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Changelog

Version 2.1 - October 8, 2026

• Added Section 7, VEX AI Robotics Competition.
• Add Pin Half as new defined term
• Updated rules throughout the manual for clarity, revolving around the new Pin Half definition. This includes SC2, SC3, SC5, SC8, RSC3, VUG5, and VUG6
• Updated Violation Note 2 of SG9 for clarity
• Revised the Violation Note of SG10 for clarity
• Revised SG11 and VUG4 to clarify use of Loaders
• Updated the definition of Possession for clarity
• Revised the definitions of Owned, Pin and Toggle to use Pin Half term.
• Added Significant Q&A links to SG9 and SG10
• Other minor typo / formatting fixes

Version 2.0 - September 3, 2026

• Revised red-border box of SC2 to clarify intent
• Updated SC3 to provide clarity
• Updated SC6 to clarify intent
• Updated SC8 to revise the Autonomous Win Point criteria for standard and Worlds-qualifying events
• Revised the Violation Notes of SG10 with new Match Affecting calculations
• Revised SG11 to remove custom Violation notes and to allow Match Loads to have momentary simultaneous contact with Robots and Drive Team Members
• Updated SG12 to remove height restriction and replace with restriction on Placing Scoring Objects on the Midfield Goal
• Added a new bullet to SG13 to clarify intent
• Updated GG4 to provide clarity
• Removed <RSC3aiv>
• Revised VUG4 and <VUG6> for clarity
• Removed rule <VUG7> (again)
• Updated the definition of Match Load for simplicity
• Deleted the definition of Plowing
• Revised the definition of Possession so that moving objects with a concave face of the Robot does not count as Possession
• Other minor typo / formatting fixes

Version 1.1 - August 6, 2026

• Revised SC6 to provide clarity
• Updated SC7 to clarify that ending the Autonomous Period in the Midfield is not included in scoring calculations
• Updated SG7 and Figure SG-7 to fix a typo and provide clarity
• Revised the list of example interactions in SG9 to provide clarity
• Added a list of example interactions to SG10 to provide clarity
• Updated SG12 to clarify that Robots at least partially within the Midfield during the Endgame must make an effort to limit vertical expansion
• Revised the wording of rules G1, G2 and G4 for simplicity
• Removed rule <G5>. (Pre-existing rule <G6> is now <G5>)
• Updated GG16 for clarity
• Updated RSC2 to clarify that Match Load Scoring Objects can be introduced at any time, but only through red Alliance Loaders
• Updated <RSC3b> for clarity
• Added a bullet to R28 to clarify intent
• Revised VUG5 to clarify intent
• Removed rule <VUT6>. (Pre-existing rule <VUT7> is now <VUT6>)
• Updated the definition of Midfield to clarify intent, and correct “outer edges” to “inner edges”
• Updated figure Q-1 to make Tournament Manager scorekeeping consistent
• Updated the definition of Student for simplicity
• Revised SG9 and <SG10> Violation Notes to clarify intent
• Moved Violation Notes from Appendix C to their corresponding rules
• Other minor typo / formatting fixes

Version 1.0 - July 2, 2026

• Revised SC4 to provide clarity
• Updated SG2a and its red box to clarify that the rule only applies during the Match
• Updated SG3 to clarify Endgame expansion limits
• Updated SG4 to penalize only intentional remove of Scoring Objects, and to consider Scoring Objects resting on top of the Field Perimeter as being out of the Field
• Revised the wording of SG9 to provide better interaction examples
• Updated SG10 to clarify intent
• Rewrote SG12 to change the hard limit on vertical expansion during the Endgame, to a soft limit with verbal warnings
• Added rule SG13 to introduce Load Zone protections
• Revised R24f to add structurally non-homogeneous plastics to list of prohibited materials
• Added bullet points to T6 regarding custom solutions for mounting Toggles on metal Field Perimeters and Alliance Station dimensions / positioning as permissable Field modifications
• Removed existing rule <VUG7> and rewrote it for VEX U Load Zone protections
• Added a new definition for Load Zone
• Updated Figure T-1 to properly display the parts considered to be part of the Toggle
• Updated Violation Notes for rules SG4, SG9, SG10, SG12 and SG13
• Other minor typo / formatting fixes

Version 0.2 - June 4, 2026

• Updated a typo in the Game Design Philosophy to clarify that the Endgame is 10 seconds long
• Revised SC2, SC3, SC4, <SC5>, SC8, SG9, SG10, RSC3, <VUG6> and their corresponding figures for clarity, in regards to Pins that are Placed / Scored
• Updated R11 to clarify intent
• Updated R23a to allow anodizing, painting, dyeing, or otherwise changing the color of any legal VEX parts (other than for official events held in mainland China)
• Updated T6 to add white tape in place of blue/red tape for Load Zones as a permissible Field modification
• Revised tiebreakers in T22
• Added figures to Section 6 to show the starting configuration of a VEX U Head-to-Head Match
• Updated VUG4 to clarify that both Cups and Pins may be introduced into the Loaders in VEX U Matches
• Added a note to R11 and VUR11 to clarify that the 55W drivetrain motor restriction does not apply to VEX U
• Added new drawings to Appendix A for Toggle starting orientation, and AprilTag numbering locations
• Added new definitions for Plowing, Possession and Scored to Appendix B
• Other minor typo / formatting fixes

