Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Mix & Match

The next game manual update will include revisions to rule <GG4> to indicate that (bold type used for emphasis) Drive Team Members are not permitted to reach into the 3-dimensional volume of the Field Perimeter at any time during the Match, apart from the actions described in the rule, and that rule <S1> applies. Additionally, a new red box will explain that if a Drive Team Member’s hands extend over the Field and/or Field Perimeter in a way that is safe and doesn’t contact anything in the Field, it’s unlikely to be a Violation.

These changes are effective immediately.

Is the hand of the Loader allowed to hover over the field, thereby breaking the plane of the Field Perimeter, while 1) waiting for the match to start or 2) waiting for a scoring element to be removed from the Loading Zone?

1. Yes, but it's important to note that <SG6> clause H still applies, which states, "Pins that begin the Match outside the Field cannot break the plane of the Field Perimeter until the Match begins." The Loader's hands are allowed to hover over the Field prior to the Match, but any Pin the Loader might be holding cannot break the plane of the Field Perimeter until after the Match begins.

2. Yes