Football Excavation Expedition

2025 Fall Season Game

Team 2338, Gear it Forward

Manual revision 10-03-2025

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• Foreword
• Useful links
• Changes
• Game Introduction
• Field
  • Overall field dimensions
  • DRIVER Stations
  • STARTING ZONE
  • MINING ZONE
  • PROCESSOR
  • DUMP
  • FOOTBALLS
  • DEBRIS
• Match Play
  • Setup
  • Scoring
  • DRIVE TEAM
  • Other Logistics
• Safety Rules
• Game Rules
  • Gameplay
  • Interactions With Other Teams
  • During AUTONOMOUS
  • DRIVE TEAM Rules
• ROBOT Rules
  • Basic Construction
  • Additional Construction Rules
  • Special device restrictions
• Manual QR Code

Foreword

Rules are subject to change. Pay attention to team announcements to make sure you are up to date with the latest versions. If you are unsure about a rule, ask a Mentor for clarification.

If you would like to download a copy of this manual, use your browser's print to pdf or download the html version using "save page as".

Useful links

• Schedule and Rankings

• Field CAD STEP

• 2018 FRC Game Manual

• 2023 FRC Game Manual

Changes

10-23-2025:

• Added april tags to PROCESSORS
• Clarified size and scoring in the DUMP

09-23-2025:

• Added field cad and images

09-01-2025:

• Initial release

PREVIEW-07-24-2025:

• Pre-release

Game Introduction

In Football Excavation Expedition, teams must use their ROBOT to excavate and uncover FOOTBALLS from within milk crate DEBRIS and deposit them in their PROCESSOR for points. Teams will want to remove the DEBRIS from their MINING ZONE and move it to the DUMP to earn additional points.

The game will be played in a one-on-one match style, including 15 seconds of AUTONOMOUS and 2:15 of TELEOPERATED play.

During the 15 second AUTONOMOUS Period, ROBOTS follow pre-programmed instructions. Teams score points by:

• Having any part of the ROBOT cross into the MINING ZONE
• Depositing FOOTBALLS into the PROCESSOR

During the remaining 2 minutes 15 seconds, DRIVERS control their ROBOTS to score points by:

• Depositing FOOTBALLS into the PROCESSOR
• Moving empty DEBRIS to the DUMP

The team with the most total points at the end of the match wins.

Field

The game field will consist of several components:

• DRIVER Stations
• STARTING ZONE
• MINING ZONE
• PROCESSOR
• DUMP

Overall field dimensions

• The total ROBOT play area will consist of a 20'x20' square.
• The entire field is enclosed with a Masonite barrier from 2-18.5 inches high.
• Tape will demark the separate STARTING ZONES and MINING ZONES for each alliance in equal quadrants of the field.
• Tape will also demark the DUMP within the STARTING ZONE.

See Useful Links for the field CAD drawing once available.

DRIVER Stations

The DRIVER Stations are 2 6-foot work surfaces for each TEAM to place their OPERATOR CONSOLE. They are located behind the 6-foot fence segments directly across from the MINING ZONE.

STARTING ZONE

The STARTING ZONE is the half of the field closer to the DRIVER Stations. ROBOTS must start here.

MINING ZONE

The MINING ZONE is the half of the field located opposite the DRIVER Stations.

PROCESSOR

The PROCESSOR is a 32-Gallon Brute trash can, with one located in each corner opposite the DRIVER Stations, owned by the team whose half of the field it is on. FOOTBALLS can be scored here.

There will be an april tag on each PROCESSOR, pointed directly at the intersection of the 4 quadrants in the middle of the field. They are located with the bottom 12 3/8 inches off the ground. The Red side has april tag id 1 and the Blue side has april tag id 2.

DUMP

The DUMP is a 4-foot by 4-foot square located in each corner nearest to the DRIVER Station. DEBRIS located here at the end of a MATCH will score points for the team. FOOTBALLS in the DUMP at the end of the match with reduce the number of points scored.

FOOTBALLS

The game will be played with 2 different kinds of FOOTBALLS: an official size American Football, and a size 3 Soccer Ball. Brands may vary; Franklin brand can be purchased from Meijer. All FOOTBALLS will be inflated to within marked pressure.

DEBRIS

DEBRIS are 13"x13"x11" milk crates, identical (or dimensionally similar) to those used in the 2018 FRC game. They will not have a cover and are therefore open on one of the 13"x13" faces.

Match Play

Setup

ROBOTS

ROBOTS may start anywhere within their STARTING ZONE with its BUMPERS fully contained therewithin.

