EDC Official Competition Rules and Guidelines 2015-2016

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                      Guidelines
                      2015-2016
VEHICLE CHECK-IN AND QUALIFICATION
Vehicle check-in and qualification are required for ALL teams competing.
       Teacher sponsors must submit 1 copy of completed and signed Entry Form with
        student, parent, and sponsors signature by the due date. Due date to be set annually.
       These forms will be available electronically on the EDC section of the coordinators web
        site. Teams will not be allowed to check in without having a valid entry form on file..
       Each team member is required to have a completed and signed entry form, and a
        journal to be turned in the day of competition.
       At Check -In (1) each vehicle will be inspected for compliance to all rules; (2)
        and the team’s required Engineering Design Journal(s) will be collected.
       The Judges (1) will look closely at vehicles again during competition and (2) may
        question team members of top ranking vehicles about their vehicle’s design,
        construction, and testing; (3) go over the Cost Analysis Form and receipts; (4) verify
        the vehicle’s capability of controlled forward movement. (will not be the same judge
        for all)
       Teams must have a passing score on the journal entry in order to be considered
        for a placement in the overall car competition.
       You must meet ALL qualifying criteria to participate in the competition.
       Junior High Division: at the Junior High check-in a power supply may be used to see
        if your vehicle moves with controlled motion.

DISQUALIFICATION
Teams can be disqualified for the following reasons:
       Any team whose vehicle is not in compliance with the rules;
       Any vehicle that goes over the cost limit;
       Any team that, in the judges’ opinion, does not demonstrate adequate knowledge
        of the vehicle’s design and construction;
       Any vehicle, which does not move in a controlled manner by judge’s discretion.
       Any team that receives or has received, in their opinion, inappropriate outside
        assistance before or during the competition.
       Any vehicle which uses propellers or continuous rotational motion for moving switches.
       Any vehicle which does not have a journal entry for the competition.
       Any vehicle entry that has a journal scoring less than a 70 will be disqualified from the
        final competition.
       Any exhibitor deemed responsible for malicious damage to a competitor’s vehicle.
        (special note: any exhibitor responsible for malicious damage to a competitors vehicle
        will also be disqualified from any future EDC competitions)

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                     Guidelines
                     2015-2016
MAJOR RULES
    1. If any conflicts exist between the web page and this handout, the final version of
       this handout takes precedence.
    2. During Competition you must move from the Pit Area to the “Heat Area” as your
       number appears on the Heat Assignment screen. Only the driver and one spotter will
       be allowed on the track. Any other members of the team will wait in an area that does
       not interfere with other teams or judges view of the competition. Driver and spotter
       will stand in designated area.
    3. When you are on deck, you will have 30 seconds to be ready for your competition
       round. If you aren't ready in 30 seconds, the competition will start without you.

    4. Only small hand tools are allowed in the Pit Area. Due to concerns about eye
       safety, any power tool or drill attachment capable of creating hazardous projectiles
       is prohibited. This ban includes “Dremel” style tools, power saws of any type,
       grinders, and power sanders. Electric drills with normal drill bits, glue guns, and
       soldering guns are allowed. Students will not be allowed in the pit area unless a
       teacher from that school is in the pit area as well.
    5. Any students in the Pit Area actively working on their vehicle must wear eye
       protection

      6.      No parents are allowed in the Pit area, the student control area, or in the
    competition areas.

    7.   Any team receiving inappropriate outside assistance may be penalized or disqualified.

SEEDING
Depending upon the number of teams competing and time restraints, seeding may be done
randomly by computer or by other methods as determined by judges/event coordinators.

COMPETITION

1. During the competition, eight teams will compete simultaneously on independent tracks to
complete the mission. Teams are required to maneuver their vehicle out of the starting area
and to throw the different switches throughout the course. The switches may be thrown in any
order. Points for each switch vary with difficulty and are shown on the diagrams.
         Each round is based on the number of points earned in that round
           only. Order for determining how a round is won:
           1. The vehicle that throws all the switches first within 60 seconds wins.
           2. The vehicle that has the most points for switches thrown at the end of 60
              seconds wins.
           3. In the event of a tie in points, the winner of a tie is determined in the
              following sequence:

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                        Guidelines
                        2015-2016
               A) Team with highest level of points wins (3 point switch over a 2 and 1
                  point switches)
               B) Team that achieved the tie score in the quickest time.
               C) If the judge cannot determine a winner, a coin will be flipped. All
                  decisions of judges are final.
            4. If neither vehicle throws a switch, the vehicle making the most mission
                 progress in the view of the judges will be declared the winner.
           Upon being called for a round, teams will have thirty (30) seconds to set up
            for their mission. Quarter finals and finals may have longer between rounds at
            the judge's/coordinators discretion.
2. The Competition will be a modified double elimination, unless large number of entries
requires otherwise rules of elimination.

COMPETITION RULES
Times for all events are subject to revision and change at any time during the competition
based on time constraints, number of entries, or any other factor as determined by judges or
EDC coordinators.