Version 0.1 - April 27, 2026

• Initial release

Quick Reference Guide

Scoring Rules
SC1	All scoring statuses are evaluated after the Match ends
SC2	Placed Scoring Object criteria
SC3	Scored Pin Half criteria
SC4	A Toggle is considered set to a color when it meets all of the following criteria
SC5	Ownership of Yellow Pin Halves
SC6	Robot Midfield criteria
SC7	Autonomous Bonus criteria
SC8	Autonomous Win Point criteria

Specific Game Rules
SG1	Starting a Match
SG2	Horizontal expansion is limited
SG3	Vertical expansion is limited
SG4	Keep Scoring Objects in the Field
SG5	Each Robot gets one Pin as a Preload
SG6	Possession is limited to a maximum of one Pin and one Cup
SG7	Don’t cross the Autonomous Line, and don’t interfere with your opponents’ actions
SG8	Engage with the Midfield and Autonomous Line during the Autonomous Period at your own risk
SG9	Alliance Goals are protected
SG10	Scoring Objects may not be neutral Goals
SG11	Match Loads may be introduced during the Match under certain conditions
SG12	Some rules change during the Endgame period
SG13	Load Zones are protected during the Driver Controlled Period of the Match.

Safety Rules
S1	Be safe out there
S2	Students must be accompanied by an Adult
S3	Each Student Team member must have a completed participant release form on file
S4	Stay inside the Field
S5	Wear safety glasses

General Rules
G1	Participants must follow the Code of Conduct
G2	Participants must follow the Student Centered Policy
G3	Use common sense
G4	Students must meet the Student Eligibility Policy requirements
G5	There is a difference between accidentally and willfully violating a Robot rule

General Game Rules
GG1	Only Drive Team Members, and only in the Alliance Station
GG2	A Team’s Robot should attend every Match
GG3	Robots on the Field must be ready to play
GG4	Hands out of the Field
GG5	Match replays are allowed, but rare
GG6	Disqualifications
GG7	Time-outs
GG8	Keep your Robots together
GG9	Don’t hook your Robot to the Field, and don’t get Entangled
GG10	The red Alliance may choose to place last
GG11	Controllers must stay connected to the Field
GG12	Autonomous means “no humans”
GG13	All rules still apply in the Autonomous Period
GG14	Don’t destroy other Robots. But, be prepared to encounter defense
GG15	Offensive Robots get the “benefit of the doubt” when judgment calls are required
GG16	You can’t force an opponent into a penalty
GG17	No Holding for more than a 3-count
GG18	Use Scoring Objects to play the game

Robot Skills Challenge Rules
RSC1	Standard rules apply in most cases
RSC2	Match play is different in Robot Skills Matches
RSC3	Scoring Robot Skills Matches
RSC4	Field setup for Robot Skills Matches
RSC5	Skills Stop Time

Robot Rules
R1	One Robot per Team
R2	Robots must pass inspection
R3	Robots must fit within an 18” x 18” x 18” volume
R4	Officially registered Team numbers must be displayed on Robot License Plates
R5	Let go of Scoring Objects after the Match
R6	Robots have one Brain
R7	Keep the power button or battery connection accessible
R8	Firmware up to date
R9	Use a “Competition Template” for programming
R10	Motors are limited
R11	Subsystems 1 & 2 have a combined motor limit
R12	Electrical power comes from VEX batteries only
R13	Robots use VEXnet
R14	Give the radio some space
R15	One or two Controllers per Robot
R16	Robots are built from the VEX V5 system
R17	New VEX parts are legal
R18	Prohibited Items
R19	Certain non-VEX components are allowed
R20	Custom V5 Smart Cables are allowed
R21	A limited amount of tape is allowed
R22	Certain non-VEX fasteners are allowed
R23	Visual decorations are allowed
R24	A limited amount of custom plastic is allowed
R25	Pneumatics are limited
R26	The VEX Pressure Gauge is a required part if a Robot includes pneumatics
R27	Most modifications to non-electrical components are allowed
R28	No modifications to electronic or pneumatic components are allowed