Humans

DRIVERS, and COACHES must stay at least 3 feet back from all field components except for one (1) individual DRIVER to press the start button on their DRIVER STATION computer.

Once the end of AUTONOMOUS period is ended by the signal from the DRIVER STATION computers, human DRIVERS may pick up the controls and begin TELEOPERATED play.

FOOTBALLS and DEBRIS

Each half of the MINING zone will contain eight (8) FOOTBALLS, four (4) of each type. Each FOOTBALL will be trapped within a DEBRIS, either upright (A) or downwards (B), with two (2) of each type of FOOTBALL being in the A and B positions.

Each DEBRIS will be distributed randomly withing the respective half of the MINING ZONE, with two (2) (A) DEBRIS stacked such that they are wholly supported by another DEBRIS.

Teams may request that ONE (1) DEBRIS/FOOTBALL pair be moved before the start of AUTONOMOUS, as long as it meets the aforementioned requirements, and doesn't interfere with normal match play. REFEREES have the right to refuse if they believe that it will negatively impact match play.

Scoring

Point values are as follows:

Scoring method	During...	Point Value
Crossing to the MINING ZONE	AUTONOMOUS	4
Depositing a FOOTBALL	AUTONOMOUS	8
Depositing a FOOTBALL	TELEOPERATED	4
Each DEBRIS in the DUMP	End of Play	1 (Max. 6 total)
Each FOOTBALL in the DUMP	End of Play	-1 DEBRIS counted
Earning a PENALTY	Any	-4
Earning a RED CARD	-	Loss of MATCH

When calculating the points scored in the DUMP, the following method will be used:

• At the end of the match, the total number of DEBRIS and FOOTBALLS fully contained within the DUMP will be counted
• The number of FOOTBALLS will be subtracted from the number of DEBRIS
  • If the remainder is zero (0) or less, no points will be awarded
  • If the remainder is greater than zero (0) but no more than six (6), that number of points will be awarded
  • If the remainder is greater than six (6), six (6) points will be awarded

DRIVE TEAM

Each team may have the following DRIVE TEAM members:

Role	Quantity	Qualification
DRIVER	2	At least one (1) rookie team member
COACH	1	Any veteran team member

Other Logistics

An ARENA FAULT is not called for MATCHES that accidentally begin with an incorrect number of, incorrectly positioned, or damaged field elements. DRIVE TEAMS should alert the FIELD STAFF to any missing or damaged field elements prior to the start of the MATCH. Once the MATCH is over and the Head REFEREE determines that the FIELD is safe for FIELD STAFF and DRIVE TEAMS, humans will be allowed on the field to prepare for the next match.

In addition to the two minutes and thirty seconds (2:30) of game play, each MATCH also has pre- and post-MATCH time for setup and reset of the ARENA. During ARENA reset, the ARENA is cleared of ROBOTS and OPERATOR CONSOLES from the MATCH that just ended. The ROBOTS and OPERATOR CONSOLES for the subsequent MATCH are loaded into the ARENA by DRIVE TEAMS at this time. FIELD STAFF also use this time to reset ARENA elements.

ROBOT Connections

There will be no Field Management System for this event. Each team will connect to their ROBOT via their OPERATOR CONSOLE's wireless connection. Each team will configure their ROBOT to run in "Practice Mode", with 15 seconds of AUTONOMOUS play and 2 minutes 15 seconds of TELEOPERATED play, with a 3 second delay in between, to allow for sufficient time for the DRIVERS to pick up their control systems.

Safety Rules

Safety is always paramount, and each rule below is intended to establish norms that will mitigate injury risk to all participants.

Coaches and Adult Mentors have the final decision authority for all safety-related issues within the venue.

• Dangerous ROBOTS: not allowed. ROBOTS whose operation or design is dangerous or unsafe are not permitted.
• Do not enter the field until a REFEREE allows you to do so.
• ROBOTS, stay on the FIELD during the MATCH. ROBOTS and anything they control may not contact anything outside the FIELD.
• Humans, stay off the FIELD during the MATCH. DRIVE TEAMS may not extend any body part into the FIELD during the MATCH.
• Be a good person. All teams must be civil toward their team members, other team members, competition personnel, FIELD STAFF, and event attendees.

Game Rules

A break in any of the following rules will result in a PENALTY per infraction.

