NHRL Event Rules: Difference between revisions
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__TOC__[[File:NHRL Event Space.jpg|thumb|NHRL Combat Area]]While similar to other event rules, NHRL tends to be more accepting of exotic and high powered weapons. Our goal is to provide fun, exciting fights and a fair playing field. The sprit of the rules is what is more important than fighting to get to the letter of the law. Good sportsmanship is always required. |
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Norwalk Havoc seeks to hold fun and exciting Robot Combat Events. Our goal is to continue to foster and grow this amazing community of hobbyists and elevate the sport of Robot Combat. All of our events are live streamed on the internet and we seek to deliver production values on par with a live sporting event. Over the long term our goal is build an online following that will generate revenue to allow us to host more events and expand the sport. |
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== Event Overview == |
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Our events are grouped into annual seasons. Seasons last 1 year. Each season will consist of 6 to 4 open tournaments, and the top 4 winners of each of the tournaments will be invited back to fight in the finals event held in December of the calendar year. The tournaments are double elimination style ensuring all competitors who enter to fight get to fight at least 2 matches. |
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=== Weight Classes === |
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* [[3lb Weight Class|3lb]] - 6 Tournaments and a Final |
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* [[12lb Weight Class|12lb]] - 6 Tournaments and a Final |
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* [[12lb Sportsman Weight Class|12lb Sportsman]] - 6 Matches and no finals |
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* [[30lb Weight Class|30lb]] - 4 Tournaments and a Final |
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=== Registration Fees and Prizes === |
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* Registration is free |
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:- If you register it is very important you let us know in advance if you are unable to attend so we can correctly plan for the right number of competitors. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ Prizes |
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! Weight Class !! Tournament Winner !! Tournament Runner Up !! Finals Winner !! Finals Runner Up |
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|- |
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| 3lb || $1,000 USD || $400 USD || $10,000 USD || $4,000 USD |
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|- |
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| 12lb || $1,000 USD || $400 USD || $12,000 USD || $4,000 USD |
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|- |
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| 12lb Sportsman || A Handshake || A Pat on the Back || - || - |
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|- |
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| 30lb || $1,000 USD || $400 USD || $15,000 USD || $5,000 USD |
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|} |
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Information regarding violation of these rules and other important information can be found on the [[Safety|Safety page]]. |
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=== Safety === |
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Robot Combat has a stellar safety record. In order to grow the sport it is important we keep that safety record perfect. Fighting Robots are inherently dangerous. Safety is paramount. We require that all competitors abide by all the safety rules for their weight class. This is not just for your safety but everyone else's as well. |
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All competitors must agree to the [[Participant Agreement|Participant Agreement.]] |
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=== Day Of Schedule === |
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== Bot Design Rules and Limits == |
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{| style="width: 80%; height: 16em;" |
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Please see [[Bot Design Rules|our new ruleset for bot design here]]. If you're looking for rules split by weight class, those rules documents were replaced by the new ruleset for the May 2022 competition. |
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|- |
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| 08:00 || Doors Open for Competitors |
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|- |
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| 10:30 || All teams must be present |
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|- |
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| 11:00 || All competing robots must have been photographed, passed safety, and weighed in |
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|- |
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| 11:30 || Stream begins and first fights occur |
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|- |
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| ~13:30 || All robots will have fought at least once and there is a 1 hour lunch break |
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|- |
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| 18:00 || Last fight of the day + Winners ceremony |
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|} |
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== |
=== Special Rules for Rocket Motors & Flames === |
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Bots that use weapons such as rocket motors, or weapons that include the use of a flame, must abide by additional rules. See the sections on Fire and Flame-Based Weapons and Rocket Motors on the [[Safety|Safety Page]]. |
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Rules at 50 Day are similar to NERC with a few slight changes. Judges reserve the right to grant exceptions to any rule. Our goal is to provide fun, exciting fights and a fair playing field. Good sportsmanship is always required. |
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=== Arena === |
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==== 3lb ==== |
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* 8'x 6' Double Walled Polycarbonate |
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* Wooden arena floor |
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* Wooden trim backed by steel and wooden roof |
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* 2000 CFM Negative pressure system (Fire is okay and encouraged. Matches do '''not''' automatically stop if there is a lipo fire) |
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* [[Brett the Brick]] 60lb Steel Brick with HD Camera inside. |
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== 20 Minute Ready Rule == |
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All robots are guaranteed a minimum of 20 minutes between fights. When there are many bots in event the time between matches may be up to an hour or two between your robots last match and its next match. As the number of robots dwindles the time between your robots last match and next will get shorter. The minimum time it can be is 20 minutes. This time is per bot, not per builder. '''If you are entering multiple bots it is on you to manage your time.''' Robots that are not ready will forfeit their matches. |