Tournament Rules
T1	Head Referees have ultimate and final authority on all gameplay and Robot ruling decisions
T2	Head Referees must be qualified
T3	Drive Team Members are permitted to immediately appeal a Head Referee’s ruling
T4	The Event Partner has ultimate authority regarding all non-gameplay decisions
T5	Be prepared for minor Field variance
T6	Fields may be repaired at the Event Partner’s discretion
T7	Fields at an event must be consistent with each other
T8	There are three types of Field control that may be used
T9	There are two types of Field Perimeter that may be used
T10	Qualification Matches follow the Match Schedule
T11	Each Team will have at least six Qualification Matches
T12	Qualification Matches contribute to a Team’s ranking for Alliance Selection
T13	Qualification Matches tiebreakers
T14	Small Tournaments have fewer Alliances
T15	Send a Student representative to Alliance Selection
T16	Each Team may only be invited once to join one Alliance
T17	Elimination Matches follow the Elimination Bracket
T18	Elimination Matches are a blend of “Best of 1” and “Best of 3”
T19	Ties in Elimination Matches lead to limited rematches
T20	Skills Match Schedule
T21	Skills Challenge Fields do not require the same modifications as the Head-to-Head Fields
T22	Skills Rankings at events
T23	Skills Rankings globally
T24	Robot Skills at League Events

VEX U Game Rules
VUG1	Different Robot starting sizes
VUG2	Different Robot placement than rule GG10
VUG3	Some electronic devices may be in motion or moving at the beginning of the Match
VUG4	Different availability of Loaders
VUG5	Different scoring during the Autonomous Period
VUG6	Different Autonomous Win Point criteria

VEX U Robot Skills Challenge Rules
VURS1	VEX U Robot Skills Matches are set up differently than VEX V5 Robot Skills Matches
VURS2	Teams are permitted to use both Robots in their VEX U Robot Skills Matches
VURS3	Both Robots must start the Robot Skills Match in legal starting positions for the red Alliance

VEX U Tournament Rules
VUT1	VURC Head-to-Head Matches will be played 1-Team vs. 1-Team
VUT2	Qualification Matches will be conducted in the same manner as in a VEX V5 Tournament
VUT3	Elimination Matches will be conducted in the same manner, but without an Alliance Selection
VUT4	The Autonomous Period at the beginning of each Head-to-Head Match will be 30 seconds
VUT5	The Driver Controlled Period is shortened to 90 seconds
VUT6	VURC Tournaments have fewer Teams in Elimination Matches

VEX U Robot Rules
VUR1	Teams may use two (2) Robots in each Match
VUR2	Teams may use any official VEX Robotics products, other than the exceptions listed below
VUR3	Fabricated Parts may be made by applying the following processes to Raw Stock
VUR4	Fabricated Parts must be made from legal Raw Stock
VUR5	The following material types are not considered Raw Stock
VUR6	Fabricated Parts cannot be made from Raw Stock which poses a safety or damage risk
VUR7	Fabricated Parts must be made by Team members
VUR8	Teams may use commercially-available springs on their Robots
VUR9	Teams may use commercially available fastener hardware on their Robot
VUR10	Each Robot must utilize exactly one (1) V5 Robot Brain and at least one (1) V5 Robot Radio
VUR11	There is no restriction on the number of V5 Smart Motors
VUR12	There is no restriction on Sensors, External Processors, or Additional Electronics
VUR13	Commercially available Electromechanical Assemblies are not legal
VUR14	Teams may utilize an unlimited amount of the following pneumatic components
VUR15	Teams may use commercially available bearings on their Robot

VEX AI Robotics Competition Scoring Rules
VAISC1	Isolation Bonus criteria
VAISC2	Different Isolation Win Point criteria

VEX AI Robotics Competition Game Rules
VAIG1	Standard game rules apply
VAIG2	Autonomous means “no humans” for the entire Match
VAIG3	Use common sense, and give grace
VAIG4	Robot starting sizes, positions, and expansion
VAIG5	Loaders and Match Loads

VEX AI Robotics Competition Robot Skills Challenge Rules
VAIRS1	Standard rules from VEX V5 and VEX U apply
VAIRS2	VEX AI Teams compete only in Autonomous Coding Skills Matches
VAIRS3	VEX AI Robot Skills Matches use the same Field layout as VEX AI Head-to-Head Matches
VAIRS4	Scoring VEX AI Robot Skills Matches

VEX AI Robotics Competition Tournament Rules
VAIT1	VEX AI Head-to-Head Matches will be played 1-Team vs. 1-Team
VAIT2	Qualification Matches will be conducted in the same manner as in a VEX U Tournament
VAIT3	Elimination Matches will be conducted in the same manner, but without an Alliance Selection
VAIT4	The Isolation Period at the beginning of each Head-to-Head Match will be fifteen (15) seconds
VAIT5	The Interaction Period will be one minute and forty-five seconds (1:45)

VEX AI Robotics Competition Robot Rules
VAIRM1	VEX U Robot rules apply as written, except Robot sizes
VAIRM2	Different Robot sizes
VAIRM3	Components used for AI vision processing are Additional Electronics