Current Game Information

​The FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Decode game is a robotics competition game designed to challenge high school students in engineering, programming, and strategic thinking. Here’s a summary of the key elements of the game:

Game Overview:
Theme: The theme for Decode is supposed to be archeology and almost like Indiana Jones with the way that they have a temple in two of the four corners of the field and from those two temples the have slides for the new artifacts (plastic balls) to roll down.
Game Field:
Dimensions: The field is a 12x12 ft (3.66x3.66 meters) square.
Components: The field includes various elements such as two temple-like structures with a slope/slide coming out of each, two different scoring zones, two end spots for when the game ends, and the artifact which is a plastic hollow ball that has holes going in them.
Game Objectives:
Scoring: Teams earn points by performing tasks such as launching the artifacts into the temples while being in the triangle scoring areas, sending the artifacts through different areas of the field, and also by getting into the finish square on the field when the game ends. 
Tasks: Common tasks might include launching the artifacts into the temple and then rolling onto the slope and then getting as many artifacts to go down that slide as possible.
Robot Design Specifications: Robots are built to meet specific size and weight limits and must be designed to interact with the game elements efficiently. If you would like to know the specific requirements check out this link…
Control: Robots are remotely controlled by team members using game controllers. They are programmed to perform autonomous actions during a portion of the match.
Match Structure:
Qualification and Playoff MATCHES will be played in numerical order except for extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the Head REFEREE in consultation with the Event Director. All Qualification MATCHES must be played before the start of ALLIANCE selection and all Playoff MATCHES for the current round must be played before the start of the next round.
Strategy:
Alliance: Teams often form alliances with other teams to increase their chances of winning.
Tactics: Strategies might include optimizing robot movements, coordinating with alliance partners, and adapting to the opponents' tactics.
Judging and Awards:
Performance: Teams are evaluated based on their robot’s performance, innovation, and adherence to the game rules.
Awards: Various awards are given, including those for design, programming, and overall excellence.