2002: Zone Zeal
The Season
After having much success in the 2001 season, we anticipated the same in the 2002 season. Although we did have a foundation to build upon, new and exciting challenges presented themselves.
New in 2002 was a robotics class created by Los Angeles County ROP (Regional Occupation Program). This meant that the students participating in robotics would get high school credit for their time. As a result, our number of new members skyrocketed. At that point, we had created "a real robotics team."
Besides team composed largely of new members, we also were given a new challenge with a different game for the season. This presented a new set of design constraints and challenges to be dealt with. That is where the fun really began. Want to see what the game is all about? Click here for a detailed explanation.
Also, for the first time, we had access to the Glendale Community College machine shop. This opportunity gave us a degree of professional flexibility that usually remains unequaled in student built robots.
After a long and hard build period, we set off to the playing field to do battle. This season was comparable to last. Although our numerical place was lower, there were more teams in attendance. For pictures of the build period and of the competition, click here.
The Game
Competition Structure:
The competition is composed of two phases: Qualification Matches and Elimination Matches. All matches are two minutes each. In each match, two teams work together as an alliance against another 2-team alliance to collect and score balls into goals as well as position the goals and robots on the field. There are a total of 3 goals on the playing field
The Balls:
There will be a total of 60 soccer balls on the playing field. 10 balls in each alliance station, as well as 20 balls on each side of the playing field. The balls will be inflated to standard pressure. Each Ball in a goal can be worth 1 point if the goal is in the correct scoring zone
The Goals:
There are 3 Hexagonal shaped goals. They weigh approximately 181 lbs. There are two pieces of plywood at the bottom of the goals. A robot may only make contact with the goals in between the two pieces of plywood. Goals count as 10 points a piece if they are in zones 2 or 4 only.
Basic Game play:
During a match, the alliance scores points by: Placing balls into goals and positioning robots and/or goals in the scoring zones at the end of the match. The Balls will be inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications for pressure. There are 3 goals with caster wheels around the bases that may be moved around the playing field. All goals start equally spaced across the center of the playing field. The playing field is broken up into 5 zones.
Match Scoring:
At the end of each match, points are awarded: One point for each ball if all conditions below are true: Contained in or supported by a goal. Not in contact with or supported by your or your partner’s robot. Not in contact with the carpet. The goal is "in" your ball zone (the proper ball scoring zones are Zones 1, 2, 4, and 5) Ten points for each goal in your goal zone (Zone 2 or 4) Ten points for each robot in your robot zone. (Zone 1 or 5)
Scoring:
In Qualification Rounds the winner will get 3 times the loser's score, however in finals it will be winner take all.
Qualifications:
Teams are ranked based on an equal number of qualification matches. Following the conclusion of the qualification matches, the top ranked teams form alliances and go on to compete in the elimination matches.
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Clark Magnet High School Robotics, La Crescenta, CA, 91214