Vex Challenge Ringmaster User manual

Game Manual

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE GAME 3
ROBOT INSPECTION 11
THE EVENT
16
T
EAMWORK
C
HALLENGE
16
R
OBOT
S
KILLS
C
HALLENGE
18

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
3
The Game
Game Description
Matches are played on a field set up as illustrated in the figures throughout. The Robot Skills
Challenge and the Teamwork Challenge use the exact same field and set up.
In the Teamwork Challenge, an
Alliance of two (2) Robots, operating under driver control, work
together in each
Match .
In the Robot Skills Challenge, one (1)
Robot attempts to score as many points as possible. These
matches consist of
Driving Skills Matches, which will be entirely driver controlled, and Programming
Skills Matches
, which will be autonomous with limited human interaction.
The object of the game is to attain the highest score by
Scoring Rings on the Floor Goal and on
Posts , by having Uniform Posts , by Emptying Starting Pegs , and by Releasing the Bonus Tray .
Figure 1 – Starting Configuration of the Field

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
4
Each VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster Match includes the following:
•Sixty (60)
Rings .
oTwenty (20)
Rings of each color; red, blue, and green.
oFifteen (15)
Rings start in the Bonus Tray .
oNine (9)
Rings start on the Starting Pegs .
oThirty-six (36)
Rings start at designated locations on the field.
•One (1)
Floor Goal
•Four (4)
Low Posts
•Two (2)
Horizontal Posts
•One (1)
High Post
•Three (3)
Starting Pegs
•One (1)
Bonus Tray
Figure 2 – Overhead drawing of the Field. The Starting Positions, Floor Goal, and Driver Station are highlighted.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
5
Game Definitions
Alliance – A pre-assigned grouping of two (2) Teams that are paired together during a given
Teamwork Match .
Alliance Score – Points scored in a Teamwork Match awarded to both Teams .
Autonomous – A Robot that is operating and reacting only to sensor inputs and to commands pre-
programmed by the
Students into the Robot control system. There is no input from a VEX IQ
Controller.
Bonus Tray – The tray like structure consisting of VEX IQ pieces attached to the end of the field
perimeter with dimensions of approximately 15” (381 mm) wide and 3” (76 mm) deep. The
Bonus
Tray
begins the Match with fifteen (15) Rings and can be Released by Robots by activating the
Latches to earn points.
Disablement – A penalty applied to a Team for a rule violation. During Disablement a Team is no
longer allowed to operate their robot and the
Drive Team Members will be asked to place their
controller(s) on the ground.
Disqualification – A penalty applied to a Team for a rule violation. A team that is Disqualified in a
Match receives zero (0) points. At the Head Referee’s discretion, repeated violations and
Disqualifications for a single team may lead to its Disqualification for the entire event.
Driver – A Student team member responsible for operating and controlling the Robot .
Driver Controlled – A Robot operating under the control of a Student Driver.
Driving Skills Match –
A Driver Controlled period , with one (1) Robot , that is sixty seconds (1:00)
Driver Station – The region behind the Field , where the Drivers must remain during their Match ,
unless legally interacting with their
Robot .
Emptied – A Starting Peg is emptied if no part of the Starting Peg is within the volume defined by
the outer edges of a
Ring . (i.e. There are no rings encircling or surrounding the Starting Peg.)
Field Element – The field perimeter, Floor , Posts , Starting Pegs, Bonus Tray, and any supporting
structures.
Floor – The part of the playing field that is within the field perimeter.
Floor Goal – The section of the Floor bounded by the inner edges of the field perimeter and the
black line which runs the entire length of the field and passes under the support structures of the
Posts . The black line is part of the Floor Goal .

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
6
High Post – The one (1) vertical PVC pipe attached to the field and supporting structures with a
diameter of approximately 1” (25 mm) and overall height of 24.5” (622.1 mm).
