Understanding the FTC Game Manual

​The FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) Game Manual is an essential document that outlines the rules, regulations, and guidelines for each FTC season. For the 2024-2025 season, the game is titled "INTO THE DEEP," and the comprehensive manual can be accessed here. Understanding and continually referring to this manual is crucial for teams aiming to navigate the competition successfully.​

Importance of the FTC Game Manual

The Game Manual serves as the definitive source of information for all aspects of the competition. Here's why it's indispensable:​

• Rule Compliance: Adherence to the manual ensures that your team operates within the established guidelines, preventing potential penalties or disqualifications.​

• Strategic Planning: A thorough understanding of the rules allows teams to devise effective strategies that maximize scoring opportunities while minimizing risks.​

• Safety Assurance: The manual includes safety protocols to protect participants, mentors, and volunteers, fostering a secure environment for all.​

• Fair Play: By following the manual, teams contribute to a fair and equitable competition, embodying the principles of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®.​

Overview of Major Sections

The manual is structured into several key sections, each addressing different facets of the competition:​

1. Introduction: Provides an overview of FIRST®, the ethos of Gracious Professionalism®, and the purpose of the manual.​

2. FIRST Season Overview: Outlines the timeline and structure of the FTC season, from kickoff to championships.​

3. Competition Eligibility and Inspection (I): Details the criteria for team participation and the inspection process for robots.​

4. Advancement: Explains the criteria and process for teams to advance through various competition levels.​

5. Event Rules (E): Covers the conduct expected at events, including pit rules, safety protocols, and ceremony procedures.​

6. Judged Awards: Describes the awards teams can earn and the judging criteria for each.​

7. Game Sponsor Recognition: Acknowledges the sponsors and partners supporting the FTC season.​

8. Game Overview: Introduces the current season's game, including objectives and high-level gameplay.​

9. ARENA: Provides detailed descriptions of the playing field, including dimensions and components.​

10. Game Details: Delves into the specifics of game elements, scoring, and match flow.​

11. Game Rules (G): Lists the rules governing gameplay, robot actions, and penalties.​ftc-resources.firstinspires.org+3FIRST Inspires+3FIRST Inspires+3

12. ROBOT Construction Rules (R): Specifies the requirements and restrictions for robot design and construction.​community.firstinspires.org

13. Tournament (T): Explains the tournament structure, match scheduling, and ranking systems.​

14. League Play Tournaments (L): Details the format and rules specific to league play.​

15. FIRST Championship (C): Outlines the structure and expectations for the championship event.​FTC QA

16. Glossary: Defines terms and acronyms used throughout the manual.​

Tips for Working with the Game Manual

To effectively utilize the Game Manual, consider the following strategies:

• Thorough Reading: Encourage all team members to read the manual in its entirety to ensure a collective understanding of the rules and expectations.​

• Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic reviews of the manual, especially after updates, to keep the team informed of any changes or clarifications.​

• Focused Discussions: Hold team meetings to discuss specific sections relevant to upcoming tasks, such as robot design or strategy development.​

• Create Summaries: Develop concise summaries or checklists of critical rules to serve as quick references during design and build sessions.​

• Highlight Key Points: Use annotations or highlighting tools to mark essential rules or sections that pertain directly to your team's activities.​

Staying Updated

The Game Manual is subject to updates throughout the season. To stay informed:​ FIRST Inspires

• Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check the FTC Game and Season Materials page for the latest versions of the manual and official updates.​

• Subscribe to Team Updates: Sign up for email notifications to receive timely information about rule changes, event details, and other pertinent announcements.​

• Utilize the Q&A System: If you have specific questions or need clarifications, consult the FTC Q&A System, where official answers are provided to inquiries.​

• Engage with the Community: Participate in forums and discussions with other teams to share insights and interpretations of the rules.​

By diligently studying and continually referencing the FTC Game Manual, your team can ensure compliance, develop effective strategies, and contribute to a fair and exciting competition environment.