60 Seconds Head-to-Head Competition

       Modified Double elimination, based on the results of the two qualifying heats (not
        just the round of vehicles competing at the same time) and the evaluation of all
        times.
       Teams with the most points wins for that round of brackets.
       The top (16) sixteen 7th grade teams and the top (16) sixteen 8th grade teams will
        move on to final competition. (Journals will be pulled at this time to ensure journal
        has a passing grade of 70 or above)
       Top 32 teams may be interviewed by a judge or a team of judges.
       Scheduling of the races will be done by bracketing based on seeding times.
       Tether cable cannot be used to turn switches on or off or, placement of the golf ball.
        Judges will hand flip switches back to their original position if triggered by the tether.
       All switches may be used during the competition. Once on – always on. Judges will
        hand flip switches on that are inadvertently turned off.

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                        Guidelines
                        2015-2016

        Competition will be a modified double elimination series:

           In each Competition Round, the team that completes the mission first or the team that
            completes the largest portion of the mission within the time limit will be declared the
            winner and will progress through their bracket until they have experienced two losses,
            at which point they are out of the competition. A losing team will either drop to the
            loser’s bracket or will be eliminated from the competition if it is their second loss.
            Vehicles must be designed and constructed to engage in multiple missions. A win or a
            loss is subject to all teams competing in the competition, not just the (8) eight that
            happen to be on the tracks at the same time.

           Teams will be seeded in the Competition Rounds based on (2) two Seeding
            Round times/progress. The top 16 teams from each grade will move on to
            the finals.

2. EDC Competition teams:
       This contest is a team competition-A team must consist of two or three students-no
        single student teams will be allowed, unless there are extenuating circumstances, like
        the partner moves to another school, the partner is not eligible by UIL rules, the partner
        is ill, or if the partner has quit the partnership.
       A student cannot be on more than one team.
       Students must compete on a team from the school that he/she attends.
       Only two team members will be allowed in the track area during actual
        competition
       Must have a teacher sponsor.
       Must be the persons solely responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance
        of their vehicle before and during the competition. In the view of the Judges, any
        team receiving inappropriate outside assistance before and/or during the competition
        will be disqualified. The Judges may issue a warning. A disqualification decision
        during competition may not be appealed.
       Must have a journal entry.
       May seek funding sources to help offset the costs. If a sponsor is acquired, the
        team should consider displaying the logo of the sponsor on their vehicle.
       Must use new or used district issued motors for the vehicle. These are available
        through the district coordinator and your teacher can obtain them.
       Must not exceed $100 in total cost toward the vehicle’s construction. At check-in, each
        team must provide a Cost Analysis Form for their vehicle signed by their teacher sponsor
        for all purchased and donated materials. Purchased items will be detailed on the official
        cost analysis form. All receipts must be attached to this form. Any donated materials must
        be given a fair value and included in the $100 cost limit. The standard motors used for
        translation are not considered in the $100 cost limit. Failure to provide a cost analysis
        and/or exceeding the maximum allowable cost will result in disqualification.

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                            Guidelines
                            2015-2016
           Any component attached to the vehicle, and/or controller must be considered as part
            of the cost.
           Must have one team member present at all times during all aspects of the
            competition.
           Must not modify the electric motors internally.

            Your vehicle:
               Must use only the two motors provided by your school sponsor for movement
                on the track. No other motors can be used for vehicle movement on the track.
                Additional motors may be used for other vehicle operations such as arms or
                levers to contact the switches to score points. However, the cost for those motors
                must be included in the $100 limit. The power to run all motors or mechanisms
                must come from the common power supply. No other power sources are
                allowed.
                  Must fit within a 12”X 12” square upon check in at the competition. This can be
                   rechecked by judges at any time.
                  Must not be radio controlled.
                  Must not utilize any flammable substances, open flames and/or explosive
                   substances of any kind it its design and/or operation.
                  Must not utilize any hazardous chemicals of any kind in its design and/or operation.
                  Must not utilize any fluids (including liquids or compressed gas).
                  Must not place any adhesive material on the playing surface for enhanced
                   friction capabilities or for any other reason.
                  Must not use sharp implements such as razor blades, knives, etc. in its design
                   and/or operation.
                  Must be inanimate.
                 Must not be a pre-manufactured vehicle, pre-engineered kit
                 Gear boxes salvaged from other equipment, (i.e. computers, toys, or other such
                  items) are allowed. Gear boxes must have been salvaged from the device of their
                  original purpose and cannot have been purchased as a kit or part of a kit
                  specifically for use in the EDC Competition.
                  May utilize electro/mechanical servos that are wire-controlled.
                  All components must remain attached and intact during the competition.
                  Must not have any removable components that are tethered by a wire or
                   string longer than 3"
                  Must control any retractable or extension devices from the main portion of
                   the vehicle. Separate controller or cable will not be allowed.
                  May not utilize propellers or continuous rotation motion for switch movement at

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                       Guidelines
                       2015-2016
           any time during the competition.