Gameplay

• Keep it on site. FOOTBALLS and DEBRIS will not be reintroduced into the playing field if ejected. If it appears to be intentional, PENALTY for each game element ejected.
• Mind your own mine:
  • If ROBOTS come into contact with another while either is contacting a PROCESSOR, PENALTY for the team who doesn't own the PROCESSOR.
  • If ROBOTS come into contact with another while either's bumpers are contained within the vertical projection of the DUMP, PENALTY for the team who doesn't own the DUMP.

  See similar contact and safe zone rules in official FRC manuals for example scenarios.

• Careful with your resources. ROBOTS may control no more than one (1) FOOTBALL at a time. A ROBOT is in control of a FOOTBALL if:
  • the FOOTBALL is fully supported by the ROBOT, or
  • the ROBOT is intentionally moving a FOOTBALL to a desired location or in a preferred direction, either directly or transitively
  • Moving a FOOTBALL to access an area of the FIELD (e.g. PROCESSOR) is not considered intentionally moving to a desired location or in a preferred direction.

Interactions With Other Teams

• Damaging other ROBOTS, not allowed. Regardless of intent, a ROBOT may not initiate direct contact inside the vertical projection of an opponent ROBOT's FRAME PERIMETER that damages or functionally impairs the opponent ROBOT.

  This rule will be enforced aggressively. It is strongly advised to avoid contact with opposing ROBOTS.

• No pinning. A ROBOT is PINNING if it is preventing the movement of an opponent ROBOT by contact, either direct or transitive (such as against a FIELD element). (If egregious, Red Card)
• Don't tear others down to lift yourself up. ROBOT actions that appear to be deliberate to a REFEREE and that cause damage or inhibition via attaching, tipping, or entangling to an opponent ROBOT are not allowed.
• Stay out of other ROBOTS. A ROBOT with a COMPONENT(S) outside its FRAME PERIMETER, other than BUMPERS, may not initiate direct contact with an opponent ROBOT inside the vertical projection of its FRAME PERIMETER using that COMPONENT.
• Asking other teams to throw a MATCH: not cool. A team may not encourage another team to play beneath its ability. (Red Card)
• Don't gain by doing others harm. Strategies clearly aimed at forcing the opponent team to violate a rule are not in the spirit of FIRST Robotics Competition and not allowed. Rule violations forced in this manner will not result in an assignment of a PENALTY to the targeted team.

During AUTONOMOUS

• During AUTO, no defense. Do not enter the opposing Alliances half by crossing the midline during AUTONOMOUS period.
• DRIVERS, COACHES, and HUMAN PLAYERS must stay at least 3 feet back from all field components except for one (1) DRIVER to press the start button on their DRIVER STATION computer.
• During AUTO, let the ROBOT do its thing. During AUTO, DRIVE TEAMS may not directly or indirectly interact with ROBOTS or OPERATOR CONSOLES except for personal safety or OPERATOR CONSOLE safety.

DRIVE TEAM Rules

• COACHES and other teams: hands off the controls. A ROBOT shall be operated only by the DRIVERS, and/or HUMAN PLAYERS of that team.
• No wandering. During the MATCH, DRIVERS, COACHES, and HUMAN PLAYERS may not contact anything outside the ALLIANCE STATION Exceptions are granted in cases concerning safety and for actions that are inadvertent, momentary, and inconsequential.
• NO FALLING. Any COACH, DRIVER, or HUMAN PLAYER who is negligent of safety precautions will be penalized. (If egregious, ejection of the offending individual)

  This rule is to remind you to not be reckless. We understand that in exciting competitions it may be tempting to run, but if you are acting too rashly you will be penalized for it, including verbal warnings and point deductions.

• Be careful what you interact with. DRIVE TEAMS are prohibited from the following actions with regards to interaction with ARENA elements:
  • Climbing
  • Hanging
  • Deforming
  • Damaging

Please see an official FIRST Robotics Competition game manual for any other general ARENA Rules.

Equipment

You can't bring/use anything you want. The only equipment that may be brought to the ARENA and used by DRIVE TEAMS during a MATCH is listed below. Regardless if equipment fits criteria below, it may not be employed in a way that breaks any other rules, introduces a safety hazard, blocks visibility for FIELD STAFF or audience members, or jams or interferes with the remote sensing capabilities of another team or the FIELD.

• the OPERATOR CONSOLE,
• non-powered signaling devices,
• reasonable decorative items,
• special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability,
• devices used solely for planning or tracking strategy,
• devices used solely to record gameplay,
• non-powered Personal Protective Equipment (examples include, but aren't limited to, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection)

Items brought to the ARENA under the above allowances beyond the OPERATOR CONSOLE must meet all of the following conditions:

• do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE, FIELD, or ARENA
• do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA
• do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication
• do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing the DRIVE TEAM to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other team members or
• use items allowed to communicate with the ROBOT.

