Welcome to the VEX V5 Robotics Competition High Stakes Game Manual. This guide outlines the rules, objectives, and gameplay for the 2024-2025 season, focusing on teamwork, strategy, and innovation. Designed for teams, referees, and event partners, it provides a comprehensive resource to ensure a fair and engaging competition. The manual is regularly updated to reflect the latest changes and clarifications, ensuring all participants are aligned with the official rules.
1.1. Overview of High Stakes Game
The VEX V5 Robotics Competition High Stakes game is played on a 12×12 square field, featuring head-to-head matches where two teams compete to score points. The objective is to manipulate game objects, such as rings and mobile goals, to achieve the highest score. This game emphasizes strategic teamwork, precision, and adaptability, making it both challenging and engaging for participants. The official manual serves as the primary guide for rules and gameplay details.
1.2. Objectives of the Game Manual
The VEX V5 High Stakes Game Manual aims to provide a clear, concise guide for understanding the game rules, scoring system, and safety protocols. It serves as a primary resource for teams, referees, and event partners to ensure consistency and fairness in the competition. Regular updates and clarifications are included to address questions and ensure all participants are aligned with the latest official rules and regulations.
Game Manual Structure
This manual is organized into clear sections, covering Field Overview, General Definitions, Scoring, Safety Rules, and Gameplay Rules to ensure easy navigation and comprehensive understanding.
2.1. Field Overview
The VEX V5 High Stakes game is played on a 12×12 square field, featuring goals, barriers, and zones designed to challenge teams. The field includes specific elements like mobile goals and rings, with strategic placements to encourage diverse gameplay. Understanding the field layout is crucial for developing effective match strategies and ensuring compliance with game rules.
2.2; General Definitions
This section outlines key terms and concepts essential for understanding the High Stakes game. Definitions include “Head-to-Head Matches,” referring to competitions between two teams, and “Alliance,” describing cooperative gameplay. Terms like “Match” and “Cycle” clarify gameplay timing and structure. These definitions ensure consistency and clarity for teams, referees, and event partners, providing a unified understanding of the game’s fundamental elements.
2.3. Game-Specific Definitions
Game-specific terms include “Head-to-Head Matches,” where two teams compete directly, and “Alliance,” referring to cooperative gameplay in finals. “Match” denotes a single contest, while “Cycle” defines timed segments within a match. These definitions are unique to High Stakes, ensuring clarity and consistency in gameplay interpretation. They are essential for understanding the structure and objectives of the competition.
Scoring System
The scoring system awards points for completed tasks, bonuses, and penalties, ensuring fair competition and strategic gameplay.
3.1. Points Allocation
Points are awarded for completing specific tasks and achieving objectives during the match. Each action, such as scoring rings or moving mobile goals, is assigned a set value. For example, Mobile Goals in the High Stakes game earn 10 points each when placed in the alliance’s scoring zone. Bonus points are granted for exceptional feats, while penalties may deduct points for rule violations. The scoring system ensures balanced and strategic gameplay.
3.2. Bonus Points and Penalties
Bonus points are awarded for exceptional achievements, such as completing specific tasks or dominating gameplay. Penalties, however, are deducted for rule violations or illegal actions. For example, illegal moves or contacting opponents may result in point deductions. The system ensures fairness and encourages strategic play. Bonus points and penalties are clearly outlined in the manual to maintain balanced competition and clarify expectations for all participants.
Safety Rules
Safety is paramount. All participants must follow protocols, including proper robot inspection, use of protective gear, and adherence to emergency procedures. Compliance ensures a secure environment for everyone involved.
4.1. General Safety Guidelines
Adherence to safety protocols is mandatory for all participants. This includes proper inspection of robots, use of protective gear, and immediate reporting of hazards. Ensure all electrical components are secure, and avoid unsafe practices during matches or testing. Teams must follow field rules and evacuate promptly in emergencies. Compliance ensures a secure environment, protecting both participants and equipment. Regular updates and inspections are crucial for maintaining safety standards.
