Game Manual
1. Overview
The 2025 Argobot Challenge: Stash Dash is played by opposing TEAMS on a rectangular FIELD. The primary objective is for ROBOTS to score SCRAP (5-inch diameter whiffle balls) into designated scoring locations (STASHES) to earn points. SCRAP color determines credit for points and the bonus in the central COMMUNAL STASH. Bonus points are also available for a successful end-game PEDESTAL STASH.
2. Game Pieces
The only game piece used in Stash Dash is the SCRAP ball, which comes in two colors (Red and Blue).
| Game Piece | Description |
|---|---|
| SCRAP | A 5-inch diameter whiffle ball. The game utilizes 40 SCRAP balls total: 20 Red and 20 Blue. |
SCRAP
3. Scoring Locations
There are three types of scoring locations (STASHES), each offering a different point value and scoring method.
| Stash Type | Count/Ownership |
|---|---|
| SIMPLE STASH | One per TEAM |
| ELEVATED STASH | Two per TEAM |
| COMMUNAL STASH | One Central Stash |
ELEVATED STASH
COMMUNAL STASH
4. Field Layout and Dimensions
The STASH DASH FIELD is a rectangle measuring 24 feet long by 16 feet wide. All scoring elements are placed symmetrically across the field.
| Component | Dimensions and Location |
|---|---|
| FIELD | 24' long x 16' wide playing surface. |
| COMMUNAL STASH | 2.5' tall recycling container with a 1'10" diameter opening. Located in the center of the field. |
| SIMPLE STASH (Team-Specific) | A 1.5' opening on the ground of the field, located along the team's station wall. |
| ELEVATED STASH (Team-Specific) | A 13" x 13" x 11" milk crate. Two are provided for each team. |
| PEDESTAL ZONE (Team-Specific) | A 4' long by 2" wide zone, marked by tape on the field, where the PEDESTAL is placed during the End-Game. |
Field Layout
5. Scoring Definition
This section defines what constitutes a score, how credit is assigned, and the rules for all end-game bonuses.
A. Scored (STASHED) Definition
A piece of SCRAP counts as STASHED (scored) when:
- It is fully contained within the boundaries of the scoring STASH.
- It is fully supported by the FIELD or the structure of the STASH.
- It is not in contact with a ROBOT or any game pieces supported by a ROBOT.
B. Scoring Credit Rules
- Team-Specific Stashes (SIMPLE & ELEVATED): Points are awarded to the TEAM corresponding to the STASH, regardless of the SCRAP color (Red or Blue).
- COMMUNAL STASH: Points are awarded based on the SCRAP color.
- Red SCRAP scores points for the Red TEAM.
- Blue SCRAP scores points for the Blue TEAM.
C. End-Game and Bonus Scoring
- COMMUNAL STASH BONUS: Awarded to the TEAM whose color corresponds to the most SCRAP STASHED in the single central COMMUNAL STASH.
- BONUS AWARDED: 5 BONUS POINTS.
- If there is a tie for the most SCRAP (by color) in the COMMUNAL STASH, neither TEAM receives the bonus.
- PEDESTAL STASH BONUS: The PEDESTAL (4" tall, 4" diameter PVC pipe) is placed by a human player in the PEDESTAL ZONE when 20 seconds are left in the match.
- PEDESTAL VIOLATION: If a ROBOT contacts the opposing TEAM's PEDESTAL after it is placed, the opposing TEAM is automatically awarded the 7-POINT PEDESTAL STASH BONUS.
- SCORING: If at the end of the match, no violation has occurred, and a single piece of SCRAP is successfully STASHED atop the PEDESTAL, that TEAM will earn a bonus.
- BONUS AWARDED: 7 POINTS.
6. Scoring Summary
The following table summarizes all potential points a TEAM can earn by scoring SCRAP or achieving bonuses.
| Scoring Action | Points Earned | Scoring Method / Credit |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE STASH (Per SCRAP) | 1 POINT | Credited to the TEAM owning the Stash, regardless of SCRAP color. |
| ELEVATED STASH (Per SCRAP) | 2 POINTS | Credited to the TEAM owning the Stash, regardless of SCRAP color. |
| COMMUNAL STASH (Per SCRAP) | 3 POINTS | Credited to the TEAM matching the SCRAP color (Red to Red, Blue to Blue). |
| COMMUNAL STASH BONUS | 5 POINTS | Awarded to the TEAM with the most SCRAP (by color) in the Communal Stash. |
| PEDESTAL STASH BONUS | 7 POINTS | Awarded for a successfully STASHED SCRAP on the PEDESTAL at the end of the match. |
7. Gameplay Rules
The following rules govern the control of SCRAP and general ROBOT behavior during the match:
- A ROBOT can control up to 2 SCRAP at any time.
- If a ROBOT scores more than 2 SCRAP in a single scoring cycle, any additional scored SCRAP beyond the first two will be removed and not counted for points at the completion of the match.
- ROBOTS must not intentionally eject SCRAP from the FIELD.
- ROBOTS must stay within the boundary of the FIELD at all times.
- ROBOTS may not attempt to contact the opposing TEAM's ROBOT.
8. Chute Rules
The HUMAN PLAYER (designated CHUTE OPERATOR) introduces SCRAP to the FIELD via a designated SCRAP CHUTE.
When entering SCRAP to the FIELD the CHUTE OPERATOR:
- MUST release the game pieces while they are in contact with the SCRAP CHUTE without adding additional force.
- MAY release a game piece from any point on the SCRAP CHUTE ramp.
- MAY NOT cross into the FIELD in any fashion.
9. Robot Construction Rules
All ROBOTS must adhere to the following construction and size limitations:
- A TEAM's ROBOT will be unable to play if any part of the ROBOT is deemed unsafe by event officials.
- ROBOTS must be constructed using a standard argobot drivebase.
- No part of a TEAM's ROBOT can exceed 40 inches at any time during the match.
- The maximum extension outside of the frame of the ROBOT is 18 inches.
10. Q&A
Please post any questions regarding rules in the 2025 Argobot Challenge Q&A discord channel.