Rules [download a pdf for printing]

1) General objectives.

a) Each machine must start each game inside a designated starting volume.

b) At the start of the game, machines will collect their ball(s) from a bin or ball dispenser, and deposit them downward through a basketball hoop. Each ball placed through one of the two designated hoops scores points (1 point for the lower hoop and 3 points for the higher hoop). The machine scoring the most points in regulation playing time (2 minutes) wins the game.

c) If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, sudden death overtime play continues until the one of the machine scores; the first machine to score wins the game. Overtime is 1 minute for preliminary rounds, 2 minutes for the final four, and 5 minutes for the championship game.

d) If both machines fail to score in overtime, the machine to score the first point of the game wins.

e) If neither machine scores in regulation time or overtime, the judges will choose the winner.

2) Each machine must pass a technical inspection before the competition starts and is subject to additional technical inspections during the competition. Machines found to be out of compliance with the rules will be disqualified.

3) Timing

a) Regulation time for each game is 2 minutes. Overtime is 1 minute for preliminary rounds, 2 minutes for the final four, and 5 minutes for the championship game.

b) Before each game you have 1 minute to setup your machine and test/trim the control system.

c) You must remove your machine from the court within 30 seconds of the end of the game.

4) Prototype Demonstration, Seeding Trial, and Impoundment Inspection

a) Machines must participate unopposed in a prototype demonstration, and must score at least one basket in two minutes, or you will receive a 10 second penalty during each competition game. If you reach the final four the penalty point is forgiven.

b) Seeding is based on the results a seeding trial. In the seeding trial, the goal is to score as many points as possible, unopposed, in two minutes. Seeding will be based on the number of points scored in the seeding trial. For machines achieving the same number of points in the seeding trial, the seeding will be based on the judge’s evaluation of the quality of your design and fabrication. In the seeding trial you must score at least one basket in two minutes, or you will receive a 10 second penalty during each competition game (possibly in addition to the 10 second penalty resulting from the prototype demonstration). If you reach the final four the penalty point is forgiven.

c) An inspection will be conducted at the impoundment party. The judges will inspect the machines, and each machine will be asked to give a quick demonstration of starting, stopping, turning, ball collection and shooting. If a machine cannot adequately perform these actions, and has not scored a point in either the prototype demonstration or seeding trial, it will be disqualified.

5) Games

a) In the event that both machines suffer incapacitating failures during play, the judges may call a brief time out and allow minor repairs.

b) In the event that either control system malfunctions, through no fault of the machine, the game may be re-run if the judges determine that the failure may have changed the likely outcome of the game. The game may be completely re-run (a do-over), or restarted from the point of the malfunction, at the judges’ discretion.

c) For a game with only one qualified machine, the machine will play against a placebo machine. To continue on to the next round the machine must win the game.

d) A machine leaving the court cannot be replaced on the court, except for a game tied at the end of regulation time. The machine can then be replaced in its starting box while the opponent continues play. If the game is scoreless at the end of overtime, the judges will choose the winner.

e) Malicious destruction (e.g. hammers, saws, …) is not permitted. The judges may disqualify a machine for deliberate destruction of an opponent or the court. You are permitted to intentionally flip over an opponent, or may you push your opponent off the court. You are permitted to remove balls from your opponent’s machine, but not by damaging the opponent’s machine.

f) Goal-tending (blocking directly above the opponent’s goal) is not permitted. One point will be awarded to the opponent for goal tending on the lower basket. Three points will be awarded to the opponent for goal tending on the higher basket.

g) The referees may stop play and reset the machines at their discretion.

h) No deliberate destruction of the court or balls is allowed. Deliberate destruction will result in disqualification.

6) Disputes and Protests.

a) Competitors may protest the scoring and rulings of the judges. Such protests must be made in a timely fashion, but no later than 30 seconds after the end of a game.

b) Judges will rule immediately, before proceeding to the next game, using videotape replays if necessary.

c) Any protest deemed to be blatantly frivolous will result in the disqualification of the protesting machine.

7) Penalties.

a) Rules regarding shop safety will be distributed to all machines. Violations of the rules will result in a warning for the first violation, 10 seconds for the second violation, 20 seconds for the third, and disqualification for the fourth. The time penalties are additive to those received from the prototype demonstration and seeding trial.

b) These time penalties are forgiven for games in the final four.

8) Machine Limitations

a) Machines must be completely constructed from parts provided by the contest organizers. Decorative items such as stickers and paint are permitted and encouraged.

b) The power supply and control system is provided. All machines must use these systems. Once the game begins machines are not permitted to touch the machines or control the machine in any other way except by the system provided, unless advised by the officials.

c) Size - the machine must fit into a rectangular box of dimension (plan form: 18 in. by 14 in., height 12 in.). The machine is permitted to have deployable appendages that cause the machine to exceed these dimensions when in the deployed position. The appendages may extend beyond the boundary of the court. The machine must start in the starting box and be in a configuration which fits in the 18 in. x 14 in. x 12 in. box.

d) No spiked wheels are permitted.

e) No welding is allowed in the construction of the machines.

f) A modest use of lubricants on your machine is allowed. No spraying or oil slicks.

g) Non-destructive projectiles are permitted.