The Frc 2025 Game Manual is the comprehensive guide for participating teams, outlining rules, gameplay, robot construction, and tournament regulations. Accessing guidance for usage, troubleshooting, and warranty details for Polar products is easy on polarservicecenter.net. This valuable resource provides essential information to help teams compete successfully and within the rules. Learning the key terms in the game lexicon is vital.
1. Introduction to the FIRST Robotics Competition and the Game Manual
1.1 What is FIRST?
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. This STEM learning is combined with the excitement of sports and community. FIRST offers programs for various age groups, including FIRST Robotics Competition (grades 9-12), FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12), and FIRST LEGO League (grades Pre-K-8). The FIRST website provides additional details.
1.2 Who Was Dr. Woodie Flowers?
Dr. Woodie Flowers (1943-2019) was an innovator in design and engineering education, and a Distinguished Advisor to FIRST. His legacy lives on through the gracious nature of the FIRST community and its commitment to empowering educators and building global citizens.
1.3 What is the FIRST Robotics Competition?
The FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sports with science and technology, challenging teams to design, build, and program industrial-size robots. Students create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and promote STEM in their communities. Professional mentors guide each team, providing real-world engineering experience. High school students gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities from colleges, universities, and technical programs. Each January, a new game is introduced at Kickoff, encouraging teams to display Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition.
1.4 What Does Gracious Professionalism Mean in FIRST?
Gracious Professionalism encourages high-quality work, values others, and respects individuals and the community. It’s a win-win approach where respect is shown through actions. Professionals use their knowledge responsibly, making valued contributions that please others and themselves. Teams should be strong competitors who treat one another with respect and kindness. Knowledge, pride, and empathy should be comfortably blended, and individuals should act with integrity and sensitivity.
1.5 What is Coopertition?
Coopertition is showing unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. It means helping and cooperating with one another, even while competing, and learning from teammates and mentors. Teams should always compete but assist and enable others when they can.
1.6 Why Volunteer for FIRST?
Volunteers are essential to FIRST, donating their time, energy, and enthusiasm to ensure every FIRST Robotics Competition team has the opportunity to achieve its goals. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, united by the goal of providing the best possible FIRST experience. Volunteering offers the chance to witness students learning and growing, forge friendships, be part of the magic that brings events to life, and share the wonders of FIRST with others. FIRST Alumni and Graduating Students can continue learning, growing, and building a community by volunteering or mentoring.
1.7 What Conventions are Used in the FIRST Robotics Competition Game Manual?
The 2025 Game Manual is a resource for all FIRST Robotics Competition teams, providing specific information for the 2025 season and the REEFSCAPE game. The manual includes a general overview of the REEFSCAPE game, details about the playing FIELD, a description of how to play the game, rules related to safety, conduct, game play, inspection, event, etc., and how teams advance at tournaments. Key words are defined in the Glossary, and rule numbers indicate the section, subsection, and position of the rule. Warnings, cautions, and notes appear in blue boxes, providing insight into the reasoning behind a rule.
1.8 Are There Translations or Other Versions of the Game Manual?
The REEFSCAPE manual is originally written in English and occasionally translated into other languages. Alternate versions are posted on the Translated Manuals page. In the event of a modification, the English PDF version is the commanding version.
1.9 What Are Team Updates?
Team Updates notify the FIRST Robotics Competition community of revisions to official season documentation or important season news. They are posted on the REEFSCAPE – Season Materials web page.
1.10 What is the Question and Answer System?
The Question and Answer System (Q&A) clarifies the 2025 REEFSCAPE Game Manual, Awards webpages, official FIELD drawings, and FIRST Robotics Competition District and Regional Events web page content. Details on the Q&A can be found on the REEFSCAPE – Season Materials web page.
2. FIRST Season Overview
2.1 What is FIRST DIVE℠?
FIRST DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, during the 2024-2025 FIRST season, teams will use their STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the surface of the ocean, uncovering the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans.
3. Game Sponsor Recognition
3.1 Who is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Season?
The Gene Haas Foundation is the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition season presenting sponsor.
4. Game Overview
4.1 What is REEFSCAPE℠?
In REEFSCAPE℠ presented by Haas, two competing alliances are invited to score coral, harvest algae, and attach to the barge before time runs out. Alliances earn additional rewards for meeting specific scoring thresholds and for cooperating with their opponents. During the first 15 seconds of the match, robots are autonomous. During the remaining 2 minutes and 15 seconds, drivers control their robots.
