Rack 'N' Roll
From FIRSTwiki
This year, teams are placed on two three-team alliances, one red and one blue, to play Rack 'N' Roll. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent using inflatable inner tubes to create rows and columns on "The Rack."
The rack, a large central structure, is made up of three rows. Each row contains eight dynamic spider legs on which teams may score. Each game piece is worth two points, and grows exponentially with the creation of new rows and columns. For example, a column of three spider legs is worth 8 points, while a row of six is worth 64 points. The rack also includes four illuminated green targets (as used in the 2006 game, Aim High) oriented above four vertical rows of spider legs. The targets are oriented around the rack at 90 degrees from each other so that two targets are always visible.
Robots may also score bonus points at the end of the match if they are entirely in their home zone, not in contact with any element of the field (carpet, alliance station, goal etc.), and the lowest point of the robot is higher than 4 inches above the carpeted field surface. One robot, four inches high, will earn the alliance a total of 15 bonus points, while one robot 12 inches above floor level will earn the alliance 30 bonus points. For example, the alliance may earn bonus points by having two teams return to the home zone, and successfully lifting one robot at least 4 inches off the ground.
The match, a very short 2 minutes and 15 seconds begins with a 15 second autonomous period in which teams may try and score "keepers" onto the large center rack. Each keeper scored is worth two points and gives the alliance possession of that spider leg for the remainder of the match. Any keepers not hanging at the end of the autonomous period are considered void, and may not be scored for the rest of the match.
Teams then begin the 2-minute teleoperated period, where student drivers operate their robots for the remainder of the match. Teams may obtain game pieces from their human player or collect loose ringers on the field to be scored on the rack. Finally, teams may add spoiler tubes to their opponents' rows in order to "spoil" the underlying tube and interrupt a row. Unlike ringers, the spoiler may be de-scored and moved to another row at any time.
While competing in this game, team members are expected, even in tough situations, to practice gracious professionalism.
