Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Level Up
3189: Proper chain of command for reporting scoring discrepancies that inflate tournament rankings
Per the official appeal procedures, only playing Drive Team Members in the Driver Station may appeal a Head Referee's ruling. In a cooperative game like VEX IQ, alliances will naturally never appeal an error that results in over-scoring or extra points.
However, missing or over-counting even one high-value scoring element creates a 12- to 16-point swing. In a typical ~300 point match, this error significantly alters total ranking averages and compromises tournament ranking fairness for all non-playing teams.
Since photo/video reviews are prohibited and non-playing teams cannot initiate an appeal in the Driver Station, how should teams use the proper "chain of command" to address inconsistent scoring standards that inflate tournament rankings? Can a non-playing Drive Team politely discuss these general scoring inconsistencies with the Head Referee between matches?
Per <SC2> clause B and <T3>, only the Drive Team Members for a Match may dispute the score with the Head Referee, prior to leaving the Driver Station after the Match. Once the Head Referee announces that their decision on an issue has been made final, the issue is over. There is no system or opportunity for an appeal of the Head Referee’s final decision, either at or after the event.
The Drive Team Members and the Head Referee involved in a Match are expected to act with integrity and do their best to ensure accurate Match scoring, but mistakes can and will inevitably happen without being caught and addressed.