This manual provides comprehensive rules, guidelines, and updates for the V5RC High Stakes game, serving as an essential resource for teams, referees, and event partners.
1.1 Purpose and Scope of the Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide a comprehensive guide for the V5RC High Stakes game, ensuring clarity and consistency for all participants. It serves as the primary resource for teams, referees, and event partners, outlining the rules, objectives, and expectations for the competition.
The scope of the manual covers all aspects of the game, including field setup, robot specifications, scoring systems, and tournament structures. It is designed to be a single source of truth, eliminating ambiguities and ensuring fairness. Regular updates are published to address feedback and clarify rules, with changes effective immediately. Teams are responsible for staying informed about all updates. The manual also integrates with the official Q&A system for additional clarifications, ensuring alignment with the game’s intent and spirit.
By adhering to this manual, participants can fully engage with the High Stakes game, fostering a competitive and educational environment focused on teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation.
1.2 Key Definitions and Terminology
This section outlines essential definitions and terminology specific to the V5RC High Stakes game, ensuring a common understanding for all participants. Key terms include:
- Field: The 12×12 square area where matches are played, featuring specific zones and obstacles.
- Robot: A machine built by teams to perform tasks and score points during matches.
- Alliance: A partnership between two teams whose robots collaborate during a match.
- Match: A competition consisting of an Isolation Period and a Driver-Controlled Period.
- Scoring: Points earned through completing specific tasks, such as manipulating game objects.
- Game Objects: Items like rings, goals, or other elements used to score points.
- Safety Rules: Guidelines to ensure safe operation of robots and player conduct.
Understanding these terms is crucial for effective participation and adherence to the game’s rules. The manual provides detailed explanations to avoid ambiguity and ensure consistency across all events.
Game Overview
The game involves alliances of two teams competing on a 12×12 field, with objectives including scoring points through manipulating game objects and navigating specific challenges.
2.1 Field Layout and Setup
The High Stakes field is a 12×12 square area designed for two alliances, each consisting of two teams. The field features scoring zones, goal locations, and specific starting positions for robots. Key components include raised platforms, barriers, and neutral zones, which play a critical role in gameplay. The layout ensures balanced opportunities for scoring and strategic maneuvering. Teams must understand the field’s dimensions and markings to optimize their strategies. The setup includes an isolation period and driver-controlled periods, with robots starting from designated areas. The field’s design promotes dynamic interactions and competitive play, requiring precise teamwork and tactical execution. Understanding the field layout is essential for success in the game, as it directly impacts scoring, movement, and overall performance.
2.2 Game Objectives and Scoring System
The primary objective of High Stakes is for alliances to score points by completing specific tasks and achieving strategic goals during matches. Points are awarded for actions such as scoring rings, controlling mobile goals, and maintaining dominance in designated zones. The scoring system is divided into two main categories: autonomous and driver-controlled periods. During the autonomous phase, points are earned through pre-programmed actions, while driver-controlled periods allow teams to maximize their scores through precise maneuvers and teamwork. Bonus points are awarded for alliance coordination and achieving specific game-ending conditions. The scoring system emphasizes both individual robot performance and collaborative efforts, ensuring a balanced and competitive gameplay experience. Understanding the scoring breakdown is crucial for teams to develop effective strategies and maximize their point accumulation during matches.
2.3 Safety Rules and Regulations
Safety is a top priority in the High Stakes game, with specific rules in place to protect participants, referees, and equipment. All teams and event staff must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and fair environment. Key safety protocols include proper handling of robots, avoiding field hazards, and maintaining a clear path for emergency access. Participants are required to wear appropriate protective gear during matches and practice sessions. Any violation of safety rules may result in penalties, disqualification, or removal from the event. Teams are also responsible for ensuring their robots comply with safety standards outlined in the manual. Regular inspections and adherence to these regulations are essential to prevent accidents and maintain a smooth tournament flow. Safety rules are non-negotiable and must be followed at all times to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. Updates to safety protocols will be communicated throughout the season.
The Robot
This section outlines the rules and specifications for robot design, build, and operation in the High Stakes game, ensuring compliance and fair competition.
3.1 Robot Design and Build Specifications
The robot must adhere to specific design and build rules outlined in the High Stakes manual. Key specifications include maximum dimensions of 12″ x 12″ x 18″ and a weight limit of 15 lbs. Teams must use approved materials and ensure compliance with safety standards. The robot’s design should allow for efficient mobility and functionality, with limitations on protrusions and sharp edges. Drive systems must be VEX-approved, and manipulators should be designed for optimal game performance. All robots are subject to pre-match inspections to verify adherence to these rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. Detailed diagrams and measurements are provided in the manual to guide teams in constructing a legal robot. Innovation is encouraged within these constraints to maximize scoring potential during matches.