5. Arena
5.1 What Elements Make Up the REEFSCAPE Arena?
The ARENA includes the FIELD, SCORING ELEMENTS, queue area, team media area, designated TECHNICIAN area, and all equipment needed for FIELD control, ROBOT control, and scorekeeping. Successful teams will design ROBOTS that are insensitive to assembly tolerances.
5.2 What Are the Dimensions of the REEFSCAPE Field?
Each FIELD for REEFSCAPE is an approximately 26 ft. 5 in. (~805 cm) by 57 ft. 6⅞ in. (~1 755 cm) carpeted area bounded by inward facing surfaces of the ALLIANCE WALLS, CORAL STATIONS, PROCESSORS and PROCESSOR openings, and guardrails.
5.3 What Important Areas, Zones, and Markings Exist on the Field?
Key areas include the ALLIANCE AREA, BARGE ZONE, CORAL MARK, CORAL STATION AREA, HUMAN STARTING LINE, PROCESSOR AREA, REEF ZONE, and ROBOT STARTING LINE.
5.4 What is a Reef?
A REEF is 1 of 2 5 ft. 5 ½ in. (~166 cm) hexagonal structures with BRANCHES that extend from each side where CORAL are scored.
5.5 What is the Barge?
The BARGE is a 29 ft. 2 in. (889 cm) wide, 3 ft. 8 in. (~112 cm) deep, and 8 ft. 5 in. (~257 cm) tall structure that spans the center of the FIELD. It includes 6 CAGES, a red and blue NET, and all structure supporting CAGES and NETS.
5.6 What are Cages?
CAGES are 2 ft. tall and 7⅜ in. wide (outside dimension) (~61 cm tall and ~19 cm wide) rectangular structures, suspended from the truss structure in specific locations, and hang at shallow or deep positions.
5.7 What is a Net?
A NET is a goal in which an ALLIANCE scores ALGAE, suspended from the top of the BARGE such that its lowest point hangs 6 ft. 4 in. (~193 cm) above the FIELD carpet.
5.8 What is the Function of the Processor?
A PROCESSOR is a goal into which an ALLIANCE scores ALGAE, integrated into the guardrail near the ALLIANCES REEF ZONE, with a rectangular opening through which ROBOTS score ALGAE.
5.9 What is the Alliance Wall?
The ALLIANCE WALL separates ROBOTS from DRIVE TEAM members in the ALLIANCE AREA and consists of 3 DRIVER STATIONS.
5.10 What is a Driver Station?
A DRIVER STATION is 1 of 3 assemblies within an ALLIANCE WALL behind which a DRIVE TEAM operates their ROBOT, made from a 3 ft. ¾ in. (~93 cm) tall diamond plate base topped with a 3 ft. 6 in. (~107 cm) tall transparent plastic sheet and a top rail.
5.11 What Does the Coral Station Do?
A CORAL STATION is an assembly through which HUMAN PLAYERS feed CORAL into the FIELD, connecting the guardrail to the ALLIANCE WALL, with a 6 ft. 4 in. wide by 7 in. tall (~193 cm wide by ~18 cm tall) opening through which CORAL passes.
5.12 What Are the Scoring Elements in REEFSCAPE?
SCORING ELEMENTS are items that teams use to score additional points, including CORAL and ALGAE.
5.13 What is Coral?
A CORAL is a 11 ⅞ in. long (~30 cm) piece of 4 in. diameter Schedule 40 Cellular (Foam) Core PVC pipe.
5.14 What is Algae?
Each ALGAE is a 16.25 in. (~413 mm) ¼ in. (~6 mm) diameter rubber playground ball.
5.15 What are Apriltags?
AprilTags are 8⅛ in. (~21 cm) square targets located above CAGES, PROCESSORS, CORAL STATIONS, and on REEFS.
5.16 What Function Does the Field Management System Serve?
The FIELD Management System (FMS) is all the electronics responsible for sensing and controlling the FIRST Robotics Competition FIELD, encompassing all FIELD electronics.
5.17 What Are The Roles of the Key Volunteers on the Field?
Key volunteers include the Head REFEREE, FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA), and FIELD Supervisor. The Head REFEREE trains, directs, and supervises REFEREES, overseeing all scoring processes and procedures. The FTA ensures events run smoothly, safely, and in accordance with FIRST requirements. The FIELD Supervisor directs activity on the FIELD to ensure efficient execution of MATCHES.
