AERIAL ASSIST is played by two competing Alliances of three Robots each on a flat 25' x 54' field, straddled at midfield by a lighting truss suspended just over five feet above the floor. Each Alliance has 2 high goals and 2 low goals in their zone at end of the field opposite their driver stations in which they score points with an approximately 2' diameter exercise ball. Points are awarded not only for scoring the ball in a goal, but also for cooperative play. Passing the ball between alliance members as they move down the field, and throwing and catching it over the truss earn significant bonuses. The 2 minute and 30 second matches begin with a 10 second Autonomous Period in which the robots operate independently of the drive teams. Robots are positioned in the center (White) zone and may begin with a ball and attempt to score it in a goal. Alliances earn bonus points for scoring balls in this mode and for any of their robots that move into their zones. Additionally, each high/low pair of goals will be designated "hot" for five seconds, but the order of which side is first is randomized. For each ball scored in a "hot" goal, the Alliance earns additional bonus points. Once all balls in autonomous are scored, only one ball for each Alliance is re-entered into play, and the Alliances must cycle a single ball as many times as possible for the remainder of the match.