The 2021 Season
August 5, 2020
As we get closer and closer to Kickoff, that means we’re wrapping up our work on the Game Manual. We wanted to share some info on changes to some event-based rules now. While we’ve pulled out a few of the larger changes here, make sure to read the Game Manual and Team Update 00 on Kickoff for final wording and to see what other rules may have been changed.
Load In Changes
For the past several years, there was a rule about when teams needed to show up at the event and what they were allowed to do once events began. This has caused some confusion as teams and volunteers often had different interpretations of what was permitted. In thinking about how to address this, we decided that the 2025 version of R304 was no longer needed. The Event Rule E401 still restricts what may be brought into the venue after Load-in ends so teams should still plan to load-in before the end of the last designated Load-In period on the Public Schedules and will be limited on what work may occur outside the venue after that time. Be sure to review the updated rule on Kickoff for full details.
Another change we have decided to implement is increasing the load-in limit from 5 team members to 6 team members for events that have designated load-in periods. At most District Championships and most Regionals, there are typically load-in periods without pits being opened and thus this rule applies. For any events where there is not a designated load-in time and pits are just open, this rule does not apply (most district qualifiers and some District Championships).
Pit Changes
Along with the Load-In changes, there are also a few changes to the rules in the pits. We wanted to make it clear that running any automated tools in the pit overnight (such as 3D printing) is not allowed, but teams can bring in 3D printed parts each day if needed. We are also adding a rule reminding teams that pit power is often shared between multiple teams, and that teams who are causing breakers to trip may be asked to reduce the amount of power being used.
Practice Area Changes
For years, FIRST® has called the area at events where teams can test their robots, the Practice Areas. We realized that this does not clearly convey these areas and as such, this season you will notice new wording in the Manual.
All events will be provided with components for a Test Area. Test Areas are areas at events where teams can test their robot with representative field elements. Teams may also be able to test their starting Auto modes, but they are not designed for multiple scoring element Auto modes or full field play. Test areas are tether-only.
We recognize that some events may have space and local components to create an entire Practice Field and as such, there will be new wording to differentiate these areas from the Test Areas. Stay tuned for more information about team field elements.
Only 30 more days to Kickoff!