2013 Rules and Events

Competition General Rules

Updated 4/23/13

1. On Competition Day there will be three competition events: two Pool Events and one Poster Presentation.  All events will comprise three classes: Middle School, High School, and new for 2013, an 'Open' class, with each class competing in two in-water events and the Poster Presentation.

2. The top finishers in the pool events will complete a second time at the end of the day, subject to time and pool lane availability, to determine the top three finishers for each class.

3. For each of the classes, trophies will be awarded for the first three finishers in each pool event. Also, trophies will be awarded for the top three finishers in the poster presentation competition in each of the three classes.

5. Three overall trophies will also be awarded, one in each of the three classes (Middle School, High School and Open) for the best combined scores from all three events.

6.  A National Champion trophy will be awarded for the best combined score across all Stock class competitors. Open class competitors are not eligible for the overall trophy.

7.  Only two team members are allowed on the pool deck during a competition.

8. All team members must wear shoes with rubber soles on the pool deck.

9. Nothing other than the SeaPerch ROV may be put into the pool.

10. Each SeaPerch ROV must be presented for a compliance check during check-in on Friday night, or on Saturday morning and approved by a judge prior the team competing in the pool events.

11. In the event that a vehicle is inadvertently interfered with during a competition, or a malfunction of a vehicle's parts (i.e., the motor) occurs that is beyond the design and construction, the lead pool judge will have the sole authority to provide the team time to fix their vehicle and to allow them to compete later in the round. Malfunctions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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Vehicle Design Rules

Teams are encouraged to think outside the box and change the shape and configuration of the SeaPerch ROV.

Stock Class (High School and Middle School)

Vehicles shall consist of the parts and components contained within the equivalent of one SeaPerch kit, with the following exceptions:

• Teams have a budget of $20.00 to modify the SeaPerch. It is the actual value of the modifications that must be $20 or less. Donated material should be assessed at what the cost would be to procure the material. The $20 limit is for costs of the materials utilized on the final competition vehicle.  Reasonable spare parts are not included in this budget.

• Hooks and attachments may be added/removed depending on the competition round.

• Additional motors may be utilized for actuation or other non-propulsion uses.  Motors may be found at Jameco P/N 232022.

• Teams may only utilize stock SeaPerch motors in thrusters (Jameco P/N 232022). 

• Teams may not add additional thrusters to the SeaPerch.  A thruster is defined as a means of propulsion for the SeaPerch, normally but not limited to a motor and propeller assembly.

• Teams will design for and utilize a 12-volt power source. Over charging or stacking batteries is not allowed. 

• The vehicle may be reset by the teams during the competition

• The vehicle cannot be dragged via the tether.

• No dimension shall be larger than 22" (minimum obstacle diameter)

Open Class

Vehicles should consist of the parts and components utilized within the SeaPerch kit to the maximum extent possible and shall be subject to the following:

• Teams have no budget limit. (Budgets should be tracked for presentation to Judges during poster presentation)

• Hooks and attachments may be added/removed depending on the competition round.

• Teams may only utilize stock SeaPerch motors in thrusters (Jameco P/N 232022). 

• Teams will design for and utilize a 12-volt power source. Over charging or stacking batteries is not allowed.  A 10-Amp Max fuse shall be used for safety.

• The vehicle may be reset by the teams during the competition

• The vehicle cannot be dragged via the tether.

• No dimension shall be larger than 22 (minimum obstacle diameter)

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Challenges and Disputes

Sportsmanship is expected at all times. Should a protest or dispute occur during the competition it is the intent to resolve the grievance at the time it occurs, and the ruling by the Head Judge shall be final.

A team that wishes to have an issue considered shall send the student team captain and one additional student member (2) to the lead judge with the inquiry or question. The lead judge will make the decision on the issue, and this decision is final. The same issue may not be brought to the judge a second time by any member of the team. Adults may not approach the lead judge on the pool deck regarding any perceived issues.

Teams may not question the legality of other competing vehicles; it is the Head Judge's role to determine if vehicles meet the entry and compliance requirements.

Unsportsmanlike conduct is grounds for the disqualification of a team. Team members and advisors are responsible for the conduct of all members and adults accompanying the team.

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Competition Events

Obstacle Course

An underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) must be able to maneuver successfully under its own power. If a vehicle cannot maneuver to the appropriate location to perform its task, the vehicle is of no use.
The submerged obstacle course involves large rings (22" minimum diameter), oriented in any direction, through which the vehicles must travel. Teams must navigate through the obstacle course, surface, then re-submerge and return through the course to the end. Consideration of optimal maneuverability, control and speed should be given when constructing your SeaPerch (thruster placement and orientation, tether attachment, buoyancy and ballast, etc) and control box. Scores for this round will be based on the fastest time for successfully navigating the obstacle course.

There are five (5) -22" diameter hoops in the obstacle course.

This course will inverted and suspended from the surface due to the the depth of the Nationals Venue. 

Obstacle Course Rubric            Obstacle Course Rules

Click the image below for detailed course information.

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Deepwater Transfer

ROVs are commonly used at deep depths to perform a variety of tasks.  One on these tasks is the retrieval and relocation of objects.  This task simulates retrieving objects from complex locations at different depths, and then placing them in designated locations.

Deepwater Rubric      Deepwater Rules

Click the image below for detailed course information.

The course consists of two racks of rings, each anchored at different depths.  Each rack will hold Six (6) rings, three on the side closest to the operators and three on the side furthest away. The course will hold a total of 12 rings.  Rings retrieved should be placed in one of two bins located close to the ROV operators at different depths.  A larger bin will be located at a shallow depth with a smaller bin beneath it at a deeper depth.

Points will be scored as followed:

1 point for each ring removed from the close side of the rack

2 points for each ring removed from the farther side of the rack

1 point for each ring placed in the upper bin

2 points for each ring placed in the lower bin

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Poster and Presentation Judging

While preparing your poster and presentation, here are some areas to consider:

• The maximum poster size is 48" x 36".
• What did your SeaPerch need to do, and how did your design meet that requirement?
• How long did it take you to build and test your SeaPerch? Describe the process.
• Who did what on your team and why? What skills did the team have and what skills had to be developed?
• Why did your team shape, locate, or angle the foam/weights/motors as you did (initial placement vs. final placement changes)?
• What design changes did you make as a result of the testing and evaluation of your SeaPerch prior to the challenge?
• What was the budget for your vehicle and how was it managed?
• Is each team member prepared to answer questions from the judges?

The 2013 Rubric is now available for review.  Click here to view.