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
2302: Rapid relay ball tolerance and related match replays
<T10>
Section T10 of the game manual states that Field element tolerances (likely including the ball) can vary between +/- 0.5 inches ("Field Element tolerances may vary from nominal by up to±0.5” [25.4mm], unless otherwise specified."), and it only specifies ball weight, so therefore the 0.5 inch rule likely applies to ball width/diameter. Suppose that an ball was outside of this tolerance. T7 states that match reruns may occur if "Field Elements detaching or moving beyond normal tolerances, not as a result of Robot interactions". If a match started with a ball outside this tolerance, and the head referee was notified in time, could a match rerun occur?![[Example Image]](https://events.vex.com/storage/markdown/uploads/vEOrljULv4xKM0RuoL0QQe82G2cmomnpDo3WfRZx.jpg)
The Rapid Relay Balls are manufactured to a +2, -13mm specification. Because they are soft and plush, actual dimensions may vary, and it is impossible to guarantee exact specifications/dimensions/tolerances in any given Match. Teams should be prepared for variance in Ball shape/size, and it is expected that Balls will change shape during the course of a Match and/or event. Event staff may periodically or at a Team's request attempt to re-shape the Balls, but are not required to do so.
Ball dimensions should not generally lead to a replay, except potentially in cases where the Ball is significantly damaged in a way that impacted game play.