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Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back
2744: Trapping between the Field Perimeter and a Long Goal
In the general definitions, Trapping is defined as follows:
Holding - A Robot status; see rule <GG17> for more information. A Robot is considered to be Holding if it meets any of the following criteria during a Match:
- > Trapping - Limiting the movement of an opponent Robot to a small or confined area of the Field, approximately the size of one foam field tile or less, without an avenue for escape. Note that if a Robot is not attempting to escape, it is not considered Trapped.
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Is underneath the Long Goal, a Field Element with a clearance of 12.53" (320mm), considered an avenue of escape for holding calls?
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If two robots are working together to Trap an opponent between the Field Perimeter and a Long Goal, which robot(s) should the head ref call out?
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If the two robots are taking turns Trapping and moving away, when does it become a violation, and for which robot(s)?
Is underneath the Long Goal, a Field Element with a clearance of 12.53" (320mm), considered an avenue of escape for holding calls?
If a Robot is being Pinned against a Long Goal, "under the Long Goal" should not be considered an avenue of escape. If a Robot is near a Long Goal but is not physically Pinned against it by an opponent, there is likely an avenue of escape and the interaction is unlikely to qualify as Holding.
If two robots are working together to Trap an opponent between the Field Perimeter and a Long Goal, which robot(s) should the head ref call out?
If two Robots are working together to Trap an opponent, the Holding count (and potential subsequent Violation if the count passes 3) can be applied to both Robots.
If the two robots are taking turns Trapping and moving away, when does it become a violation, and for which robot(s)?
If neither of the Trapping Robots exceeds a 3-count, and if both Robots adhere to the limitations in <GG17>, this strategy can be legal; however, the timing is difficult and the interaction will receive additional scrutiny. Because Holding is a purely defensive action, the Trapping Robots will not receive the benefit of the doubt in a questionable interaction/Violation (see rule <GG15>) and are at risk of a Major Violation and Disqualification.