The 2024 FRC Manual is a comprehensive guide for teams participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition. It outlines the game rules, safety protocols, and construction guidelines for the 2024 season.
1;1 Overview of the 2024 Game: Crescendo
The 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition game, Crescendo, is a dynamic and strategic challenge that combines elements from previous games. Teams must design and build robots capable of collecting and delivering game pieces to specific zones on the arena. Crescendo emphasizes teamwork, precision, and adaptability, with gameplay that evolves throughout each match. The arena features multiple scoring areas, and teams earn points based on the placement and quantity of game pieces. This year’s game is a remix of past favorites, blending familiar mechanics with new twists to create an exciting experience for participants and spectators alike. The game manual provides detailed rules, arena layouts, and scoring criteria to ensure teams are well-prepared for competition.
1.2 Key Dates and Events for the 2024 Season
The 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition season kicked off on January 6, 2024, with the official game reveal and release of the game manual. This event provided teams with essential materials, including game rules and arena details. Regional and district tournaments are scheduled throughout March and April, leading up to the FIRST Championship in late April 2024. Teams must adhere to critical deadlines for robot construction, inspection, and event registration. The season also includes workshops, webinars, and community events to support team preparation. Key dates, such as the stop-build day and submission deadlines for awards, are outlined in the manual to ensure teams stay on track and comply with competition requirements.
Game Rules and Regulations
The 2024 FRC Manual details game rules, arena layout, scoring criteria, and robot construction guidelines to ensure fair and structured competition for all participating teams.
2.1 Arena Layout and Gameplay Details
The 2024 FRC game, Crescendo, features a dynamic arena designed to challenge teams with strategic gameplay. The field includes zones for collecting and delivering game pieces, with ramps and barriers to navigate. Robots start in designated areas and must work in alliances to achieve objectives. The arena’s layout emphasizes mobility and precision, with specific zones offering bonus points. Teams must adapt their strategies to optimize scoring during both autonomous and teleoperated phases. The field’s dimensions and markings are detailed in the manual to ensure consistency across competitions. Illustrations provide a visual guide, while nominal dimensions help teams design robots insensitive to minor variations. Refer to the official drawings for exact measurements and construction details.
2.2 Scoring Criteria and Winning Conditions
The 2024 FRC game, Crescendo, awards points based on the completion of specific tasks during matches; Teams earn points by collecting and delivering game pieces to designated zones, with bonus points for autonomous actions and defense strategies. Alliance teams work together to maximize their score, with penalties for violations like robot interference. Matches conclude with a ranking system, determining the winners based on accumulated points. The highest-scoring alliance advances, while tiebreakers are resolved by reviewing specific performance metrics. The manual details point allocations, bonus conditions, and criteria for declaring match winners, ensuring clarity for teams and referees. Understanding these rules is crucial for developing effective strategies and optimizing gameplay.
Robot Construction Guidelines
The 2024 FRC Manual outlines rules for robot design, ensuring safety, functionality, and fairness. Key guidelines include weight limits, dimensional requirements, and prohibited materials. Teams must adhere to these standards to pass inspections and compete effectively.
3.1 General Robot Construction Rules
The 2024 FRC Manual specifies that robots must weigh under 150 pounds and fit within a 30x30x60-inch envelope. Teams must use approved materials and components, avoiding prohibited items like pyrotechnics or sharp edges. Electrical systems must comply with voltage limits, and pneumatic systems require proper pressure ratings. Software must be programmed using approved libraries, and all mechanisms should ensure operator and spectator safety. These rules ensure fair competition and protect participants. Teams are encouraged to design robots that are durable, efficient, and innovative while adhering to these guidelines.
3.2 Inspection and Eligibility Criteria
Inspection and eligibility criteria ensure robots meet safety and rule compliance standards. Robots undergo mechanical, electrical, and software inspections to verify adherence to the manual. Teams must provide documentation, including a Bill of Materials and proof of compliance with weight and dimensional limits. Safety checks focus on proper guarding of moving parts, secure mounting of components, and functional emergency stops. Eligibility requires passing all inspections and demonstrating compliance with game-specific rules. Teams that fail inspection must address issues before competing. Inspection outcomes determine eligibility for matches, ensuring fair and safe competition. Proper preparation and adherence to guidelines are crucial for successful participation.
Safety Protocols
The 2024 FRC Safety Manual outlines essential protocols for personal protective equipment, proper robot handling, and emergency procedures to ensure a safe environment during competitions and practices.
4.1 Safety Manual Highlights
The 2024 FRC Safety Manual emphasizes critical safety practices for participants, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to emergency response plans. It outlines procedures for handling robots, ensuring safe lifting, and maintaining a hazard-free work environment. The manual also highlights the importance of regular safety inspections and team-wide safety training. Key responsibilities are assigned to team leaders and mentors to enforce these protocols. Additional guidelines address event-specific safety measures, such as arena safety during competitions and proper use of tools. The manual serves as a foundational resource to promote a culture of safety within all FRC teams, ensuring a secure environment for both the build season and competition events.
4.2 Responsibilities of Teams and Mentors
Teams and mentors are integral to ensuring a safe and compliant environment. Teams must adhere to all safety protocols outlined in the manual, conduct regular inspections, and report incidents promptly. Mentors are responsible for guiding students in understanding and implementing safety practices, ensuring compliance with FRC regulations. They must also oversee the proper use of tools and equipment, and provide training on emergency procedures. Additionally, mentors are expected to review and enforce safety standards during competitions and practices. By sharing these responsibilities, teams and mentors foster a culture of safety, accountability, and preparedness throughout the season. Their collective efforts ensure that all activities align with FRC’s commitment to protecting participants and maintaining a secure environment.
Event Rules and Tournament Structure
The 2024 FRC season includes regional and district tournaments, leading to the FIRST Championship. Teams qualify through performance, adhering to event rules, sportsmanship, and safety protocols.
5.1 Regional and District Tournaments
Regional and District Tournaments are the foundation of the 2024 FRC competition. These events bring together teams from specific areas to compete, showcase their robots, and demonstrate teamwork. Each tournament follows strict event rules, ensuring fair play and adherence to safety protocols. Teams earn points based on their performance, which determines their eligibility for higher-level competitions. The tournaments also emphasize sportsmanship and collaboration, fostering a positive environment for all participants. By competing at these events, teams gain valuable experience and feedback, preparing them for the challenges ahead in the championship series.
5.2 FIRST Championship Tournament Details
The FIRST Championship is the pinnacle of the 2024 FRC season, bringing together approximately 600 top-performing teams from around the world. Held in April 2024, the event features high-intensity competition, innovation showcases, and celebrate STEM excellence. Teams compete in multiple divisions, with the winning alliance crowned the FIRST Robotics Competition Champions. The championship also includes the Innovation Fair, where teams highlight their creativity, and the FIRST Hall of Fame, recognizing outstanding contributions. Safety protocols and rules are strictly enforced to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants. For exact dates, location, and detailed event rules, refer to the official 2024 FRC Championship webpage.