Horizontal Post – One of the two (2) pairs of horizontal posts consisting of VEX IQ pieces attached
to the field and supporting structures with a diameter of approximately 1” (25 mm), starting height
of 8” (203 mm) and 14” (356 mm), and overall length of 4” (108 mm).
Latch – The two (2) devices attached to the Bonus Tray which keeps the Rings in place. When both
Latches are activated, the Rings in the Bonus Tray will be Released .
Low Post – One of the four (4) vertical PVC pipes attached to the field and supporting structures
with a diameter of approximately 1” (25 mm) and overall height of 10” (254 mm).
Match – A Skills Match or a Teamwork Match
Post –
A Low Post, High Post, or Horizontal Post .
Programming Skills Match – An Autonomous period with one (1) Robot , that is sixty seconds (1:00)
Released – The Bonus Tray is Released when both Latches have been activated and its Rings have
begun moving towards the field due only to gravity (i.e. not due to contact by a
Robot mechanism).
Ring – A red, blue, or green torus shaped plastic scoring object with an overall diameter of 3” (76
mm) and a “hole” diameter of 2” (51 mm) and a height of 1” (25 mm).
Robot – Anything that has passed inspection that a team places on the field prior to the start of a
Match .
Scored – A Ring is Scored if it is not touching a Robot and meets one of the following criteria:
1. The
Ring is contacting the Floor Goal
2. Any part of a Post is within the volume defined by the outer edges of the Ring (i.e. part of the
Ring is encircling or surrounding the Post).
Figure 3 (left) –
Example of a Ring not Scored on a Post
Figure 4 (left middle) –
Example of a Ring Scored on a Post
Figure 5 (r ight middle) –
Example of a Ring Scored on a Post
Figure 6 (right) –
Example of a Ring not Scored on a Post

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
7
Skills Match – A Driving Skills Match or Programming Skills Match.
Starting Peg –
One of the three (3) vertical pegs consisting of VEX IQ pieces attached to the field
perimeter, with a height of approximately 3” (76 mm) where three (3)
Rings start the Match . Starting
Pegs
can be Emptied by Robots to earn points.
Starting Positions – The two designated 11” x 20” spots on the field where Robots must start the
Match . Starting Positions are bounded by the inner edges of the long black lines, outer edge of the
short black line and the top most outer edge of the field perimeter.
Student – Anyone born after April 30, 2004 (age 13 or lower) or enrolled in grade 8 or lower on April
30, 2018. Anyone enrolled in grade 9 on April 30, 2018 is only eligible to participate on a VEX IQ
Challenge team when enrolled in a middle school or district, which includes grade 8, but not grade
10.
Students are the individuals who design, build, repair, and program the Robot , with minimal adult
assistance.
•
Elementary School Student - A Student enrolled in grade 5 or lower or enrolled in grade 6 in
a school, which includes grade 5, but not grade 7 (e.g., K-6, 2-6, 3-6, 4-6, 5-6).
•
Middle School Student – Any eligible Student that is not an Elementary School Student.
Team – Two or more Students make up a team. A Team is classified as an Elementary School Team
if all the members are
Elementary School Students . A Team is classified as Middle School if any of
its members are
Middle School Students . Teams may be associated with schools,
community/youth organizations, or a group of neighborhood
Students .
Teamwork Match – A Driver Controlled period with one (1) Alliance that is sixty seconds (1:00)
Uniform – A Post is considered to be Uniform if all of the following criteria are met:
1. There are at least two (2)
Rings scored on the Post.
2. All
Rings Scored on the Post are the same color.
VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster Game Rules
Scoring
•A Ring Scored in the Floor Goal is worth one (1) point.
•A
Ring Scored on a Post is worth five (5) points.
•
Rings Scored on a Uniform Post are worth double their normal value (i.e. ten (10) points each)
•An
Emptied Starting Peg is worth five (5) points.