3. Power:

Teacher has details regarding this.
              During the competition, each team will be provided a common power supply
                  (battery charger) at 12 volts, 6 amps utilizing an automotive cigarette lighter
                  type plug. The charger will be the receptacle (female); each team’s vehicle
                  controller will have the male plug. Teams without the correct power connection
                  may be disqualified.
              If the plug has a fuse it must be a 10-amp fuse.
              Vehicles must not short when plugged into the power supply. An
                  individual will not be allowed to hold the wires in place due to safety
                  issues.
              Plugs with wires can be purchased locally.
              Each team will tell the judge the level of power to be used. It is
                  the team’s responsibility to insure the correct level for their
                  vehicle is used.

5. Switches
         Each switch on the course will be a standard 15 amp, white residential grade
            single pole toggle switch with grounding screw. Specifications: Leviton Model
            R02-1451- 2W, available at Home Depot – SKU # 614287or similar.

6. Other
           No one may touch any vehicle after a seeding or competition round begins.
            Moving the vehicle by tether cord will result in disqualification.
           Deliberate damage of the track or course will result in disqualification. Vehicles
            that are damaging course may be asked by judges to be modified by next round.
            Judges have the right to disqualify vehicles that are deemed unsafe
           Deliberate damage of the control wiring will result in disqualification.
           Team members must stay in the controlling area during each round. This area will
            be marked. Driver and one spotter will be on the track. Other members of team
            will be in controlling area.
           Sponsors are allowed in the pit area. Students will be allowed to work in pit area as
            long as a any teacher from the school is available in the area.
           Students will remain in the controlling area between rounds. Only the students
            participating in a round or on deck will be allowed at the track at any time.

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                      Guidelines
                      2015-2016

                        Junior High Course Layout
Course description and Obstacles

Boundary walls made of 1 1/2” wood. Wood will be mounted directly to plywood base on
all sides.
All side mounted switches will be approximately 2.5” high to center. Switches will be
mounted on a 1” thick board on the inside of the Boundary Wall pipe.
The distance between each obstacle is at least 12”.

Obstacles:
   A. Start Box (1 point)
             Point will be earned when the vehicle moves off the ramp.

    B. Switch B (2 points)
             Switch on the wall must be moved from left to right.

    G. Tomb (4 points)
             The tomb will be 24” wide and made of 1 1/2” wood. Tomb will have 12 “
             passage on the right hand side. The switch will be wall mounted in the inside
             wall and will move up to down.

    D. Switch D (3 points)
           The switch will be on the wall. The switch will be wall mounted with the
           movement of switch from right to left.

    E. Golf Ball (3points)
             A golf ball must be maneuvered to a 3” diameter hole directly in front of the ball
             against the wall. 2 points will be awarded, only if the golf ball falls into the hole.

    F. Switch F (2 points)
             The light switch will be wall mounted with the movement of down to up.

    G. Escape Tunnel (4 points)
             20-degree ramp 15” wide up to light switch. Switch will be wall mounted with
             the movement of up to down.

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                      Guidelines
                      2015-2016

TEAM REGISTRATION
Each teacher who will be sponsoring students must submit entry forms for each student before
the deadline. The final deadline for teams to be entered in the competition is will be set annually.

CLARIFICATIONS
Clarification and other questions for the Competition Committee must be e-mailed through
the sponsoring teacher. Clarifications will be answered by the Competition Committee and e-
mailed back to the sponsoring teacher.
Clarifications will also be posted for all teams unless the question asked is viewed as
related strictly to the team asking it.
Clarifications sent from non-registered email addresses will not be addressed by the
committee. Teams are responsible for keeping copies of their transmissions. The web site
with Sci/Tech will have general information only.

AWARDS
Awards will be given immediately following the competition. The categories for awards and
the number of awards will be determined annually based on funds available and number of
entries. 7th and 8th awards. Each school should make plans to have at least one person
available to take the awards back to your campus.
Award categories will usually, but not necessarily include the following:

1. Overall Vehicle First through Fourth Place - 7th grade team
     Overall Vehicle First through Fourth Place - 8th grade team

2. Best Journal
    First through Fourth Place Overall- 7th grade team
    First through Fourth Place Overall- 8th grade team

3. Best Project Overall (Based on Vehicle Placement and
    Journal Placement) First Overall- 7th grade team First
    Overall- 8th grade team

4. Top-Gun (Highest score for a single run) (1st Place) Can be 7th or 8th

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EDC Official Competition Rules and
                   Guidelines
                   2015-2016
Special Award Judges will award the following:

Team Spirit                  First through Third Place Overall (Can be 7th or 8th)
Most Unique Design           First through Third Place Overall (Can be 7th or 8th)
Most Photogenic Vehicle      First through Third Place Overall (Can be 7th or 8th)
Best Display of Theme        First through Third Place Overall (Can be 7th or 8th)
Sportsmanship                First through Third Place Overall (Can be 7th or 8th)

Most Promising Engineers (2 teams per campus - Team to be picked by sponsor
teachers) 1st place only - (1) 7th grade (1) 8th grade

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