3.2 Inspection and Compliance Rules
All robots must undergo a thorough inspection before competition to ensure compliance with the High Stakes Game Manual rules. Inspections are conducted by certified referees and focus on verifying robot dimensions, weight, and material compliance. Teams must present their robot with all components securely attached and ready for evaluation. Any modifications or repairs made during the event must be reinspected before participation. Failure to pass inspection results in disqualification until compliance is achieved. The official Game Manual serves as the final authority, and teams are responsible for staying updated on rule changes. Detailed inspection checklists are provided in the manual to guide teams in preparing their robots; Compliance ensures fair competition and safety for all participants. No exceptions are made, and all decisions by inspectors are binding. Regular updates to inspection rules are communicated through official channels to maintain consistency across events. Teams are encouraged to review the manual thoroughly to avoid issues during inspections.
Tournament Structure
The tournament features qualifying matches, followed by elimination rounds, with teams advancing based on rankings and performance. The structure emphasizes fair competition and strategic gameplay.
4.1 Match Types and Formats
The V5RC High Stakes tournament features multiple match types to ensure dynamic competition. Qualifying matches pair alliances of two teams, aiming to score points collaboratively. Each match begins with a 30-second isolation period, followed by a 1:30 driver-controlled segment. Teams earn points by completing objectives like scoring rings and controlling mobile goals. Elimination rounds adopt a single-elimination format, where alliances compete in best-of-three series. Finals determine the tournament champions. Matches emphasize strategic teamwork, adaptability, and precision. Safety rules are strictly enforced, with penalties for unsafe behavior. The structure ensures fair competition while rewarding innovative strategies and consistent performance. Teams must adapt to varying match dynamics to progress through the tournament brackets. Proper preparation and adherence to rules are crucial for success. This format ensures an exciting and challenging experience for all participants.
4.2 Tournament Progression and Rankings
Tournament progression is based on team performance in qualifying matches, with rankings determined by earned points. Teams accumulate points through successful completion of game objectives, with bonus points awarded for alliance achievements. Rankings are updated after each match, reflecting current standings. The top-ranked teams earn priority in selecting alliance partners for elimination rounds. Teams with higher rankings gain strategic advantages, such as choosing allies and controlling match dynamics. Rankings are finalized at the end of qualifying rounds, setting the stage for elimination brackets. The tournament concludes with final rankings, awarding top-performing teams. Consistent performance, strategic gameplay, and adaptability are key to advancing through the tournament. Rankings are carefully maintained to ensure fair competition and reflect each team’s contributions throughout the event. This system ensures transparency and rewards both individual and collaborative efforts effectively. Proper sportsmanship and adherence to rules are essential for maintaining valid rankings. Teams must balance strategy with safety to achieve optimal results. The ranking system is designed to highlight skill, innovation, and teamwork, making the competition both challenging and rewarding for all participants.
Updates and Resources
Stay informed with the latest manual updates and resources, including version history, clarifications, and official Q&A systems, ensuring compliance and optimal performance in the competition.
5.1 Version History and Changes
The version history section of the High Stakes Game Manual documents all updates, revisions, and clarifications made throughout the season. Each version update is carefully detailed, ensuring transparency and accessibility for teams and event partners; Changes are categorized as major or minor, with clear descriptions of what has been altered or added. Teams are expected to stay informed about these updates, as they are effective immediately upon release. The manual emphasizes that there are no grace periods for implementing new rules or adjustments. Regularly reviewing the version history is crucial for maintaining compliance and understanding the evolution of the game. This section also provides links or references to official resources, such as the Q&A system, to address any questions or concerns arising from the updates. By keeping track of these changes, participants can ensure they are always aligned with the latest rules and guidelines.
5;2 Official Q&A System and Clarifications
The Official Q&A System serves as the primary source for clarifications and interpretations of the High Stakes Game Manual. This system ensures consistency and fairness by providing binding rulings from the Game Design Committee (GDC). Teams and event partners are encouraged to review existing Q&A entries before submitting new questions, as many answers are already addressed within the manual. The Q&A system operates under strict guidelines, emphasizing that it does not replace the official manual. Clarifications are considered as authoritative as the written rules and are updated regularly. Teams are responsible for staying informed about these updates, as they are effective immediately. The Q&A system is designed to address ambiguities and provide further insights, ensuring all participants have a clear understanding of the game rules and expectations. Regularly checking this system is essential for maintaining compliance and competitiveness.