•A
Released Bonus Tray is worth twenty (20) points.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
8
Safety Rules
<S1> If, at any time, the Robot operation or Team actions are deemed unsafe or have damaged the
Field Elements or Rings , the offending team may be Disabled and/or Disqualified by the
determination of the referees. The
Robot will require re-inspection before it may again take the
field.
General Game Rules
<G1> All team members, which includes all students and adults associated with a team, are
expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and positive manner while participating in the VEX
IQ Challenge. If team members are disrespectful or uncivil to staff, volunteers, or fellow teams at an
event, the team may be
Disqualified from their current or upcoming Match . Judges may also
consider team conduct and ethics when determining awards.
In all aspects of the VEX IQ Challenge program, the
Students make the decisions and do the work
with adult mentorship. The VEX community prides itself on being a positive learning environment
where no one is bullied, harassed, berated or places unnecessary stress upon students and/or
event volunteers. Stressful and challenging situations are viewed as teachable moments to model
positive behaviors and good sportsmanship.
<G2>When reading and applying the various rules in this document, please remember that
common sense always applies in the VEX IQ Challenge.
<G3>At the beginning of a Match , each Robot must:
a. Only be contacting the Floor .
b. Fit within a 11” x 20” area, bounded by the Starting Position.
c. Be no taller than 15”
An offending Robot will be removed from the Match at the Head Referee's discretion.
Figure 7 (left) – Example ofan Illegal Starting Position per <G3b>
Figure 8 (right) – Example ofa Legal Starting Position

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
9
<G4> During the Match , Robots may not expand beyond the 11”x20” area they were limited to at
the start of the
Match . However, Robots are permitted to expand beyond the 15” high starting
requirement
. Violations of this rule will result in a warning for minor offenses that do not affect the
match. Major and/or score affecting offenses will result in a
Disqualification . Teams who receive
multiple warnings may also receive a
Disqualification, at the Head Referee's discretion.
<G5>Each team shall include two
Drivers . Teams with only one Student in attendance at an event
are granted an allowance to use a qualified
Driver from the event. No Driver may fulfill this role for
more than one team at any given event.
During a
Match , Robots may only be operated by the Drivers . No Driver shall operate a Robot for
more than thirty-five (35) seconds. The two drivers must switch their controller between twenty-
five (:25) seconds and thirty-five (:35) seconds remaining in the
Match. The second Driver may not
touch his/her team’s controls until the controller is passed to him/her. Once the controller is
passed, the first
Driver may no longer touch his/her team’s controls. Violations of this rule will result
in a warning for minor offenses that do not affect the match. Score affecting offenses will result in
a
Disqualification . Teams who receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification, at the
Head Referee's discretion.
<G6>During a
Match , the Drivers must remain in their Driver Station , except when legally
interacting with their
Robot as per <G15>. Drivers are not allowed to use any sort of communication
devices during their
Match . Devices with communication features turned off (e.g. a phone in
airplane mode) are allowed.
<G7>
Drivers are prohibited from making intentional contact with any Field Element or Robots
during a
Match , except for the allowances in <G15> . Any intentional contact may result in a
Disqualification . Accidental contact will not be penalized, unless the contact directly impacts the
final score of the
Match . This type of accidental contact may result in a Disqualification .
<G8>
Rings that leave the playing field will not be returned to the playing field.
<G9>Scores will be calculated for all
Matches immediately after the Match and once all objects on
the field come to rest. Any
Scoring , Emptying, or Releasing that takes place after the Match due to
Robots continuing to drive after the Match will not count. Referees are not allowed to review any
videos or pictures from the
Match .
<G10>
Robots may not intentionally detach parts or leave mechanisms on the field during any
Match . If an intentionally detached component or mechanism affects game play, the team shall be
Disqualified at the Head Referee’s discretion.