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* 8'x 6' Double walled 1/4" Polycarbonate |
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* Wooden arena floor |
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* Wooden trim backed by steel and wooden roof |
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* 2000 CFM Negative pressure system (Fire is okay and encouraged. Matches do '''not''' automatically stop if there is a lipo fire) |
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* [[Brett the Brick]] 60lb Steel Brick with HD Camera inside. |
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* [[The Friendly Fire]] Robot triggered corner mounted propane flame thrower |
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== Judging == |
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All fights are observed by a team of 3 judges who are typically ex-competitors and previous bot builders. In the event that a fight lasts the entire 3 minutes (or 3.5 minutes for encore), the match decision goes to the judges. Directly after a match has concluded the judges will enter their scores for how each robot performed during their fight. Once this is done this score will be displayed for all to see and we may invite the judges to discuss the reasons behind their scores. |
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* 16'x 16' Double walled, shock mounted 1/2" Polycarbonate |
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* Wooden arena floor |
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* Wooden trim backed by steel and wooden roof |
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* 12000 CFM Negative pressure system (Fire is okay and encouraged. Matches do '''not''' automatically stop if there is a lipo fire) |
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* [[Fluffy]] Large house robot with HD cameras |
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'''Judges decisions are final.''' |
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==== 30lb ==== |
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* 16'x 16' Double walled, shock mounted 1/2" Polycarbonate |
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* Wooden arena floor |
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* Wooden trim backed by steel and wooden roof |
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* 12000 CFM Negative pressure system (Fire is okay and encouraged. Matches do '''not''' automatically stop if there is a lipo fire) |
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* [[Fluffy]] Large house robot with HD cameras |
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=== Pits === |
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Competitors will be assigned a pit location. Pits are where you can store your gear, test and assemble your robot, and charge your batteries. Each team gets: |
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* 6ft Folding table |
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* One chair (bring more if you need them) |
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* 120V Powerstrip |
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* Each robot will get a minimum of 20 minutes of pit time between matches. Robots not ready to fight after 20 minutes may have to forfeit their matches. |
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Competitors will also have access to full machine shop for last minute tweaks and fixes. We also have lots of spare parts on hand should you need them. Please be aware though that during event day [[NHRL Staff]] Will be very busy and may not have time to spend helping everyone. |
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We are using a new judging criteria for 2022. [[Judging Criteria|Read more about it here]]. |
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Pits areas will have several communal test boxes for safely testing robot functionality. |
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== |
==Spares== |
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====Spare Robots==== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 80%; height: 16em " |
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Bringing exact duplicate copies of your robot is allowed. In order to count as the same robot spares must be as close to exact copies as possible. This is a common way many competitors speed up repairs. All copies must pass safety before competing. If you are bringing multiple robots in a modular configuration you should be able to demonstrate the modules could be swapped between robots at any time. If you can't, then it doesn't qualify as the same robot. |
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====Spare Batteries==== |
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Bringing Spare Batteries is HIGHLY encouraged. Bots get a minimum of 20 minutes in between matches for repair and recharge. Rarely is this enough time to recharge a fully dead battery. Bringing spare batteries is highly recommended! If you let the organizers know your battery size and connector type one week in advance (robot@nhrl.io), we will gladly provide you with a spare battery for your bot for free. NHRL has a strong preference for XT style connectors XT90/60/30s. |
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==Cage Load-in/Load Out Procedure== |
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Please see the [[Cage Load-In and Load-Out]] for details on our cage load-in and load-out procedure. |
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== General Fight Rules == |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%; height: 16em " |
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|- |
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| Duration || 3 |
| Duration || 3 minutes, but bots must be designed to sit idle and powered on for up to 3 minutes before the match starts. |
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|- |
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| Knock Out || Any robot unable to show controlled |
| Knock Out || Any robot unable to show controlled locomotion after 10 seconds is considered disabled and will be considered a knock out. In a multibot, 51% of the weight of your bots must be unable to show motion for 10 seconds to be fully knocked out. |
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|- |
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| Tap Out || Any competitor can forfeit the match |
| Tap Out || Any competitor can forfeit the match at any time by pressing the large red button on their button box. This is considered a tap out, and counted as a loss. The other competitor must stop attacking immediately; continuing to attack after tap out will be viewed as unsportsmanlike. |
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|- |
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| |
| Hazard || If officials deem a robot to be a hazard to the crowd or a robot is doing sustained damage to the arena, the judges may prematurely end the match at any time. Purposefully destroying the arena may result in a forced forfeit of the match. |
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|- |
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|House Robots |
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| Hazard || If the judges deem any robot to be a hazard to crowd or is doing sustained damage to the arena the judges may prematurely end the match at any time. |