6. Game Details
6.1 What is the Objective of REEFSCAPE?
In REEFSCAPE, 2 ALLIANCES play MATCHES, collecting CORAL and scoring on their REEF, collecting ALGAE and scoring in their PROCESSOR or NET, and having HUMAN PLAYERS score ALGAE in their NET once it has been passed to them via their opponents PROCESSOR.
6.2 What Roles Make Up a Drive Team?
A DRIVE TEAM is a set of up to 5 people from the same FIRST Robotics Competition team, including a COACH, TECHNICIAN, DRIVER, and HUMAN PLAYER.
6.3 How is the Field Set Up Before a Match?
Before each MATCH begins, FIELD STAFF stage SCORING ELEMENTS, and DRIVE TEAMS stage their ROBOTS and OPERATOR CONSOLES.
6.4 What are the Autonomous and Teleoperated Periods?
The first phase of each MATCH is 15 seconds long, called the Autonomous Period (AUTO), during which ROBOTS operate without DRIVE TEAM control. The second phase is the remaining 2 minutes and 15 seconds (2:15), called the Teleoperated Period (TELEOP), during which DRIVERS remotely operate ROBOTS.
6.5 What Actions Are Rewarded in the Game?
ALLIANCES are rewarded for accomplishing various actions, including LEAVING their ROBOT STARTING LINE, scoring CORAL on their REEF, scoring ALGAE in their PROCESSOR and NET, climbing CAGES, and winning or tying MATCHES.
6.6 What Are the Different Types of Violations in a Match?
Unless otherwise noted, all violations are assigned for each instance of a rule violation. Violations include MINOR FOUL, MAJOR FOUL, YELLOW CARD, RED CARD, DISABLED, and DISQUALIFIED.
6.7 How Does a Team Interact with the Head Referee and the FTA?
Each ALLIANCE has a designated Question Box near the scoring table. If a DRIVE TEAM has a question about a MATCH, they may send 1 DRIVE TEAM member to their Question Box.
6.8 What Are Other Important Logistics to Remember?
SCORING ELEMENTS that leave the FIELD, other than via the PROCESSOR, are placed back into the FIELD approximately at the point of exit by FIELD STAFF at the earliest safe opportunity. An ARENA FAULT is not called for MATCHES that accidentally begin with damaged SCORING ELEMENTS.
7. Game Rules (G)
7.1 What Personal Safety Rules Must Be Followed?
Personal safety rules include staying off the FIELD until the lights turn green, never stepping over the guardrail, being careful what you interact with, and not enabling the ROBOT on the FIELD.
7.2 What Conduct is Expected of Team Members?
Teams must be civil and respectful, not bang on the glass, not ask other teams to throw a MATCH, and not throw their own MATCH.
7.3 What Rules Govern Pre-Match Activities?
Pre-MATCH rules include being prompt, not bringing/using unauthorized equipment, and starting ROBOTS in compliance with specific requirements.
7.4 What Rules Apply During a Match?
During the AUTO phase, DRIVE TEAM members must stay behind the lines, let the ROBOT operate autonomously, and adhere to opponent interaction rules. During the SCORING ELEMENTS portion, ROBOTS must use SCORING ELEMENTS as directed, keep them in bounds, and avoid abusing them. ROBOT rules include maintaining safety, keeping BUMPERS low, and respecting expansion limits. There are also rules governing opponent interaction, restricting human actions, and outlining consequences for violations.
7.5 What Rules Must Be Followed Post-Match?
Teams should leave promptly after a MATCH is complete.
8. Robot Construction Rules (R)
8.1 What General Robot Design Rules Must be Followed?
The ROBOT PERIMETER must be fixed, the STARTING CONFIGURATION must have no overhang, the ROBOT weight must not exceed 115 lbs., and the ROBOT must adhere to extension limits.
8.2 What Rules Ensure Robot Safety and Damage Prevention?
These rules prevent digging into the carpet, ensure no exposed sharp edges, mandate general safety, require allowing removal of SCORING ELEMENTS, prohibit contaminating the FIELD, and prevent damaging SCORING ELEMENTS.
8.3 What Budget Constraints and Fabrication Schedules Apply to Robot Construction?
Individual non-KOP items must not exceed $600 USD in Fair Market Value (FMV), MAJOR MECHANISMS created before Kickoff are not permitted, and new designs and software must be created unless they’re public.
8.4 What Bumper Rules Must Be Followed?
BUMPERS must be all around, constructed with specific materials, within extension limits, soft, interact with BUMPERS, fill corners, not be wedges, and be securely installed.