<G11>
Robots may not grasp, grapple, or attach to any Field Elements . Strategies with
mechanisms that react against multiple sides of a
Field Element in an effort to latch onto said Field

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
10
Element are prohibited. The intent of this rule is to prevent teams from both unintentionally
damaging the field, and from anchoring themselves to the field. Minor violations of this rule that do
not affect the match will result in a warning. Score Affecting offenses will result in a
Disqualification .
Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a
Disqualification at the Head Referee's
discretion.
<G12>
Robots must be designed to permit easy removal of Rings from any grasping mechanism
without requiring that the
Robot have power after the Match .
<G13>Field tolerances may vary by as much as ±1” unless otherwise specified. Teams must
design
Robots accordingly.
<G14> Replays are at the discretion of the Event Partner and Head Referee, and will only be issued
in the most extreme circumstances.
<G15>If a
Robot goes completely out-of-bounds (outside the playing field), gets stuck, tips over, or
otherwise requires assistance, the
Drivers may retrieve & reset the Robot . In the process they
must:
1. Signal the Referee by placing their VEX IQ Controller on the ground.
2. Move the
Robot to a Starting Position .
3. Any
Rings in possession of the Robot while being handled must be removed from the Robot
and taken out of play for the remainder of the
Match .
This rule is intended so teams can fix damaged
Robots or help get their Robots "out of trouble." It is
not intended for
Teams to use as part of a strategy to gain an advantage during a Match . If a Head
Referee sees
Teams strategically exploiting this rule, they may be Disqualified from said Match .
<G16>
Robots are not allowed to remove Rings from the Bonus Tray when it is not Released . Minor
violations of this rule that do not affect the match will result in a warning. Major (score affecting)
offenses will result in a
Disqualification . Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a
Disqualification at the Head Referee's discretion.
<G17> Adults may assist Students in urgent situations, however adults should never work on or
program a Robot without Students on that Team being present and actively participating.
<G18> All rules in this manual are subject to changes, and not considered official until August 17th,
2017. We do not expect any major changes to take place; however we do reserve the right to make
changes until August 17th, 2017. There will also be scheduled manual updates on June 15th, 2017
April 5th, 2018. Teams are strongly encouraged to review the VEX IQ Forum for rule updates and
clarifications: www.vexiqforum.com

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
11
Robot Inspection
Description
Every Robot will be required to pass a full inspection before being cleared to participate in the
Challenge. This inspection will ensure that all
Robot rules and regulations are met. Initial
inspections will typically take place during team registration/practice time. Every team should use
the rules below as a guide to pre-inspect its
Robot and ensure that it meets all requirements.
Definitions
Robot – An operator controlled vehicle designed and built by a VEX IQ Challenge team to perform
specific tasks on the field. The
Robot may be constructed using only the VEX IQ platform parts and
mechanical/structural components from the VEX Robotics by HEXBUG product line. No other parts
will be allowed on the
Robot . Prior to participating in matches, each Robot will be required to pass
an inspection. Additional inspections may be required at the discretion of event personnel.
Inspection Rules
<R1> The team’s Robot must pass inspection before being allowed to participate in any Matches .
Noncompliance with any
Robot design or construction rule may result in disqualification of the
Robot at an event.
a. If significant changes are made to a
Robot , it must be re-inspected before it will be allowed
to participate in a
Match .
b.
Teams may be requested to submit to random spot inspections by event personnel. Refusal
to submit will result in
Disqualification .
c. Referees or inspectors may decide that a
Robot is in violation of the rules. In this case, the
team in violation will be
Disqualified and the Robot will be barred from the playing field until it
passes re-inspection.
<R2> Only one (1)
Robot will be allowed to participate per team in the VEX IQ Challenge. Though it is
expected that teams will make changes to their
Robot at the event, a team is limited to only one (1)
Robot . The VEX IQ System is intended to be a mobile robotics design platform. As such, a VEX IQ
Challenge robot, for the purposes of the VEX IQ Challenge, has the following subsystems:
Subsystem 1: Mobile robotic base including wheels, tracks, or any other mechanism that allows the
Robot to navigate the majority of the flat playing field surface. For a stationary Robot , the robotic
base without wheels would be considered Subsystem 1.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
12
Subsystem 2: Power and control system that includes a VEX IQ legal battery, a VEX IQ control
system, and associated Smart Motors for the mobile robotic base.
