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Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back
2808: Robot Stability and Rule <GG14>
Scenario: Robot Red A plays defense and their design is prone to entanglement during interactions. In multiple previous matches, referees have observed RED A tipping or becoming entangled after minor contact with different opponents.
During a Qualification Match, RED A plays defense against Robot Blue A. In the course of a normal pushing interaction, Robot Red A flips over.
Question: According to rule <GG14>, should Robot Blue A receive a penalty for tipping its opponent, given that the interaction was a normal part of gameplay and Robot Red A's design is known to be unstable? Any violation for RED A?
Thanks for your questions, Tina!
Clause B of rule <GG14> says, "Some incidental tipping, Entanglement, and damage may occur as a part of normal gameplay without Violation. It will be up to the Head Referee’s discretion whether the interaction was incidental or intentional."
Clause C says, "A Team is responsible for the actions of its Robot at all times, including the Autonomous Period. This applies both to Teams that are driving recklessly or potentially causing damage, and to Teams that drive around with a small wheel base. A Team should design its Robot such that it is not easily tipped over or damaged by minor contact."
In your scenario, Robot BLUE A generally shouldn't get a Violation for tipping RED A in a normal pushing interaction, although the final ruling has to consider the context of the Match.
If RED A has a history of entanglement, it could be reasonable for a Head Referee to give them a Minor or Major <GG14> Violation depending on the circumstances and duration of any entanglement with opponents during a Match.
We hope this helps!