The 2008 FRC game is Overdrive and is played on a 27 by 54ft carpeted field. Notable structures are the overpass, which spans the center of the field 6 1/2 feet off the ground, and the lane divider, which is 6 feet high and runs along the midline of the track. These two structures define the finish lines (there is a blue one and a read one.)

Each robot begins on the wall of its respective alliance, and scores points by moving its game piece across its finish line. Bonus points will be awarded should the game piece travel over the overpass instead of simply across the finish line (this means lifting the ball at least 6 feet!) There are four game pieces: two red and two blue inflatable balls, each 40 inches in diameter. At the beginning of the match, they are positioned on the overpass in a random arrangement. During the match, robots must knock them off the overpass first before they can begin racing with them.

Additionally, there will be three types of players per team: drivers, a coach, and a robocoach. The ‘Robocoach’ is a new position created especially for the autonomous period, or ‘hybrid mode.’ During this period, from the corners of the field the robocoaches will use an infrared beam to send signals to their robot and guide it through the track. After 15 seconds, the teleoperated period will begin. Robots will be controlled to move the track balls by bumping and/or herding them. Each time the ball passes across the finish line, it is worth 2 points, and each time it passes over the overpass, it’s worth 6 points. If the track gets congested, robots should lightly bump the robots they are overtaking. This is to promote gracious professionalism within the game.

For a visual simulation, please see this video.