<R1> Each team can have only one robot.  You will make changes to this robot throughout the season.

<R2> Robots must represent the team’s skill level.  Adults can mentor and teach design, building, and programming skills to the students, but students on the team must design, build, and program that team’s robot.

<R3> Your robot must pass inspection before being cleared to compete.

<R4> Robots must fit in an 18″ x 18″ x 18″ volume, checked with the official VEX sizing tool.

<R5> Robots may only expand horizontally in one direction.  The criteria is listed in rule <SG2>.

<R6> Robots must be safe.  They should not have mechanisms that could damage field elements, scoring objects, or other robots.

<R7> Robots are built from the VEX V5 system using only official VEX V5 components (unless specifically noted within these rules).

<R8> Certain non-VEX parts are allowed (color filters, non-aerosol-based grease for lubrication, hot glue to secure cables, 1/4″ diameter or smaller string, bundling material for cables and pneumatic tubing, rubber bands, 3D printed license plates, zip ties…).

<R9> Non-functional decorations are allowed as long as they don’t affect robot performance.

<R10> Team numbers must be displayed on robot license plates.  The plates must be placed on at least 2 horizontally opposing sides (not the top).

<R11> The robot must let go of scoring objects after the match (without requiring the robot to have power after a match).

<R12> Robots must use only one VEX V5 brain.

<R13> Motors are limited and the total combined power cannot exceed 88W.  VEX sells both 11W and 5.5W motors and they can be used in any combination.

<R14> Robots can only use one V5 battery to power the V5 Brain.  (You can use a rechargeable battery pack plugged into the V5 controller during a match.)

<R15> No modifications can be made to electronic or pneumatic components.

<R16> Most modifications to non-electrical components are allowed.

<R17> Robots must use the VEXnet system for wireless communication.

<R18> The V5 radio should be mounted so that no metal surrounds the radio symbol.  This will help prevent robot communication issues.

<R19> A limited amount of non-shattering plastic from a single 12″ x 24″ sheet (0.070″ thick) can be used.  These include polycarbonate (lexan), delrin, acetron GP, POM, ABS, PET, nylon, and polypropylene.

<R20> A limited amount of tape can be used to secure wires, label, decorate.

<R21> Certain non-VEX fasteners can be used (screws up to 2.5″ long, nuts, washers, standoffs, spacers).

<R22> New VEX parts released during the competition season are considered legal unless otherwise noted.

<R23> Pneumatics are limited to a maximum of 2 VEX pneumatic air reservoirs charged to a maximum of 100 psi.

<R24> One or two controllers can be used to control a single robot.

<R25> Custom V5 smart cables can be built with non-VEX connectors as long as official smart cable stock is used.

<R26> The on/off power button on the V5 brain must be accessible without moving or lifting the robot. 

<R27> A “Competition Template” must be used in your program with “when started,” “when driver control,” and “when autonomous” sections.

<R28> Violations of robot rules (accidental or intentional) will result in a team being unable to play until they pass inspection.  Teams who intentionally violate rules to gain an advantage over their fellow competitors are violating the spirit and ethos of the competition and will result in a <G1> and/or RECF Code of Conduct violation.