Prefix

Changelog

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	Each Placed Pin can have zero, one, or two Scored halves
SC4	A Toggle is considered set to a color when it meets all of the following criteria
SC5	Yellow Pin Ownership
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 can’t be removed from neutral or opponent-Alliance 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	Treat everyone with respect
G2	VEX V5 is a Student-centered program
G3	Use common sense
G4	All work must represent the skill level of the Students on the Team
G5	Each Student can only belong to one Team
G6	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

Inspection 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
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
VUG7	Different Load Zone protection

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	VEX U Student eligibility
VUT7	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