2008 Game: FIRST Overdrive

FIRST Overdrive is a game played on the track (illustrated in the figure above). Two alliances, one red and one blue, composed of three teams each, compete in each match. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent by making counter-clockwise laps with your robot around the track while moving large TRACKBALLS over and/or under the overpass that bisects the track. The point values for each of those actions are explained below.

A match is 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. A hybrid period starts each match in which the robots are controlled by pre-programmed instructions and/or transmitted information from the robocoach. The hybrid period is followed by the teleoperated period during which the drivers assume control of the robot. There may be a short pause between hybrid period and the start of the Teleoperated period as the player's controls are activated. The robots continue to play the game until the teleoperated period is over.

The game pieces, known as “trackballs,” are large balls made of an inflatable plastic bladder and an outer fabric covering. When inflated, each trackball is approximately 40 inches in diameter, and weighs approximately 7.3 pounds. Two trackballs of each alliance color, red and blue, are in the arena during the match. One trackball of each color will be marked with a set of six-inch diameter white dots so that it may be uniquely identified for tracking purposes as there may be a short pause between hybrid period and the start of the Teleoperated period as the player's controls are activated. The robots continue to play the game until the teleoperated period is over.

Scoring

Scoring opportunities and point values are summarized in the table below:
 

More information can be found in FIRST's manuals.