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|The house robots serve as an in ring camera, and referee that can sometimes unstick and disentangle bots. House robots will unstick stuck robots each once per match. If stuck a second time the robot must unstick itself or it will lose if unable to show controlled motion. |
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|- |
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| Safety || |
| Safety || Officials reserve the right to disqualify any competitor for failing to follow basic safety. All robots with a kinetic weapon should have a weapon lock. The lock should not be removed until both bots are in the arena and the doors are about to close. |
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|- |
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| Sportsmanship || |
| Sportsmanship || Officials reserve the right to KO or Disqualify any bot or team for unsportsmanlike conduct. |
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| Final Decisions || All judges decisions are final and not subject to review. |
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|'''Be Ready''' |
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|Only 20 minutes of pit time is guaranteed between matches. This usually only comes into play when there are few robots remaining in the bracket. Early on time between matches can be an hour or more. |
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|} |
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== |
== Pausing the Matches for Unsticks == |
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If two bots are locked together, we may pause the match to perform a manual unstick. These unsticks are at the cage manager/referee's discretion. We may ask that weapon locks be inserted into the bots before we do the unstick. |
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* Arrive with a working robot that is ready to fight. |
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* Arrive before 10AM to secure a good pit location, get your robot through safety early |
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Here are the criteria we apply in order to decide whether to pause a match for an unstick: |
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* Bring extra batteries and be ready to swap them quickly |
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# The bots have been intertwined for more than 10 seconds. |
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* When your robot is ready to fight head to arena area rather than waiting at your pit |
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# The stick is not a purposeful move (i.e. one bot isn't pinning the other). |
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* Fix your robot before chatting with other competitors |
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# The stick cannot be rectified by the house bot. |
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# The stick stops the fight for at least one competitor. For instance, if 2 bots were stuck together in such a way that they could both still hit each other and still move somewhat, it may continue on. If a competitor can't win points anymore, then it is considered a stick. |
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# There is some amount of time left in the fight. If the bots get stuck together 4 seconds from the end of the match, we'll just let it run, for example. |
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== Spirit of the Rules == |
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'''More important than winning or any prize is that the events are fun and enjoyable for all.''' Short of the weight rule, the rules exist to set the sprit more than a specific worded law. AKA Don't be a lawyer about it. We have a bias to fight robots that show up. If you build something new that you think plays to the edge of rules, show up and tell us why it should be allowed. Odds are we will let you fight, we love new creative ideas. |
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If you want to speak to an official about potential new bot designs that you feel may be on the edge of the rules, you can contact staff by emailing robot@nhrl.io. |
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== Pushing the Rules == |
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These rules describe the absolute limits of what can be done. There is much that is allowed at NHRL that might not be at other events. We actively encourage competitors to think creatively and imagine new robot designs. The following are examples of things are are perfectly legal within the NHRL rules |
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===You are ALLOWED to do this at NHRL=== |
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*Robots that use fire or heat as weapon |
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*Robots powered by an internal combustion engine |
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*Robots that use compressed gasses |
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*Robots that are made of fabrics or soft bodies |
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**It is okay to use materials which may entangle spinning weapons. |
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**Materials must not be used solely as an entanglement device. |
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*Robots that will keep fighting even if their batteries are on fire |
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*Robots that are crusher robots |
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*Robots that fly or hover |
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Latest revision as of 18:17, 25 July 2023
While similar to other event rules, NHRL tends to be more accepting of exotic and high powered weapons. Our goal is to provide fun, exciting fights and a fair playing field. The sprit of the rules is what is more important than fighting to get to the letter of the law. Good sportsmanship is always required.
Information regarding violation of these rules and other important information can be found on the Safety page.
All competitors must agree to the Participant Agreement.
Bot Design Rules and Limits
Please see our new ruleset for bot design here. If you're looking for rules split by weight class, those rules documents were replaced by the new ruleset for the May 2022 competition.
Special Rules for Rocket Motors & Flames
Bots that use weapons such as rocket motors, or weapons that include the use of a flame, must abide by additional rules. See the sections on Fire and Flame-Based Weapons and Rocket Motors on the Safety Page.
20 Minute Ready Rule
All robots are guaranteed a minimum of 20 minutes between fights. When there are many bots in event the time between matches may be up to an hour or two between your robots last match and its next match. As the number of robots dwindles the time between your robots last match and next will get shorter. The minimum time it can be is 20 minutes. This time is per bot, not per builder. If you are entering multiple bots it is on you to manage your time. Robots that are not ready will forfeit their matches.
Judging
All fights are observed by a team of 3 judges who are typically ex-competitors and previous bot builders. In the event that a fight lasts the entire 3 minutes (or 3.5 minutes for encore), the match decision goes to the judges. Directly after a match has concluded the judges will enter their scores for how each robot performed during their fight. Once this is done this score will be displayed for all to see and we may invite the judges to discuss the reasons behind their scores.