4.2. Robot-Specific Safety Protocols
Robot-specific safety protocols ensure safe operation during matches and testing. All robots must pass pre-match inspections to verify compliance with safety standards. Sharp edges, loose parts, and electrical hazards must be addressed. Proper shutdown procedures must be followed in case of malfunctions. Teams are responsible for ensuring their robots meet all safety criteria outlined in the official manual. Adherence to these protocols is mandatory for participation.
Game Rules
This section outlines the rules governing gameplay, including general match procedures, prohibited actions, and specific guidelines to ensure fair and competitive play for all participants.
5.1. General Gameplay Rules
- Matches are played on a 12×12 square field with two alliances of two teams each.
- Each match lasts 60 seconds, divided into autonomous and driver-controlled periods.
- Robots must operate within field boundaries and follow all safety protocols.
- Teams earn points by scoring rings, moving mobile goals, and completing specific tasks.
- Interference with opponents or deliberate field damage results in penalties or disqualification.
- All actions must comply with the official rules to ensure fair competition.
5.2. Specific Match Rules
- Each match begins with robots in designated starting positions.
- The game is divided into autonomous and driver-controlled phases.
- Scoring rings and moving mobile goals are primary objectives.
- Illegal actions, such as blocking opponents, result in penalties.
- Field damage or intentional interference leads to disqualification.
- All decisions by referees are final and binding.
5.3. Prohibited Actions
- Blocking opponents’ robots to prevent scoring.
- Intentional damage to the field, robots, or equipment.
- Unsafe practices risking damage or injury.
- Using unauthorized modifications or equipment.
Violations result in penalties or disqualification. Refer to the official Q&A system for clarifications.
The Robot
The robot is a central element in High Stakes, designed and constructed by teams to perform tasks efficiently. It must adhere to specific size, weight, and component rules, ensuring safety and fair competition. Regular inspections verify compliance, and robots are evaluated for performance in matches and skills challenges.
6.1. Inspection and Compliance
Inspection ensures robots meet design, safety, and technical standards. Robots undergo pre-match checks to verify compliance with the game manual. Referees inspect for size, weight, and prohibited components. Non-compliant robots may face penalties or disqualification. Regular inspections ensure fair competition and adherence to safety protocols, maintaining a level playing field for all teams.
6.2. Design and Build Specifications
Robots must adhere to specific size and weight limits, ensuring fair competition. Materials and components must comply with the game manual’s guidelines. Prohibited items, such as sharp edges or unauthorized electronics, are strictly enforced. The design should allow for efficient maneuverability and interaction with game elements. Teams are encouraged to innovate within these constraints to optimize performance while maintaining safety and rule adherence.
Tournament Structure
The tournament is organized into qualifying rounds, semifinals, and finals. Teams compete in head-to-head matches, with rankings determining advancement. Awards are given for excellence in design, strategy, and sportsmanship, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment.
7.1. Event Organization
The VEX V5 High Stakes events are organized by certified Event Partners, ensuring consistency and fairness. Each event follows a structured schedule, including team check-in, inspections, and match play. Volunteers and referees are trained to manage the competition efficiently, adhering to the rules outlined in the Game Manual. Communication is key, with updates and announcements shared through official channels to keep participants informed and engaged throughout the tournament.
7.2. Qualifying Rounds
Qualifying Rounds are the foundation of the High Stakes tournament, where teams compete in head-to-head matches to earn rankings. Performance metrics, such as scoring, strategy execution, and robot reliability, are evaluated to determine standings. Teams accumulate points based on match outcomes, with rankings determining eligibility for final matches. These rounds are critical for showcasing skills and securing a spot in the elimination bracket, ensuring only the top performers advance.
7.3. Finals and Awards
The Finals showcase the top-performing teams in high-stakes elimination matches, determining the tournament champion. Awards are presented for outstanding performance, sportsmanship, and robot design. The Excellence Award recognizes overall excellence, while the Design Award highlights innovative engineering. These accolades celebrate teamwork, strategy, and technical prowess, culminating the competition on a high note of achievement and camaraderie among participants.
