[robocup-small] Major rules proposals for 2007

[Lim Yuen Siong]

Team: Field Ranger


==== FIELD SIZE ====

Proposal: Increase field size slightly for 2007.  The outer dimensions
of the field remain the same, but the inner dimensions are increased
by 200mm in both directions.  This is achieved by shrinking the
"margin" outside the area of play from 300mm to 200mm.

Agree with the proposal. However, the referee would have to be more
patience with throw-in as robot would have to move more slowly to get
behind the ball.


==== SEMI-AUTOMATIC REFEREE ====

This year we will be adopting an ethernet-based referee, which allows
teams a measure of self-refereeing.  It is based on the concept
demonstrated at last year's RoboCup by Plasma-Z.  Participation this
year will be voluntary, but strongly encouraged.  The referee program
will still have a serial output like the old referee program, but that
interface may not have the full functionality of the new ethernet
interface.

More information on the syetm has to be provided to teams for proposed
changes. We will continue to use the serial port output for RoboCup 2007.


==== ROBOT KICK SPEED LIMITATION ====

Proposal: Limit the maximum speed a ball can be kicked, to something
like 10m/s.

Is the maximum speed measured while the ball is being kicked or maximun
speed attainable by the kicker. I would interprete as maximun speed
measured on the field while palying a game. Prefer maximun speed of 8m/s


==== ROBOT KICKER SAFETY ====

Proposal: Limit maximum voltage of energy storage for kickers.
Kicking devices are also not allowed to use explosive chemical
reactions to power their kick.

Not necessary to limit the charging voltage as the rule above already
constraint the power of the kicker. If for safety reason, we prefer limit
to 250V


==== NEW GOALS ====

The TC (and OC) is exploring the option of redesigning the goals to
better absorb ball impacts and avoid high speed rebounds.  This could
take the form of foam or even changing the back to a net.

No impact on our system.


==== BALL ====

The current ball will not be changed for this year, but the TC is
strongly considering different balls for 2008 and beyond.


==== STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF BALL HOLDING RULES ====

This is not a rule change as much as a statement of future enforcement
policy.  Last year, robots were checked for rules compliance before
the competition, and many teams failed tests for overall dimensions
and ball holding.  Teams should expect this again for 2007, and are
encouraged to resolve issues before coming to the competition.


Regards
Lim Yuen Siong
Team Leader/Field Ranger
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