[robocup-small] Major rules proposals for 2007

[Ernesto Torres]

Hi!
I am Ernesto Torres from Eagle Knights, México. Our opinions of rules
proposals are:

--------------------------------
  PROPOSED MAJOR RULES CHANGES
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==== 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.

*Opinion*: We agree with this change because systems could be easily adapted
and the games need more space
to take place (specially because the robots and the ball move too quickly
and the ball goes out for throw in  very frequently).

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

*Proposal*: 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.

Note: Teams are encouraged to consider computer hardware with an
additional ethernet interface, as the referee will be on a special
local network to avoid interference.

*Opinion*: It is a good idea to start making the whole game completely
autonomus (including referee) and to try this year with the new ethernet
interface.

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

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

TC: We would like to adopt this rule, both for safety reasons and to
avoid an arms race.  However, we would like feedback from teams about
whether they feel this is important, and if so, which speed limit to
use.  To keep it concrete, please consider only 2 m/s increments
between 6 m/s and 12 m/s, or "no limit".

Penalty: Goals scored or deflections off of opponents using kicks
above the limit will result in a freekick for the other team.
Enforcement would mainly be by team cooperation, along with a static
measurement at the beginning of the competition.  During a match, a
referee will have to use his judgement, along with evidence from any
participating automatic referees.

*Opinion*: It is really important to regulate the kick speed to enourage
strategy and for protection of the robots and the people around the field.
We think it is easily and better to regulate the kicker with the speed of
the ball rather than with the voltage.

==== NEW GOALS ====

*Proposal*: 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.

The TC would like to hear from teams on this issue, in particular if a
change from the current solid color painted goals would negatively
affect a team.  The change to the goals is being considered due to
high-speed kickers as well as the lack of current teams using local
vision sensing.

*Opinion*: We agree with the idea of changing the goals to absorb the ball.
The idea of a net like real soccer goals might work.
Another good idea is to have higher goals and to ensure that the net would
be as transparent and thin as possible so it does not
occlude the robot.

Regards.
Ernesto Torres Vidal
Eagle Knights
ITAM México
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