Judges decisions are final.
We are using a new judging criteria for 2022. Read more about it here.
Spares
Spare Robots
Bringing exact duplicate copies of your robot is allowed. In order to count as the same robot spares must be as close to exact copies as possible. This is a common way many competitors speed up repairs. All copies must pass safety before competing. If you are bringing multiple robots in a modular configuration you should be able to demonstrate the modules could be swapped between robots at any time. If you can't, then it doesn't qualify as the same robot.
Spare Batteries
Bringing Spare Batteries is HIGHLY encouraged. Bots get a minimum of 20 minutes in between matches for repair and recharge. Rarely is this enough time to recharge a fully dead battery. Bringing spare batteries is highly recommended! If you let the organizers know your battery size and connector type one week in advance (robot@nhrl.io), we will gladly provide you with a spare battery for your bot for free. NHRL has a strong preference for XT style connectors XT90/60/30s.
Cage Load-in/Load Out Procedure
Please see the Cage Load-In and Load-Out for details on our cage load-in and load-out procedure.
General Fight Rules
| Duration | 3 minutes, but bots must be designed to sit idle and powered on for up to 3 minutes before the match starts. |
| Knock Out | Any robot unable to show controlled locomotion after 10 seconds is considered disabled and will be considered a knock out. In a multibot, 51% of the weight of your bots must be unable to show motion for 10 seconds to be fully knocked out. |
| Tap Out | Any competitor can forfeit the match at any time by pressing the large red button on their button box. This is considered a tap out, and counted as a loss. The other competitor must stop attacking immediately; continuing to attack after tap out will be viewed as unsportsmanlike. |
| Hazard | If officials deem a robot to be a hazard to the crowd or a robot is doing sustained damage to the arena, the judges may prematurely end the match at any time. Purposefully destroying the arena may result in a forced forfeit of the match. |
| House Robots | The house robots serve as an in ring camera, and referee that can sometimes unstick and disentangle bots. House robots will unstick stuck robots each once per match. If stuck a second time the robot must unstick itself or it will lose if unable to show controlled motion. |
| Safety | Officials reserve the right to disqualify any competitor for failing to follow basic safety. All robots with a kinetic weapon should have a weapon lock. The lock should not be removed until both bots are in the arena and the doors are about to close. |
| Sportsmanship | Officials reserve the right to KO or Disqualify any bot or team for unsportsmanlike conduct. |
| Final Decisions | All judges decisions are final and not subject to review. |
| Be Ready | Only 20 minutes of pit time is guaranteed between matches. This usually only comes into play when there are few robots remaining in the bracket. Early on time between matches can be an hour or more. |
Pausing the Matches for Unsticks
If two bots are locked together, we may pause the match to perform a manual unstick. These unsticks are at the cage manager/referee's discretion. We may ask that weapon locks be inserted into the bots before we do the unstick.
Here are the criteria we apply in order to decide whether to pause a match for an unstick:
- The bots have been intertwined for more than 10 seconds.
- The stick is not a purposeful move (i.e. one bot isn't pinning the other).
- The stick cannot be rectified by the house bot.
- The stick stops the fight for at least one competitor. For instance, if 2 bots were stuck together in such a way that they could both still hit each other and still move somewhat, it may continue on. If a competitor can't win points anymore, then it is considered a stick.
- There is some amount of time left in the fight. If the bots get stuck together 4 seconds from the end of the match, we'll just let it run, for example.
Spirit of the Rules
More important than winning or any prize is that the events are fun and enjoyable for all. Short of the weight rule, the rules exist to set the sprit more than a specific worded law. AKA Don't be a lawyer about it. We have a bias to fight robots that show up. If you build something new that you think plays to the edge of rules, show up and tell us why it should be allowed. Odds are we will let you fight, we love new creative ideas.
If you want to speak to an official about potential new bot designs that you feel may be on the edge of the rules, you can contact staff by emailing robot@nhrl.io.
Pushing the Rules
These rules describe the absolute limits of what can be done. There is much that is allowed at NHRL that might not be at other events. We actively encourage competitors to think creatively and imagine new robot designs. The following are examples of things are are perfectly legal within the NHRL rules
You are ALLOWED to do this at NHRL
- Robots that use fire or heat as weapon
- Robots powered by an internal combustion engine
- Robots that use compressed gasses
- Robots that are made of fabrics or soft bodies
- It is okay to use materials which may entangle spinning weapons.
- Materials must not be used solely as an entanglement device.
- Robots that will keep fighting even if their batteries are on fire
- Robots that are crusher robots
- Robots that fly or hover