Subsystem 3: Additional mechanisms (and associated Smart Motors) that allow manipulation of
game objects or navigation of field obstacles.
Given the above definitions, a minimum
Robot for use in any VEX IQ Challenge event (including
Skills Challenges) must consist of subsystem 1 and 2 above. Thus, if you are swapping out an entire
subsystem of either item 1 or 2, you have now created a second
Robot and are no longer legal.
a. Teams may not participate with one
Robot , while a second is being modified or assembled.
b. Teams may not switch back and forth between multiple
Robots during an event.
<R3>To participate in an official VEX IQ Challenge Event a team must first register on
robotevents.com. Upon registering they will receive their VEX IQ Challenge Team Number and two
(2) VEX IQ Challenge License Plates. Every Robot should have their VEX IQ Challenge License
Plates displayed on two opposing sides, with their VEX IQ Challenge Team Number clearly written
upon it.
a. The VEX IQ Challenge License Plates are considered a non-functional decoration, and
cannot be used as a functional part of the
Robot .
b. These number plates must fulfill all
Robot rules
Figure 9 – A VEX IQ Challenge License Plate with a VEX IQ Challenge Team Number written upon it.
<R4>At the start of each
Match , the Robot must satisfy the following constraints.
a. Only contact the Floor .
b. Fit within a 11” x 20” area, bounded by the Starting Position
c. Be no taller than 15”

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
13
A Robot may not expand beyond its 11” x 20” starting area constraint at any time during the
match. However,
Robots are permitted to expand beyond their 15” starting height constraint at
any time during the match.
Note: Teams must remain within the 11” x 20” area throughout the match; this includes the full
range of motion by any appendages. An arm that extends out of these constraints while
operating during the
Match would make the Robot illegal.
Figures 9 & 10 – A Robot whichstarts thematch with the legal size constraints, but then as the arm rotates, becomes too large.
<R5>The starting configuration of the Robot at the beginning of a Match must be the same as a
Robot
configuration inspected for compliance, and within the maximum allowed size.
a. Teams using more than one
Robot configuration at the beginning of Matches must tell the
inspector(s) and have the
Robot inspected in its largest configuration(s).
b. A team may NOT have its
Robot inspected in one configuration and then place it at the start
of a
Match in an uninspected configuration
<R6> Robots may be built ONLY from Official
Robot Components from the VEX IQ product line,
unless otherwise specifically noted within these rules.
a. During inspections if there is a question about whether something is an official VEX IQ
component, a team will be required to provide documentation to an inspector that proves
the component’s source. Such types of documentation include receipts, part numbers, or
other printed documentation.
b. Only the VEX IQ components specifically designed for use in
Robot construction are
allowed. Using additional components outside their typical purpose is against the intent of
the rule (i.e. please don’t try using VEX IQ apparel, team or event support materials,
packaging, field elements or other non-robot products on a VEX IQ Challenge
Robot ).

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
14
c. Products from the VEX EDR or VEXpro product line cannot be used for Robot construction.
Products from the VEX product line that are also cross listed as part of the VEX IQ product
line are legal.
d. Mechanical/structural components, aside from those excluded below, from the VEX
Robotics by HEXBUG product line are legal for
Robot construction. However, electrical
components from the VEX Robotics by HEXBUG product line are illegal for
Robot
construction.
The following mechanical and structural components from the VEX Robotics by HEXBUG
product line are excluded:
i. All rubber bands
e. Official Robotics Components from the VEX IQ product line that have been discontinued are
still legal for
Robot use. However, teams must be aware of <R6a>.
f. 3D printed versions of VEX IQ components are not legal for use.
