The FIRST assignment for the year 2008 is called Overdrive. FIRST Overdrive is a game played on the TRACK (illustrated in the figure above). Two ALLIANCES, one red and one blue, composed of three teams each, compete in each MATCH. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent by making counter-clockwise laps with your robot around the TRACK while moving large TRACKBALLS over and/or under the OVERPASS that bisects the TRACK. The point values for each of those actions are explained below.

A MATCH is 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. A HYBRID PERIOD starts each MATCH in which the ROBOTS are controlled by pre-programmed instructions and/or transmitted information from the ROBOCOACH. The HYBRID PERIOD is followed by the TELEOPERATED PERIOD during which the DRIVERS assume control of the robot. There may be a short pause between HYBRID PERIOD and the start of the TELEOPERATED PERIOD as the player's controls are activated. The ROBOTS continue to play the game until the TELEOPERATED PERIOD is over.

More in-depth descriptions along with official rules can be found here.

Good luck to all the teams competing! We’ll see you at the competition!