2.3 General Pool Event Rules
These rules are preliminary for the International SeaPerch Challenge and may be updated prior to the competition. Any updates will be posted here with notations of changes.
2.3.1. ROV, Spare Parts, and Adjustments
The team must use the same ROV that was presented at compliance for both pool events.
Each team must have their own ROV – teams are not allowed to share an ROV.
Teams are not allowed to share ROV attachments or devices.
Spare parts are allowed; however, spare ROVs are not allowed.
Any design or structural modifications made to the ROV after a compliance check requires the team to re-submit the ROV for a compliance check.
No parts or materials, except as noted in this section, may be added to or removed from the ROV between pool events. The ROV must compete in both pool events with the same attachments and parts connected. Violations will result in disqualification.
Attachments and parts may be repositioned (I.e., rotated or swiveled) between the two pool events. Attachments or parts may not be disconnected and relocated; they must remain connected to the same point on the ROV when they are repositioned.
The ROV may be worked on or adjusted during competition. This may include adjusting buoyancy by adding or removing buoyancy materials or adding materials like tape or cable ties necessary to secure parts. However, the run timer will continue.
Replacement of failed or damaged parts is permitted. Teams replacing failed or damaged parts must re-submit their ROV for a compliance check conducted by staff at the Triage or ROV Poolside First Aid Station.
Passing compliance checks does not guarantee the right to compete. Lead judges in the competition area have the final say on safety and compliance issues and may require teams that have already passed the compliance check to fix issues prior to competing.
2.3.2. Auxiliary Equipment, Batteries, and Power Supplies
12-volt direct current (VDC) power connections for the standard SeaPerch power cable alligator clips will be supplied for each competition lane. This power connection is for the ROV only and is limited to 10 amps; no auxiliary equipment may be connected to this power connection.
Teams may provide their own battery for the ROV.
Teams may provide an additional battery for auxiliary equipment such as cameras, advanced controllers, and electromechanical ROV attachments.
Team supplied batteries must not be larger than 6.5” long x 3” wide x 4” high and must be 12 VDC maximum with a 9-amp hour maximum rating.
Teams may not bring anything to the pool deck that requires 110-volt or any other alternating current (AC) power. Laptop computers are allowed if they are battery powered and do not need to be plugged into 110-volt power.
2.3.3. Diver Assistance and ROV Tether Handling
The ROV must move only under its own power. The tether may not be pulled to expedite the ROV’s navigation of the course.
If the ROV or tether becomes tangled on the course structure or is otherwise unable to move on its own power, a team member must notify the judge that they would like to try to free the ROV by pulling on the tether. Under this circumstance teams may gently pull on the tether; however, the run timer will continue. If the ROV is pulled by the tether, the ROV must be returned (driven) to the location that it was moved from before it may continue competing.
The team may ask the judge for diver assistance. If diver assistance is requested the judge will pause the run timer and call for a diver. The judge will restart the run timer when the diver arrives at the lane and begins assisting. There is no longer a two-minute diver assistance penalty. If the ROV is moved, it must be returned to the location that it was moved from before it may continue competing.
2.3.4. On Deck
Prior arrangements are required for waivers to any of the following rules to accommodate students’ special needs. Any special accommodations must be made in advance of the starting date of the International SeaPerch Challenge by contacting seaperch@robonation.org.
All team members and spectators are expected to be respectful of other competitors, spectators, volunteers, judges, and staff.
Instructions from judges, volunteers, and event staff must be followed at all times on the pool deck. Those not complying with instructions from judges, volunteers, or event staff will be asked to leave the pool area and may risk disqualification of their team from the event.
Pool passes are required to enter the pool area.
A maximum of six (6) pool passes will be issued for each team. Any team with more than six members in the pool area without special accommodations risks disqualification from the event.
Only four (4) student team members are allowed at the competition lane. Only two (2) team members are allowed to participate in the ROV operation at one time. These two (2) team members are considered the competing team members.
Only competing team members are allowed to communicate with the judges.
The four team members at the competition lane may switch drivers at any time and as many times as they choose. The lane judge will not stop the timers.
The remaining two passes are for pool area spectators and can be used by other students (competing later in either the obstacle or mission course), parents, coaches, teachers, or chaperones.
Once a pool event run starts the pool area team spectator may not enter the competition lane.
The pool area team spectators must sit or stand behind the designated barrier ribbon.
Any student team members who are pool area team spectators may switch with the team members at the competition lane between the pool event runs (obstacle and mission course).
All team members must wear shoes with rubber soles while on the pool deck.
All team members may help with setup but must exit to their assigned spots before the course run starts. During this set-up period, teams should adjust the ROV’s buoyancy and make any other necessary adjustments.
2.3.5. Equipment Failure
In the event of equipment failure between pool events, a team will be allowed to work on their ROV at an ROV First Aid Station or at Triage.
The ROV First Aid Station is intended for quick repairs that can be accomplished in 15 minutes or less. The station will not be equipped with electrical power, so soldering is not allowed.
After successful repairs, the team will reenter the competition queue in the front of the line.
If repairs are not accomplished within the 15-minute time limit, the team must proceed to the pool check-in station and notify the staff that they require Triage. Teams completing repairs in Triage will check-in at the pool check-in station and enter the staging area.
While competition staff will attempt to accommodate all participants, teams not completing repairs by the last pool event time slots may not be able to compete.
If an ROV or equipment malfunctions before attempting the first mission task or passing the first obstacle course hoop, the team may elect to stop their run without incurring a time penalty. The team will be allowed to make repairs as described in item 1 of this section.
If an ROV or equipment malfunctions after attempting the first mission task or passing through the first obstacle course hoop, the team may elect to stop their run. The judge will record the current run time and notify the lead judge. The lead judge or technical director will evaluate the issue and decide a course of action. If the team is allowed to make repairs and restart their run, they may incur a time penalty equal to their initial run time at the time they stopped their initial run.
2.3.6. Disputes, Challenges, and Redress Request
Sportsmanship is always expected.
Team members and advisors are responsible for the conduct of all members and adults accompanying the team. Unsportsmanlike conduct of registered student team members or chaperones is grounds for the disqualification of a team.
Teams may not raise questions concerning other competing vehicles or other teams’ scores.
Only the two competing team members may approach or speak to lane judges. Exceptions to this rule are only allowed if prior arrangements have been made to accommodate special needs.
Team members, chaperones, or spectators may not speak to the divers.
Team members will verify the time on the scoresheet reflects the time on the stopwatch. If there is a discrepancy, a team member may ask the lane judge for a second opinion. Timing disputes such as a team member claiming the judge did not start or stop the stopwatch at the correct time are not allowable disputes.
Disputes should be resolved at the time the alleged grievance occurs. However, if students are not able to articulate the alleged grievance, they may ask to speak to the lead course judge. The lead course judge will provide a redress request card that will allow the student and adult team members to meet with the technical director or lead judge to resolve the dispute. Decisions of the technical director or lead judge are final, and the same dispute will not be heard again.
If an ROV or the course is inadvertently interfered with during the competition, the competing team members should alert the lane judge and ask for a ruling by the lead judge or technical director. These situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
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