Rules

1. The Tether:

Throughout the competition, the vehicles must move only under their own power. Specifically, a team member pulling on the tether during the competition rounds is expressly prohibited and will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

2. Modifications to the Sea Perch Kit:

Teams are encouraged to think outside of the box.  Teams have a budget of $15.00 to purchase any upgrades they deem necessary.  Teams are not allowed to add additional thrusters and must use the motors provided for the thrusters. Additional motors may be used as long as they provide no additional thrust. Everything else in the kit can be used at your own discretion.  All purchases must have a receipt and that receipt must be included in the project notebook.  Teams are permitted to change the shape and configuration of the Sea Perch.  Hooks and attachments may be added/removed depending on the round.  Extra batteries may be purchased or used from other kits and will not be included in your budget.  Glass is a prohibited addition.  ROV's have to be able to fit through a 24 inch diameter hoop.

3. Competition Day

• Each team’s Sea Perch is required to pass inspection at the compliance station prior to admittance to the pool.
• Only 2 team members are allowed on the pool deck during competition
• All team members must wear shoes with rubber soles to the competition
• Nothing other then the Sea Perch vehicle should be put into the pools
• Each robot will be inspected and qualified by a judge prior to competition in each round 
• In the event that a vehicle is inadvertently interfered with during a trial or a malfunction of a vehicle’s parts (i.e. the motor) that is beyond the design and construction put together by the team the panel of judges will have the authority to allow the team time to fix their vehicle and allow them to complete later in the round.  These malfunctions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.