the strategic possibilities‚ and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented․ The game animation is available for viewing and download on the FIRST website’s “Game and Season Materials” page‚ alongside other crucial game resources․
In addition to the game animation‚ the “Game and Season Materials” page also provides teams with access to essential materials for the CENTERSTAGE game․ These materials include the official game manual‚ field setup guides‚ and technical resources such as robot design specifications and coding examples․ These materials provide teams with the necessary information to design‚ build‚ program‚ and test their robots effectively․