Note: A comprehensive list of legal parts can be found in the VEX IQ Challenge Legal Parts
Appendix, at https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq/competition/viqc-current-game .
<R7> Official VEX IQ products are ONLY available from VEX Robotics & official VEX Resellers. To
determine whether a product is “official” or not, consult www.vexiq.com.
<R8>
Robots are allowed to use the following additional “non-VEX IQ” components:
a. Teams may add appropriate non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect
the
Robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the Match . These
decorations must be in the spirit of the event. Inspectors will have the final say in what is
considered “nonfunctional”.
i. Any decorations must be backed by legal materials that provide the same
functionality, (i.e. if your
Robot has a giant decal that prevents Game Objects from
falling out of the
Robot , the decal must be backed by VEX IQ material that also
prevents the
Game Objects from falling out).
b. Rubber bands that are identical in length and thickness to those included in the VEX IQ
product line (#32 & #64).
<R9> Additional VEX IQ products that are released during the challenge season are considered
legal for use.
a. Some “new” components may have certain restrictions placed on them upon their release.
These restrictions will be documented in a Team Update. Team Updates will be posted to
the “VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster” home page in the Competition section of
www.vexrobotics.com.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
15
<R10> Robots must use ONLY one (1) VEX IQ Robot Brain.
a.
Robot brains, microcontrollers, or other electronic components that are part of the VEX
Robotics by HEXBUG, VEX EDR, or VEXpro product line are not allowed.
b.
Robots must use one of the VEX IQ 900 MHz radio, VEX IQ 2.4 GHz radio, or VEX IQ Smart
Radio in conjunction with their VEX IQ Robot Brain.
c. The only legal method of driving the
Robot during Teamwork and Driving Skills Matches is
the VEX IQ Controller.
<R11>
Robots may use up to six (6) VEX IQ Smart Motors.
a. Additional motors cannot be used on the
Robot (even ones that aren’t connected).
<R12> The only allowable sources of electrical power for a VEX IQ Challenge
Robot is any one (1)
VEX IQ Robot
Battery or six (6) AA batteries.
a. Additional batteries cannot be used on the
Robot (even ones that aren’t connected).
<R13> Parts may NOT be modified.
a. Examples of modifications include, but are not limited to bending and cutting.
<R14> The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed:
a. Those that could potentially damage playing
Field Elements , specifically the Rings .
b. Those that could potentially damage other
Robots .
c. Those that pose an unnecessary risk of entanglement.
<R15>A
Robot is deemed successfully inspected when it has been recorded as “passed” by an
Inspector and the inspection form has been signed by the Inspector and a
Student Team member.
<R16>
Teams must bring their Robots to the field prepared to play. Teams should ensure that their
batteries are charged before they place the
Robot on the field.
<R17> Teams should make sure that their VEX IQ firmware is up to date.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
16
The Event
Description
The VEX IQ Challenge will consist of:
•Teamwork Challenge
oEach Teamwork Challenge
Match consists of two teams, operating as an Alliance , to
score points. The Teamwork Challenge may include
Practice , Qualifying , and Finals
Matches
. After the Qualifying Matches , teams will be ranked based on performance.
Typically the top teams will then participate in the
Finals Matches to determine the
Teamwork Challenge champions. The number of teams participating in the
Finals
Matches
is determined by the Event Partner.
•Robot Skills Challenge
oIn this challenge teams will compete in sixty (60) second long
Matches in an effort to
score as many points as possible. These
Matches consist of Driving Skills Matches,
which will be entirely
Driver controlled, and Programming Skills Matches , which will be
autonomous (no VEX IQ controller) with limited human interaction. Each
Match will
consist of only one
Robot .
Awards will be given to top teams in each format. Awards will also be given for overall performance
in the judged criteria. Please review the Awards Appendix for more details.