Robot Skills Challenge
The Robot Skills Challenge tests individual robot performance, utilizing all 24 red rings and 5 mobile goals, with varying starting positions to assess precision, adaptability, and strategy.
8.1. Challenge Description
The Robot Skills Challenge evaluates a robot’s capabilities through precision, strategy, and adaptability; Featuring 24 red rings and 5 mobile goals, some starting in unique positions, it tests autonomous and driver-controlled performance. Teams showcase their engineering prowess by navigating the field efficiently, demonstrating advanced programming and mechanical design. This challenge highlights a robot’s versatility and effectiveness in high-pressure scenarios, mirroring real-world problem-solving demands.
8.2. Scoring and Judging Criteria
Scoring emphasizes precision, strategy, and efficiency. Points are awarded for ring placement on mobile goals and static posts, with bonuses for autonomous actions. Judges evaluate programming, mechanical design, and teamwork. Penalties reduce scores for rule violations. The Q&A system clarifies scoring disputes, ensuring fairness. This criteria fosters innovation and skill, aligning with the game’s objectives of testing engineering and strategic thinking under pressure.
Advanced Gameplay Strategies
Advanced strategies focus on optimizing autonomous modes, efficient ring placement, and synchronized teamwork to maximize points and outperform opponents.
9.1. Team Collaboration
Effective collaboration is essential for success in High Stakes. Teams should communicate clearly, assign roles based on strengths, and synchronize efforts during matches. Pre-match planning ensures alignment on strategies, while adaptability during gameplay allows teams to respond to challenges. Trust and coordination among members enhance performance, maximizing scoring opportunities and maintaining efficiency under pressure. Strong teamwork fosters resilience and problem-solving, crucial for overcoming obstacles in high-stakes competition.
9.2. High-Level Play Tips
To excel in High Stakes, employ high-level strategies such as field control, efficient scoring, and quick thinking. Adaptability during matches and minimizing penalties are crucial. Prioritize high-value actions while maintaining awareness of opponents’ moves. Effective communication and precision in execution will enhance your team’s performance, ensuring a competitive edge.
Q&A System
The Q&A system provides official clarifications on game rules and is maintained by the Game Design Committee (GDC). It ensures consistent interpretations across all participants.
10.1. Purpose and Function
The Q&A system serves as an official channel for clarifying rules and addressing queries related to the High Stakes game. Its primary purpose is to ensure consistency in rule interpretation across all participants. The system allows teams and referees to submit questions, which are then answered by the Game Design Committee (GDC). These clarifications are binding and provide further guidance beyond the manual, ensuring fairness and transparency in the competition.
10.2. Submitting Questions
To submit a question, teams must use the official Q&A system on the VEX Robotics website. Ensure questions are clear and concise, avoiding repetitive inquiries. Before submitting, review existing Q&As to avoid duplicates. The Game Design Committee (GDC) reviews and responds to all submissions, providing official clarifications. This process ensures consistent rule interpretation and fair play across all events. Teams are encouraged to utilize this resource for any rule-related uncertainties.
Updates and Clarifications
This section outlines the version history and official updates, ensuring all changes are documented. The GDC announcements provide the latest clarifications for the High Stakes game.
11.1. Version History
The version history tracks all updates to the High Stakes Game Manual. Version 1.0 was released on June 25, 2024, introducing new rules that significantly impact gameplay. Subsequent updates, such as Version 4.0, have provided clarifications and adjustments based on feedback and competition observations. Each version ensures the manual remains accurate and aligned with the evolving nature of the game, reflecting the GDC’s commitment to a fair and dynamic competition environment.
11.2. GDC Announcements
The Game Design Committee (GDC) periodically releases official announcements regarding the High Stakes game. These updates clarify rules, introduce new gameplay elements, and address community feedback. Announcements are made through official channels and the Q&A system, ensuring all participants are informed. They are binding and essential for maintaining a fair and dynamic competition environment. Teams are encouraged to stay updated through these official communications.