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Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back
2949: SG9 Match Loading Clarification
As defined in SG9, “introduced” is when a Block has been released into a Loader (presumably then falling completely or partially below the orange portion of the loader to “finish” the introduction). The third line of SG9, shown above, states that Blocks may be introduced only one at a time.
It is stated that during the action of introducing a block, a Drive Team Members’ hands may temporarily break the plane. If a Drive Team Member is introducing Blocks, are they allowed to have multiple hands break the plane of the field perimeter at the same time? And is there any importance in how many Drive Team Members have hands holding Blocks breaking the plane of the field perimeter?
Additionally, how many Blocks is a Drive Team Member allowed to hold in one hand while introducing Blocks? If a Drive Team Member holds two Blocks in their left hand and introduces one after another in quick succession, how does a referee determine if two Blocks were loaded at once? (timestamp 1:40, blue alliance top right corner of Smoky Mountain Forge Finals 2 versus timestamp 0:56, red alliance top left corner of Smoky Mountain Forge Finals 1)
SM Forge Finals 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvFO2SD3Dq8 SM Forge Finals 1 ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K50JGCxkmw
So:
- How many hands are allowed to break the field at a time and is that limited to one person? 2, Can you hold multiple blocks at a time and if so how does holding 2 not connect to introducing 2?
Thanks for these questions!
The December 4 game manual update will include the following changes, which are effective immediately.
- The words "one at a time" will be removed from the 3rd paragraph of the rule. Clause E will still apply, and the intent is that a Loader must have available space for a loaded Block, and Loaded Blocks should drop into the Loader and not roll into the Field.
- Violation Note D will be converted into a red box for improved visibility. That note provides a good summary of our intent for Match Loads.
Regarding your specific questions,
How many hands are allowed to break the field at a time and is that limited to one person?
There's no limit to the number of hands that can break the plane of the Field while introducing Blocks to a Loader, and it's not limited to one person.
Can you hold multiple blocks at a time and if so how does holding 2 not connect to introducing 2?
Drive Team Members can hold as many Blocks as they like.