Overview of FRC 2018 Field
The 2018 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season introduced a new game and field designed to test precise mobile goal placement and coordinated robot play. This guide explains the layout, rules, and scoring objectives that teams prepared for during build season and competed with throughout the regional and championship events.
Field Specifications and Layout
Overall Dimensions and Key Zones
The FRC 2018 field is best understood as a set of clearly marked zones that define pickup, staging, and scoring areas. The central corridor and end zones establish where robots may score points by placing mobile goals and cubes in designated targets.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Surface Width | 26 feet (8 m) | FIRST Game Manual |
| Playing Surface Depth | 54 feet (16.5 m) | FIRST Game Manual |
| Field Border Height | 4 inches (10 cm) | FIRST Game Manual |
| Scoring High Goal Height | 9 feet (2.74 m) | FIRST Game Manual |
| Alliance Station Length | 20 feet (6.1 m) | FIRST Game Manual |
Objectives, Scoring, and Gameplay Phases
FRC 2018, known as 'Power Up,' emphasizes spatial control through mobile goals and ownership of switches and scales. Match play is divided into autonomous, teleop, and endgame phases, each with distinct objectives and risk/reward decisions.
- Place mobile goals in high or low positions to secure ownership of switches and scales.
- Stack cubes on platforms to multiply point values during the endgame.
- Balance at the end of the match on the scale to earn bonus rankings.
Autonomous Period (First 15 Seconds)
During the autonomous period, robots operate using pre-programmed routines without driver input. Teams plan starting positions and sequences to maximize early control of objectives and to secure safe ownership of switches before teleop begins.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Autonomous Points | 10 to 30 points | Depends on preload, switch placement, and scale control |
| Match Start Position Options | 3 possible starting locations | Center, left switch, or right switch |
Teleop and Endgame Strategy
Teleop Objectives
In the roughly two-minute teleop period, drivers and human players work to reposition mobile goals, transport cubes, and interact with switches and scales. Effective coordination between intake, transport, and placement subsystems is central to scoring consistently.
Endgame Considerations
The endgame begins when the sandstorm period ends and lasts until the match teleop timer ends. Teams decide whether to climb for a scale climb, return to a parking bubble, or reposition mobile goals for one final scoring opportunity.
Penalties and Important Rules
Referees enforce rules governing contact, safety zones, and ball handling to maintain fair play. Common infractions include unnecessary roughness, interference with human players, and unsafe robot behavior. Understanding foul consequences helps teams manage risk during aggressive plays.
- Fouls result in a 5-point penalty per occurrence and potential ejection from the match.
- Blocking opponents in a way that prevents scoring can be called as excessive blocking.
- Robot size limits and tethering rules are enforced during inspection and match play.
Regional and Championship Impact
Field performance directly influences qualification for championship events and the selection of alliance partners during elimination matches. Teams that master power placement, switch control, and endgame climbing consistently perform at higher levels across the season.
Preparation and Practice Recommendations
Effective preparation for the 2018 field emphasizes repeatable mobile goal placement, reliable cube pickup, and stable climbing mechanisms. Teams benefit from structured scrimmage schedules that simulate both autonomous routines and teleop coordination under time pressure.