Bonus Rule Interpretation

[Srinivas]

Hi, I am a first time coach for Battery Buggy event. Appreciate your help.

I am trying to understand the bonus rule (please refer to Buggy track diagram: https://www.soinc.org/sites/default/fil ... ack_v2.pdf):
1) Does this mean the event supervisor can place the first can "anywhere" in the middle of start and end points? That is, for example, if the target distance is 10 meters can the supervisor place it at any possible mid-way points such as 1meter, 2m, 4m, 5m, 8m... etc (I am assuming the can cannot be placed beyond 8.5m line; or below 0.5m line)
2) Is the supervisor's placement of can same for all participating teams? Does it change?
3) Does a participating team can place their can any place within 1m (or less) radius? Or does this have to be on a line perpendicular to the imaginary central line?
4) In the two run-trails a team gets, can they try one run without bonus constraint; and try the second one with the bonus. Or can they try different gaps between the cans to try to better their score --> i.e. are they allowed to change distance between the cans.

Appreciate clarification.

Thanks
Srinivas
Battery Buggy Coach, Troy Schools, Michigan

[bernard]

Rule 6.b. states the Bonus Line is exactly halfway between the Start Point and Target Point. Rule 5.a. states the Target Distance is the same for all teams, so halfway would be the same for all teams.

The rules do not use the term "radius" when describing can placement; 5.g. specifies that the inner can is placed by students on the Bonus Line.

Rule 6.c. specifies that the cans are removed from the track if students "do not want to attempt the Bonus for a specific run." Rule 5.g. allows students to choose the position of the inner can prior to each run.

Opinions expressed on this site are not official; the only place for official rules changes and FAQs is soinc.org.

[Srinivas]

Thank you

[goodcheer]

Hi, I am a first time coach for Battery Buggy event. Appreciate your help.

I am trying to understand the bonus rule
1) Does this mean the event supervisor can place the first can "anywhere" in the middle of start and end points? That is, for example, if the target distance is 10 meters can the supervisor place it at any possible mid-way points such as 1meter, 2m, 4m, 5m, 8m... etc

Just a little more clarity: The bonus line is half way between start and target points, perpendicular to an imaginary center line. So if the target point is 10m, the bonus line is at 5m; if target is 12m, then bonus line is 6m, etc. Then, the first or outer can is placed on the bonus line 1m to the left of the imaginary center line and the second can is place on the same bonus line wherever the participant wants depending on how accurate his or her vehicle is. The closer the two cans are placed, the better the bonus score, but the more difficult. Best wishes.

[cowatt]

Thank You still a little confusing does the vehicle need to curve and then go back to the middle line.

[builder83]

Yes. You will place your car launching at an angle at the start line, through the cans if you are trying the bonus, and back to the center line. The dowel needs to be placed at the center of the start line and it will be used as the measuring spot to the center of the end line.