Definitions
Disqualification – A penalty applied to a team for a behavioral violation. When a team is disqualified
in a
Match, they receive zero (0) points.
Finals Match – A Match used to determine the Teamwork Challenge champions.
Practice Match – An un-scored Match used to provide time for teams to get acquainted with the
official playing field.
Qualifying Match – A Teamwork Match used to determine the event rankings.
Teamwork Challenge
Teamwork Qualifying Matches
At the event, Practice Matches may be played from the team registration time until the team
meeting begins. Every effort will be made to equalize practice time for all teams, but they may be
conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. These
Matches are not scored, and will not affect
team ranking.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
17
Schedule
•The Qualifying Match schedule will be available prior to opening ceremonies on the day of
the event. This schedule will indicate alliance partners and
Match pairings. For events with
multiple fields, the schedule will also indicate on which field the
Match will take place.
•The
Qualifying Matches will start immediately after opening ceremonies in accordance with
the qualifying
Match schedule.
•Teams will be randomly assigned an alliance partner to collaborate in each
Qualifying Match .
•All teams will be scored on the same number of
Qualifying Matches .
•In some cases, a team will be asked to play in an additional Qualifying Match , but will not
receive credit for playing this extra
Match .
Teamwork Challenge Rankings
•At the conclusion of each Match , the score will be determined.
oEach
Team will receive the points scored for the Alliance Score
•For a
Qualifying Match , if no member of a team is present in the driver station at the start of a
Match , that team is declared a “no show” and will receive zero (0) points. A “no show” is
treated exactly the same as a
Disqualification . The team’s alliance partner will receive all
points scored in this
Match .
•Each team will have the same number of
Qualifying Matches
•Points earned for each team in each
Qualifying Match are added to get the team’s total
points
•One out of every four (4)
Qualifying Matches will not count towards the rankings. If an event
has between four (4) and seven (7)
Qualifying Matches per team, then the lowest score for
each team will not be counted. If an event has between eight (8) and eleven (11) rounds, then
the two lowest scores for each team will not be counted. If an event has twelve (12) or more
rounds, then the three lowest scores will not be counted.
•Teams are ranked by total points.
•Ties in ranking are broken by:
oRemoving the lowest score from each team’s total and comparing the new total score
oIf still tied, the next lowest score will be removed (on through all scores)
oIf still tied, teams will be sorted by a random electronic draw
Teamwork Challenge Finals Matches
•At the conclusion of Qualification Matches , the top teams will advance to the Finals Matches .
•The number of
Finals Matches will be determined by the event organizers.
•The first and second ranked teams form an
Alliance , third and fourth ranked teams form
another alliance (and so on) for the
Finals Matches .

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
18
•Starting with the lowest ranked alliance, each alliance participates in one Finals Match . After
all the
Finals Matches are run, the highest score of those Matches is the winning alliance.
Second highest score finishes in second place, and so on.
•If there is a tie for first place, the tied alliances will each play a tiebreaker
Match . The alliance
with the highest score in tiebreaker
Matches will be declared the winner.
oIf there is a tie in the tiebreaker
Matches , a second set tiebreaker Matches will take
place.
oIf they remain tied after the second set of
Matches , the higher seeded alliance will be
declared the winner. (The lower seeded team must exceed the higher seeded team in
order to be declared the winner)
Teamwork Challenge Rules
<T1> Referees have ultimate authority during the event, including all three types of Matches . Their
rulings are final.
a. The referees are not allowed review any recorded replays
.
b. Referees will review the field at the end of each
Match and accurately record the game
score. If there is a disagreement with the scoring, only the team
Drivers , not an adult, may
share their questions or concerns with the referee. Once the field is cleared for the next
team, the
Drivers can no longer dispute the Match score.
<T2> The only people from a team permitted to be by the playing field are the two
Drivers , who are
identified by their drive team badges. These badges are interchangeable, but not during a
Match .
<T3> During
Matches , two teams form an Alliance that will play on the field.