ROBOT Rules

Basic Construction

• Tall ROBOTS not allowed. ROBOT height, as measured when it's resting normally on a flat floor, may not exceed 40 inches.
• Don't overextend yourself. ROBOTS may not extend more than 18 inches (~45 cm) beyond their FRAME PERIMETER.
• The ROBOT (excluding BUMPERS) must have a FRAME PERIMETER, contained within the BUMPER ZONE and established while in the ROBOT's STARTING CONFIGURATION, which is comprised of fixed, non-articulated structural elements of the ROBOT. Minor protrusions no greater than 1/4 in. (~6 mm) such as bolt heads, fastener ends, weld beads, and rivets are not considered part of the FRAME PERIMETER.
  • To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT (excluding BUMPERS) at the BUMPER ZONE described and pull it taut. The string outlines the FRAME PERIMETER.
• In the STARTING CONFIGURATION (the physical configuration in which a ROBOT starts a MATCH), no part of the ROBOT shall extend outside the vertical projection of the FRAME PERIMETER, with the exception of its BUMPERS and minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets, cable ties, etc.
  • A ROBOT's FRAME PERIMITER is defined by the frame the team is given. No frame swapping with other teams.

    This limitation applies to FRC Team 2338 in particular. If you are from another team, standard 120 inch FRAME PERIMITER rules apply.

• In the STARTING CONFIGURATION, the height of the ROBOT may not exceed 32 inches.
• Keep it light. ROBOTS may not weigh more than 100 pounds.

Additional Construction Rules

• Keep it together. ROBOTS may not intentionally detach or leave parts on the FIELD.
• BUMPERS: use as intended. Do not modify your BUMPERS in any way unless explicitly allowed by a coach.

  BUMPER rules will be less strictly enforced than during a standard FIRST Robotics Competition, but please make sure that your ROBOT is mostly protected from incidental collisions using standard FRC BUMPER procedures. BUMPER color does not matter for Gear up Games. Use whatever colors you have available.

• Traction devices must not have surface features that could damage the ARENA (e.g. metal, sandpaper, hard plastic studs, cleats, hook-loop fasteners or similar attachments). Traction devices include all parts of the ROBOT that are designed to transmit any propulsive and/or braking forces between the ROBOT and FIELD carpet.
• Protrusions from the ROBOT and exposed surfaces on the ROBOT shall not pose hazards to the ARENA elements or people.
• ROBOT parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, cause an unsafe condition, or interfere with the operation of other ROBOTS.
• ROBOT BUMPERS shall not be modified in any way. The BUMPERS are there to protect you and your ROBOT, do not remove them for competition play.
• Keep it moving. All motors attached to a ROBOT must move during a MATCH. Each motor that does not move during a MATCH will result in a PENALTY.

  This rule enforces the minimum motor requirements outlined in special device restrictions. A damaged mechanism does not necessarily result in a penalty, based on the discretion of the REFEREES.

Any additional ROBOT construction rules will default to rules as listed in FIRST 2023 CHARGED UP manual section 9.

Special device restrictions

The 2025 offseason competition has the following additional device restrictions:

These restrictions are meant to limit the overall power of ROBOTS for safety reasons, as well as impose an additional design challenge that teams will have to overcome.

The minimum requirements are designed to give programmers a challenge and an opportunity to learn software library functions.

A ROBOT may have no more than:

• One (1) powered CIM-class motor per drivetrain side. (Additional, disconnected motors inside a drivetrain gearbox are acceptable)
• Five (5) Talon SRX or Spark MAX, or similar motor controllers.

  Multiple motors may be connected to a motor controller as per general FRC electrical guidelines.

• Two (2) CIM motors or REV NEO motors not connected to the drivetrain.

A ROBOT may have no less than:

• Three (3) Talon SRX or Spark MAX motor controllers, connected to a motor.

A ROBOT may not have ANY:

• CTRE Falcon 500 motor/motor controller combos.
• Kraken motor/motor controller combos.
• Pneumatic Control Modules (PCM)
• Pneumatic cylinders

A sample ROBOT might have:

• A tank drivetrain with 1 CIM motor per side
• A hopper that moves using a CIM motor
• A floor collector powered by a REV NEO
• An ejector raised by a 775-class motor

Manual QR Code