The official VEX IQ Robotics Competition Question & Answer system has closed for this season.
Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2024-2025: Rapid Relay
2127: Does a pass have to occur before a ball is scored?
<SC5>Nothing in the game manual states that a pass has to occur before a ball is scored as a goal, only that the pass has to happen before the ball leaves the field. Based upon the definition of passing and loading, it appears that it would be legal to pass a ball after it has been scored as a goal before being picked up by the match loader.
Would this scenario be a legal pass in a Teamwork match: If Robot A scores the ball through a target, Robot B touches the ball once it rolls into the pickup zone before a loader retrieves it. (This would only be valid from balls introduced from the loading station since rapid load balls are not eligible for passes)
<SG5>[<SC5>]
Thank you for your question, and for highlighting this unintended loophole in the rules! The following changes will be reflected in the next game manual update, and are effective immediately:
- The first sentence of <SC5> will be revised to read (bold used to emphasize new text), "An Alliance receives credit for a Pass once both Robots independently contact a Ball before it is Scored or leaves the Field."
- Clause B of <SG6> will be revised to read (bold used to emphasize new text), "A Ball which has been Scored through a Target may not be used for additional scoring, passing, or Switch Clearing until it is retrieved by a Loader and legally re-Loaded."