<T4> There are no time outs in the
Qualifying Matches or Finals Matches .
<T5> If an Alliance wants to end a
Qualifying Match or a Finals Match early, both teams should
signal the referee by placing their controllers on the ground. The referee will then signal to the
teams that the
Match is over and will begin to tally the score.
<T6> At many events, the playing field will be placed on the floor. Some Event Partners may choose
to elevate the playing fields. At the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship, the platforms will be
18” high.

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
19
Robot Skills Challenge
Robot Skills Challenge Rules
Please note that all rules from “The Game” section of the manual apply to Robot Skills, unless
otherwise specified.
At the beginning of each
Skills Match , the robot may be placed in either of the two Starting
Positions
on the field.
Robot Skills Challenge Scoring
All scoring is the same as outlined in “The Game” section of this manual.
•A
Ring Scored in the Floor Goal one (1) point.
•A
Ring Scored on a Post is worth five (5) points.
•
Rings Scored on a Uniform Post are worth double their normal value (i.e. ten (10) points
each.)
•An
Emptied Starting Peg is worth five (5) points.
•A
Released Bonus Tray is worth twenty (20) points.
Robot Skills Challenge Format
•The Robot Skills Challenge field is set up as described in “The Game” section of this manual.
•Teams will play
Skills Matches on a “first come, first served” basis.
•Teams may participate in a number of
Skills Matches , to be determined by the event
organizers.
•There will be two drivers for a
Driving Skills Match . Drivers must switch their controller with
between thirty-five (:35) and twenty-five (:25) seconds remaining in the
Driving Skills Match . If
a team only has one
Driver , that Student may only operate the Robot for a maximum of
thirty-five (35) seconds.
•There are two specific rules for
Programming Skills Matches , which are listed below.
Programming Skills Match Specific Rules
<PSC1> A team may handle their Robot as many times as desired during a Programming Skills
Match.
a. Upon handling the
Robot , it must be immediately brought back to a legal starting position.
Drivers are allowed to reset or adjust the
Robot.
b. If the
Robot is possessing any Rings when the Robot is being handled, these Rings will be
removed from the playing field and can no longer be used

VEX IQ Challenge Ringmaster – Game Manual
vexiq.com
Copyright 2017, VEX Robotics Inc.
2017-08-17
20
c. If there are any Rings in the Robot Starting Position where the Robot is being placed, these
Rings will be removed from the playing field and can no longer be used.
<PSC2> Teams must bring their VEX IQ Controller to the field with them, although
Drivers start the
Robot by pressing a button on the brain or manually activating a sensor, and may not engage the
Robot with the VEX IQ Controller during the Programming Skills Match . The VEX IQ Controller must
not be on during the
Programming Skills Match .
Robot Skills Challenge Rankings
•For each Skills Match teams are awarded a score based on the above scoring rules.
•Teams will be ranked based on the sum of their highest
Programming Skills Match score and
Driving Skills Match score, with the team with the highest sum being declared the Robot
Skills Challenge Winner.
•In the case where two teams are tied for the highest score, the tie will be broken by looking
at both teams’ next highest
Programming Skills Match score. If the teams remain tied, the tie
will be broken by looking at both teams’ next highest
Driver Skills Match score. This process
will repeat until the tie is broken
•If the tie cannot be broken (i.e. both teams have the exact same scores for each
Programming Skills Match and Driver Skills Match ), then the following ordered criteria will be
used to determine which team had the “best”
Programming Skills Match:
1. Number of points for
Rings Scored on Uniform Posts
2. Number of points for
Rings Scored on Posts
3. Number of points for a
Released Bonus Tray
4. Number of points for
Emptied Starting Pegs
•If the tie still cannot be broken, the same process in the step above will be applied to the
teams' highest
Driver Skills Match.
•If the tie still isn’t broken, events may choose to allow teams to have one more deciding
match or both teams will be declared the winner.