📜 RULES & REGULATIONS

🤖 Robot Specifications

All competing robots must adhere to the following technical specifications based on their weight class. These limits ensure fair competition and arena safety.

Weight Classes & Dimensions

Weight Class	Weight Limit	Max Dimensions
Lightweight	Up to 60kg	2m × 2m × 2m (L×W×H)
Middleweight	60kg to 120kg	2m × 2m × 2m (L×W×H)
Heavyweight	120kg+	2m × 2m × 2m (L×W×H)

General Requirements

• Robots must fit within their weight class at weigh-in (including all batteries and removable weapons)
• Maximum starting dimensions cannot exceed 2m × 2m × 2m in any configuration
• Robots may expand during the match but must fit within starting dimensions at match start
• Ground clearance minimum: 10mm
• All components must be secured and cannot fall off during normal operation

⚠️ Safety Requirements

Mandatory Safety Features

• Remote Kill Switch: All robots MUST have a functional remote kill switch that immediately stops all robot functions (drive, weapons, systems). This must be testable and functional at all times.
• External Battery Disconnect: An externally accessible removable link that disconnects the main battery power. Must be clearly marked and accessible without tools.
• Power Indicator: A clearly visible LED or light indicating when the robot is powered on.
• Radio Control: All robots must use approved 2.4GHz radio systems with failsafe features.
• Weapon Safety Cover: Sharp edges, spinning weapons, and dangerous components must be covered during transport and pit area activities.

Electrical Safety

• All electrical systems must be properly insulated and protected from short circuits
• Battery types allowed: LiPo, LiFe, NiMH, NiCd, Lead Acid (sealed only)
• Maximum voltage: 100V for weapon systems, 48V for drive systems
• All wiring must be properly secured and protected
• Fire suppression recommended but not mandatory

Structural Safety

• All fasteners must be secured (Loctite or lock washers required)
• Sharp edges in pit area must be covered with foam or guards
• Loose or detachable armor pieces are not permitted
• Pneumatic systems must have pressure relief valves (max 150 PSI)

⚔️ Combat Rules

Match Format

• Match Duration: 10 minutes maximum
• Start Position: Robots start in designated squares at opposite ends of the arena
• Arena Hazards: The arena may contain hazards such as pit zones, wall spikes, or lifting platforms
• Tap-Out: Teams may surrender by verbal tap-out at any time

Victory Conditions

• Knockout (KO): Opponent is immobilized and cannot demonstrate controlled movement for 10 seconds
• Technical Knockout (TKO): Opponent's weapon is disabled and they cannot show aggression
• Judges' Decision: If match reaches time limit, judges score based on criteria (see Judging section)
• Tap-Out: Opponent's team verbally surrenders

Immobilization

A robot is considered immobilized if it cannot demonstrate controlled translational movement within a 10-second count. The robot must show it can move from one point to another, not just pivot or spin in place.

Restarts

• Robots stuck together may receive a restart at referee discretion
• Maximum 2 restarts per match
• Robots must release when commanded by the referee
• Weapons must be powered down during restarts

Arena Rules

• Intentional damage to the arena is prohibited and may result in disqualification
• Robots stuck on arena hazards may receive a referee count
• Throwing opponents out of the arena is allowed (counts as knockout)
• Hitting the arena walls is permitted as a combat tactic

🚫 Prohibited Weapons & Systems

Banned Weapon Types

• Explosives: Any explosive devices, pyrotechnics, or chemical reactions
• Flames: Flamethrowers, hot weapons, or any fire-based systems
• Liquids: Water cannons, glue, foam, or any liquid discharge
• Projectiles: Any projectiles that can leave the arena (arena-contained projectiles may be allowed)
• Entanglement: Nets, ropes, tape, or any entanglement devices
• Smoke/Gas: Smoke generators, obscurants, or gas weapons
• Untethered Weapons: Weapons or parts designed to detach and operate independently

Banned Electronic Systems

• Radio Jamming: Any RF interference or jamming equipment
• EMP Devices: Electromagnetic pulse weapons
• Laser/Lighting: Bright lights or lasers intended to blind operators or cameras
• Hacking: Any attempt to interfere with opponent's control systems

Restricted Materials

• No beryllium copper (health hazard)
• No materials that shatter into sharp fragments
• No radioactive materials
• No toxic or caustic chemicals

👥 Team Conduct & Sportsmanship

Expected Behavior

SGFC is a professional sporting event. All teams, builders, and supporters are expected to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship and professionalism.

• Respect: Treat all competitors, officials, and spectators with respect
• Fair Play: Compete fairly and within the rules at all times
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety in the pit area and arena
• Professional Conduct: Maintain professional behavior in all interactions

Pit Area Rules

• Safety glasses required in pit area at all times
• Closed-toe shoes mandatory
• Weapon testing only in designated test areas
• Keep pit areas clean and organized
• No more than 6 team members in pit area
• Respect other teams' pit spaces

Prohibited Conduct

• Unsportsmanlike conduct or aggressive behavior
• Intentional damage to opponent's robot outside of combat
• Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech
• Sabotage or tampering with other robots
• Deliberately dangerous behavior
• Excessive celebration that shows disrespect

⚖️ Judging Criteria

When a match goes to the judges' decision (no knockout), three judges score the bout based on the following criteria:

Scoring Breakdown

• Aggression (30 points): Actively engaging the opponent, pursuing contact, initiating attacks
• Control (30 points): Demonstrating superior driving, positioning, and weapon control throughout the match
• Damage (30 points): Inflicting functional or cosmetic damage to the opponent's robot
• Strategy (10 points): Effective use of arena, weapon choice, and tactical decisions

Aggression Scoring

Aggression is measured by how actively a robot engages its opponent:

• Actively pursuing and engaging the opponent
• Attempting to use weapons against the opponent
• Taking the initiative in combat
• Not running away or avoiding combat

Control Scoring

Control is demonstrated through superior robot operation:

• Precise movement and positioning
• Effective use of drive system
• Maintaining weapon functionality
• Recovering from attacks or flips
• Utilizing arena hazards effectively

Damage Scoring

Damage is scored based on harm inflicted on the opponent:

• Functional damage (disabling drive, weapons, or systems) scores highest
• Cosmetic damage (dents, scrapes, armor loss) scores moderately
• Near-knockouts (temporary immobilization) score well
• Damage must be caused by your robot, not self-inflicted by opponent

Strategy Scoring

Strategic play includes:

• Using arena hazards to gain advantage
• Adapting tactics during the match
• Effective weapon selection and deployment
• Smart positioning and defensive moves