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Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back
3039: SG1/SG4 - Preload Affecting Starting Size
<SG1> and point a) state:
Prior to the start of each Match, the Robot must be placed such that it meets all of the following critera: a. No larger than 18" (457.2mm) long by 18" (457.2mm) wide by 18" (457.2mm) tall.
<SG5> states that each Robot gets one Block as a Preload.
Suppose a Team arrives at a Match with a Robot that fits within the 18" x 18" x 18" starting size, but then in the process of placing the Preload Block in their Robot, a mechanism on the robot expands outside the stated starting size of 18" x 18" x 18". Should the Head Referee begin the Match with the Robot in this configuration since it came to the field within the legal starting size but only expanded due to the Preload, or should the Team be asked to adjust the Preload so that it causes the Robot to get back inside the 18" x 18" x 18" box before starting the Match?
Thank you for your time!
The Preload must be adjusted to ensure the robot does not exceed 18"x18"x18" in its starting configuration. The Preload itself does not need to be within the 18" cubic volume, but all parts of the Robot do.