Answered: Adults working on the robot - by group

VEX Robotics Competition Discussion VRC > Skyrise (14/15)
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I want to apologize in advance for needing to ask these questions. I know that RECF and the GDC have striven to keep the rules small (build a robot, here is how you score), but sometimes it’s the reading of the rules and people trying to guess intent get crossed.

This question is semi-redunant as it’s pretty much covered by this answered question Are adults allowed to be members of a team. But I have some exact cases that I’d like to know the answers to.

Sorry also for the multi-part format of this question, I want to make sure I cover all the parts. I know that there are sometimes nuances between VEXIQ, VEX Metal and VEXU, so I’ve broken them out.

In the questions below “actively working on” means doing something like change a motor, adding or removing parts, etc. It does not mean something minor like “just tightening a screw”. It does not mean drive the robot as outlined in the above question. For code it means making a multiline change, not just downloading new firmware.

“adult” means a mentor, parent or guardian, or someone from another team. A side case is at a mixed VEXU and VEXIQ event, someone from a VEXU team comes over and helps. I chose the word adult since that covers 99% of the cases I’m interested in.

“at a competition” I mean competitions that are preludes to state or regional championships, state or regional championships that are preludes to Worlds or the World Championship. I understand that “off-season” events can and often do have local rules.

Here we go:

In VEXIQ are adults allowed to actively work on the robot at a competition?

In VEXIQ are adults allowed to actively work on the robot computer code at a competition?

In VEX Metal are adults allowed to actively work on the robot at a competition?

In VEX Metal are adults allowed to actively work on the robot computer code at a competition?

In VEXU are adults allowed to actively work on the robot at a competition?

In VEXU are adults allowed to actively work on the robot computer code at a competition?

Would any of the activities listed above (actively working on the robot and/or actively working on the robot code) cause a team to not be eligible for judged awards in VEXIQ at a competition?

Would any of the activities listed above (actively working on the robot and/or actively working on the robot code) cause a team to not be eligible for judged awards in VEX Metal at a competition?

Would any of the activities listed above (actively working on the robot and/or actively working on the robot code) cause a team to not be eligible for judged awards in VEXU at a competition?

Thanks!
Foster

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For all clarification regarding the VEX IQ Challenge, you’ll need to post in the official Q&A at vexiqfourm.com.

All four situations you have described are legal. As stated previously in these forums: “We encourage students to seek out adult mentorship from teachers, parents, college students, and industry professionals, in an effort to enhance and enrich their experience as a VRC participant.” How adults choose to act as mentors on a team is solely up to the team itself. We hope that our participants would use good judgement and work to ensure the best possible experience for all student team members.

The purpose of this forum is to issue clarifications on the current season Game, Tournament, Robot, and Skills Challenge Rules. For questions regarding awards you should contact your local REC Foundation representative. Alternately, you could post your question in the Official World Championship Question and Answer Forum.

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Thanks as always for the quick responses. I was a little surprised about the redirect to RECF for the judged awards, but I sent a note to Jason, Miller, Brad, Marc and Jim C to see if I could get a quick answer before the World Championship. (Sort of a shotgun approach, but I know they are super busy.

I’ll post in the VEXIQ forum to see what they say. Thanks for the guidance!

Foster

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Thanks for posting the VEX IQ Challenge specific question in the appropriate forum. This way all official clarifications about each program are in the most visible spot for all teams.

You’re welcome!

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