FootBot LEGO League — Official Competition Regulations

1. Competition Overview

FootBot LEGO League combines football (soccer) gameplay with LEGO robotics, creating an exciting team sport where programmable LEGO robots compete in structured football matches.

1.1. Competition Philosophy

This competition emphasizes:

• Team Strategy: Coordinated robot movements and gameplay tactics
• Programming Excellence: Sophisticated autonomous behaviors
• Mechanical Innovation: Creative LEGO mechanical solutions
• Sportsmanship: Fair play and respectful competition

2. Robot Specifications

2.1. LEGO Platform Requirements

• Base Platform: LEGO Mindstorms (EV3, NXT, or Robot Inventor)
• Construction: 100% LEGO components (official LEGO parts only)
• Programming: Official LEGO software or compatible platforms
• Sensors: Standard LEGO sensors plus any compatible additions

2.2. Size and Weight Limits

2.3. Ball Handling Systems

• Ball Control: Mechanisms for ball possession and movement
• Kicking System: Active ball propulsion mechanisms required
• Ball Height: Mechanisms must work with regulation ball size
• Safety: No sharp edges or dangerous moving parts

3. Playing Field Specifications

3.1. Field Dimensions

• Field Size: 2.4m x 1.6m (scaled football pitch)
• Goal Size: 30cm wide x 20cm high
• Center Circle: 30cm diameter
• Penalty Areas: 60cm x 40cm rectangles

3.2. Field Markings and Features

3.3. Ball Specifications

• Type: Official FootBot ball (orange ping-pong ball)
• Diameter: 40mm standard
• Weight: 2.7g (standard ping-pong ball weight)
• Color: Bright orange for sensor detection

4. Game Rules and Format

4.1. Match Structure

• Team Size: 2 robots per team on field simultaneously
• Match Duration: Two 5-minute halves with 2-minute halftime
• Overtime: 2-minute golden goal periods if tied
• Substitutions: Robot swaps allowed during halftime only

4.2. Gameplay Rules

• Ball Possession: Maximum 10-second ball holding time
• Robot Contact: No intentional robot-to-robot contact
• Boundary Play: Ball and robot out-of-bounds rules apply
• Goal Scoring: Ball must fully cross goal line

4.3. Violations and Penalties

5. Programming and Autonomous Behavior

5.1. Required Autonomous Functions

• Ball Detection: Visual or sensor-based ball recognition
• Goal Recognition: Ability to identify and target goals
• Teammate Awareness: Collision avoidance with own robots
• Boundary Awareness: Field edge detection and avoidance

5.2. Advanced Programming Features

• Strategy Implementation: Offensive and defensive behaviors
• Communication: Robot-to-robot coordination (optional)
• Adaptive Behavior: Response to game state changes
• Energy Management: Battery conservation strategies

5.3. Programming Platform Options

6. Tournament Structure

6.1. Competition Phases

• Round Robin: All teams play each other once
• Quarterfinals: Top 8 teams advance
• Semifinals: Top 4 teams compete
• Finals: Championship match plus 3rd place playoff

6.2. Scoring and Ranking

• Match Victory: 3 points for win, 1 for draw, 0 for loss
• Goal Difference: Tiebreaker based on goals scored vs. conceded
• Head-to-Head: Direct match results used for final tiebreaking
• Technical Excellence: Bonus points for innovative programming

7. Technical Inspection and Fair Play

7.1. Pre-Competition Inspection

• LEGO Compliance: Verification of 100% LEGO construction
• Size and Weight: Dimensional and weight limit verification
• Safety Check: Inspection for dangerous components
• Programming Review: Autonomous behavior demonstration

7.2. Fair Play Monitoring

• Autonomous Operation: No remote control during matches
• Sportsmanship: Respectful behavior towards opponents
• Technical Compliance: Adherence to all specifications
• Rule Adherence: Following all gameplay regulations

8. Awards and Recognition

8.1. Championship Awards

• FootBot Champions: Tournament winners
• Runner-Up: Second place team
• Third Place: Bronze medal recipients
• Best Goal: Most spectacular scoring achievement

8.2. Technical Excellence Awards

• Best Design: Most innovative robot construction
• Programming Excellence: Most sophisticated autonomous behavior
• Rookie Team: Best first-time competition performance
• Sportsmanship: Exemplary fair play and team spirit

8.3. Special Recognition

• Most Creative Strategy: Innovative gameplay approach
• Best Teamwork: Excellence in robot coordination
• Spirit Award: Outstanding enthusiasm and participation
• Judge's Choice: Special recognition for unique achievement