This Q&A is now read-only
Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back
2964: Clarification of the word 'Code' and Use of Libraries
With the update of the G4 rule on 12/4/25, it says to reference the RECF document on student centered and non- student centered examples for further clarification of G4 violations. As we read through this, it says that "Students should be able to understand and explain the code, and students should be able to demonstrate that they can program on a level equivalent to the code used in their mechanism." It also states, "Students that use publicly available custom libraries or functions are also capable of creating their own custom libraries and functions." Now when we read through the the non-student centered examples, it states "Students are unable to explain the code functionality or development without a mentor’s assistance", and "Students use a publicly available custom library developed by another team, but cannot create their own custom libraries".
Our question is this, if a team uses a public library like Lemlib or other libraries and can create their own libraries, are they in violation of G4? If a student uses Lemlib as a starting point, but then builds off of it or is able to explain it's use in detail, are they safe? We are needing a little more clarification as to what is being looked or is expected from teams within their code. There are a lot of teams that use Lemlib or other libraries around the world and we feel that the current explaination is confusing/contradictory. Referencing Q and A 2823, it says that students should be able to 'explain' but in the RECF reference document is seems contradictory. Can we get more clarification?
If asked to defend their work, the Team must be able to demonstrate that they understand their code and have the ability to independently create code similar to that used for their Robot at the event. Because experience and understanding varies between volunteers and events, we cannot provide blanket guidance on the level of demonstration that should be requested or required, and we can't pre-categorize Teams as "in Violation" and/or "safe." Event staff must discuss all reported <G4> Violations with their RECF Regional Support Manager, who will provide guidance on a case-by-case as needed.