8.5 What Motors and Actuators Are Permitted?
The FIRST Robotics Competition allows specific motors and actuators with limitations on modification and power regulation. A complete listing can be found in this section of the game manual.
8.6 What Power Distribution Rules Must Be Followed?
These rules cover the battery limit, restrictions on other batteries, safe battery charging, battery security, insulation, energy sources, main power connections, circuit protection, wiring, connectors, wire colors, and modifications to power paths.
8.7 How Must the Control, Command, and Signals System Be Implemented?
The ROBOT must be controlled with a roboRIO, communicate with a specified radio, use specific Ethernet ports, and adhere to communication limits. Requirements for configuration, wireless communication, the location of wireless bridges, and the robot signal light are included as well. It should be noted that only specified modifications to control system devices are permitted.
8.8 What Requirements Apply to the Pneumatic System?
The pneumatic system must use explicitly permitted parts, meet pressure ratings, not be modified, and include specific devices such as relief valves, pressure switches, and storage tanks.
8.9 What Physical and Connectivity Requirements Must the Operator Console Meet?
Teams must use the specified Driver Station Software, and the OPERATOR CONSOLE must have a visible display, connect to the FMS Ethernet directly, and meet size and safety requirements.
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9. Inspection and Eligibility (I)
9.1 What Rules Govern Inspection and Eligibility for Participating in Matches?
The ROBOT and its MAJOR MECHANISMS must be built by the FIRST Robotics Competition team, the ROBOT must pass inspection before playing a Qualification/Playoff MATCH, all MECHANISMS must be present for inspection, and any changes to the ROBOT must get re-inspected.
10. Tournaments (T)
10.1 What Details Are Included in Match Schedules?
The MATCH schedule includes the MATCH number, the alliances, the driver stations, and which teams are designated as the surrogate.
10.2 Under What Circumstances Will a Match Be Replayed?
A MATCH may be replayed if there is a tie in the Playoffs, if the MATCH is stopped due to anticipated FIELD damage or personal injury, or if there is an ARENA FAULT.
10.3 What Rules Govern Measurement of the Field?
During the period when the ARENA is open for measurement, ROBOTS can be enabled, but may neither drive, extend outside their ROBOT PERIMETER, nor interact with SCORING ELEMENTS or other FIELD elements.
10.4 What Are the Goals of Practice Matches?
Practice MATCHES provide each team with an opportunity to operate its ROBOT on the FIELD prior to the start of the Qualification MATCHES.
10.5 How Are Teams Assigned to Qualification Matches?
FMS assigns each team 2 ALLIANCE partners for each Qualification MATCH using a predefined algorithm that considers the time between MATCHES, alliance frequency, distribution of colors and driver stations, and the use of surrogates.
10.6 What Processes Are Involved in Playoff Matches?
The Playoff MATCHES determine the event Champions and involve an ALLIANCE selection process, a double-elimination MATCH bracket, and the use of BACKUP TEAMS.
11. District Tournaments
11.1 How Are District Events Ranked?
District teams are ranked throughout the season based on the points they earn at the first 2 home District events they attend, as well as at their District Championship. Points are awarded in categories like qualification round performance, ALLIANCE selections, Playoff advancement, judged team awards, and team age.
11.2 How Do District Teams Qualify for the District Championship?
A team competing in a District qualifies for their District Championship by being a FIRST Impact Award Winner, District Engineering Inspiration winner, District Rookie All Star winner, or based on their District Ranking.
11.3 What Happens in District Championships with Multiple Divisions?
If a District Championship has too many teams to allow all teams equal Qualification MATCHES, the event hosts multiple divisions. The division winning ALLIANCES then play each other to determine a winning ALLIANCE for the event.
11.4 How Is the Playoff Match Format Determined in Multi-Division Championships?
Playoff MATCHES typically occur according to a double-elimination bracket with predetermined match schedules. See the section of the game manual for more details.
11.5 How Does a Team in a District Qualify for the FIRST Championship?
District teams are allocated to a designated number of championship slots based on the points described above.
12. Regional Tournaments
12.1 How Are Teams Ranked in Regional Events?
Regional teams are ranked based on the points they earn at the first 2 Regional events they attend. These events are the same for the District Tournaments. Regional-based competitions are the main method for a team to be considered for the Woodie Flowers Award.
12.2 How Do Regional Teams Qualify for the FIRST Championship?
A team competing in a Regional qualifies for the FIRST Championship by being a Regional FIRST Impact Award Winner, Regional Engineering Inspiration Winner, or a member of the Winning Alliance.
