Q&A Oficial: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Override
3190: Clarification on Plowing vs. Possession
Our robot features a structure at the rear of the chassis consisting of a High Strength Shaft with two standoffs mounted on either side, creating a slightly concave/U-shaped profile. There is a Polycarbonate shaped like the diagram installed between the two standoffs, which sits nearly flush with the field, making it impossible to scoop or lift any Pins or Cups. Rule <SG6a> states: "Plowing multiple Scoring Objects is permitted. Teams which employ Plowing strategies are encouraged to clearly demonstrate that none of the Scoring Objects are being Possessed, e.g., by using a flat face of the Robot with no active mechanisms."
Q1. Would pushing multiple Pins and/or Cups along the floor using this rear structure be considered legal Plowing, or would this concave shape be viewed as "Possession" (or carrying/holding) of those Scoring Objects?
Q2. Does using a passive concave boundary (like two standoffs with the PC sheet) automatically constitute Possession, or is it evaluated strictly based on whether the objects are trapped, lifted, or actively controlled?
![[Example Image]](https://events.vex.com/storage/markdown/uploads/okij9yBuljxFpTSDyLA4KFnN6cHmPb3FBdcnCnpS.png)
The definition of Possession was revised in the September 3 game manual update, and it no longer matters whether a Robot's face is flat, convex, or concave when determining Possession of Scoring Objects.
Using the pictured example of your Robot's rear structure, driving backward and pushing Scoring Objects within this rear structure would result in controlled movement of Scoring Objects, but driving forward would result in losing control of those Scoring Objects. Since your Robot's movement in all directions would not result in maintained control of the Scoring Objects (and none of the Scoring Objects would be fully supported by your Robot), pushing Scoring Objects using this rear structure would not be considered Possession.