The Current Challenge:

This year's game of Breakaway is played on a carpeted FIELD. Two 12-inch high BUMPS split the FIELD into three zones: RED ZONE, MIDFIELD, and BLUE ZONE. A TOWER is located in the middle of each BUMP. Each alliance (blue and red) consists of 3 teams. Both goals of the alliances are located in their own zone. There are vision targets above each of the four goals. Basically, this year's challenge is a robot soccer game! Along with the challenge of scoring points, they must also deal with the perilous trips over the bumps and into different zones. Robots may flip over if they are not carefully maneuvered across the bumps. However, there is a tunnel under both the TOWERS where short robots may go under to avoid the bumps. Bonus points are awarded if a robot can hang on the towers for a designated amount of time. Each MATCH is 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. The first part of the match will be played in AUTONOMOUS mode, in which the robots will move automatically according to their programming for 15 seconds. After the 15 seconds are up, team drivers are able to operate their robot.

If you'd like to read the rules, the full manual can be found in our Documents section under "Media" at the top of the page.

You may also view this year's game animation on YouTube.