12.3 What Is the Regional Pool?
Teams not already qualified for the FIRST Championship are put into a regional list. These teams are then invited to the FIRST Championships. A mathematical model is used to fill those positions, see the game manual.
13. FIRST Championship Tournament (C)
13.1 How Is Eligibility Determined for the FIRST Championship?
Eligibility can be determined by accessing the game manual section listed above.
13.2 How Are Alliances Organized at the Championship Level?
Unlike lower level competitions. Championship ALLIANCES consist of 4 teams. To see how those alliances are organized, see the game manual section above.
13.3 What Are the Guidelines for Pit Crews at the Championship?
There are a few minor changes to the guidelines, most of these details can be found in the aforementioned sections above.
13.4 How Is the Final Victor Determined at the FIRST Championship?
The eight division Champions play a double-elimination style tournament until a final victor is found. To better understand this portion, see the aforementioned sections above.
14. Event Rules (E)
14.1 What General Conduct Is Expected at Events?
At events, people must conduct themselves with personal safety as a priority. People must be on their best behavior, see the game manual section above for details.
14.2 How Is a Machine Shop Maintained at a Competition?
A group of volunteers is ready to maintain and use the machinery for repairs and builds. These machine shops must follow a strict safety policy, which includes the ROBOT traveling on its own to the shop.
14.3 What Rules Govern Wireless Communication?
People must not interfere with wireless networks or engage in wireless communication. Outside the FIELDS and Practice FIELDS, all ROBOTS must be in tethered mode.
14.4 How Does Load-In Work?
There are strict rules about who and how to load the materials into the building for use at the event. See the above section for full details.
14.5 What Rules Apply to Pits at a Competition?
Team pits have strict rules. Pits are available unless closed, one should remain in their designated pit, there should be open aisles, sparks are not allowed, the appropriate tools must be used, structures must be safe, and team identifications must be secured.
14.6 How Are Practice Areas to Be Used?
There are specific rules for the way a practice area can be used. The robot must have been inspected, and safety protocols must be adhered to for all parties.
14.7 What Requirements Apply to Robot Carts?
Carts must be easy to use and safe, the carts cannot be too large, the carts are not to be stored all over the event, motor-driven carts are not allowed, and robot carts cannot be too noisy. Small carts, however, are allowed on the field.
14.8 How Must Ceremonies Be Conducted at Competitions?
During Ceremonies, power tools must be quiet, loud voices and yelling must stop, and not many pit members can be in the pits. Also, everyone should maintain silent and peaceful behavior during the playing of national anthems.
14.9 What Rules Apply to the Stands?
At the competitions, no one can save seats and also nothing should be thrown from the stands into the field.
15. Glossary
15.1 FRC 2025 Terms.
Terms for the FIRST Robotics Competition are all defined in this guide.
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FAQ: FRC 2025 Game Manual and Robotics
1. What is the primary purpose of the FRC 2025 Game Manual?
The FRC 2025 Game Manual provides the rules, guidelines, and instructions for the FIRST Robotics Competition.
2. Where can teams find the official FRC 2025 Game Manual?
The game manual can be found on the FIRST website and related resource pages.
3. How often is the FRC Game Manual updated, and how will teams know about updates?
The game manual is updated via Team Updates, posted on the REEFSCAPE – Season Materials web page.
4. What is the difference between a “rule” and a “blue box” in the FRC Game Manual?
Rules are specific requirements, while blue boxes offer insight, reasoning, or best practices related to a rule.
5. What should a team do if they find a discrepancy between the text of a rule and its colloquial language in the FRC Game Manual?
Teams should notify FIRST at [email protected], as the specific rule language is the ultimate authority.
6. How can teams seek clarification on a specific rule or gameplay scenario?
Teams can use the Question and Answer System (Q&A) on the REEFSCAPE – Season Materials web page.
7. What are the key areas that the FRC 2025 Game Manual covers?
The key areas include game overview, field details, game rules, robot construction rules, inspection and eligibility, and tournament regulations.
8. Can teams modify Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items, and if so, what are the limitations?
COTS items must be standard, unaltered parts commonly available from a VENDOR, with exceptions only for installation or software modifications.
9. What are the requirements for BUMPERS on robots, and why are they important?
BUMPERS are required to protect the entire ROBOT PERIMETER and must meet specific construction, extension, and material requirements to ensure robot safety and prevent damage.
10. Where can a team go for information and support for polar product specific and maintenance issues?
For information on troubleshooting and polar products visit polarservicecenter.net for details.
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