On April 2nd, 2026, Version 4.0 of the V5RC Push Back Game Manual was released, and the following changes were made:
- Updated the definition of Goalkeeping to clarify intent
Goalkeeping - A Robot status and/or Robot action. In Push Back, a Robot is Goalkeeping while it is reaching into any open portion of a Goal while not attempting to change the score of the Match through legal means (i.e., the Robot is not actively moving Blocks inside a Goal, and is not adding or removing Blocks to/from a Goal or a Control Zone), or while it is simultaneously reaching into both open portions of a Long Goal. A Robot can be in possession of a Block and capable of scoring, but still be Goalkeeping based on its actions. See for more information.
- Updated the definition of CoC-related Violation for clarity
Event staff other than referees may review video footage and/or photographs from the event as part of CoC-related Violation investigations; these reviews cannot change gameplay rulings made by Head Referees.
- Revised <S5> to clarify intent
Drive Team Members must wear eye protection. All Drive Team Members must wear some form of eye protection while at the Field for Matches. Safety glasses or other eyewear with side shields and non-shattering lenses are recommended. While in the pit and queuing areas, it is highly recommended that all Team members wear eye protection.
- Updated <SG1> to allow breaking the plane or contacting the barrier
- Rewrote <SG7> for clarity
- Expanded <SG8> to include wing play
- Rewrote <SG10> to clarify intent
- Updated <R8> to clarify intent
At events using a V5 Smart Field Control System, the “Team Number” field in the Robot Brain must be set as the Team’s registered number and letter (with no spaces).
- Expanded <R10> to specify that beta firmware is not legal
Beta firmware, which includes any firmware version that ends with the letter ‘b’, is not legal for use in competition.
- Updated <R20> to specify legal non-VEX rubber bands, zip ties, and anti-slip mat
Rubber bands no larger than 7.5” long and 0.25” wide.
Plastic zip ties no larger than 12” long and 0.25” wide.
Anti-slip drawer liner with similar nominal dimensions to VEX Anti-Slip Mat (275-0120 or 275-0121). The pattern of the matting should be similar to VEX Anti-Slip Mat, and there should be no additional performance gained by using non-VEX anti-slip drawer liner (i.e., no additional elasticity, adhesive backing, etc.). No piece of anti-slip drawer liner can be larger than 12” x 15” and all pieces must be black in color.
- Updated <T10> and added a bullet to add info for full-event Disqualifications
If the RECF Regional Support Manager determines that a Team should be removed from further Matches at the event based on the outcome of a CoC-related Violation, the EP can use the full-event Disqualification feature in TM to remove that Team from all further Matches at the event. Their spots in later Qualification Matches will be replaced automatically by Teams from the end of the Match schedule, and Matches will be removed from the end of the schedule as appropriate.
- Updated <T16> and added a bullet to add info for full-event Disqualifications
If a Team must be removed after Alliance Selection due to the outcome of a CoC-related Violation (see clause e of <T10>), the EP can use the full-event Disqualification feature in TM to remove that Team from their Alliance. Their spot in that Alliance will be filled manually by the EP by the next-highest-ranked Team that is not already in an Alliance. If that Team is unavailable or unwilling to participate, the EP can manually select the next-highest-ranked and available Team. If no replacement Team is available, the remaining half of that Alliance will play alone.
- Added Section 8, containing important information for the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship