Q&A Oficial: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Override

Dear Game Design Committee,

We would like clarification regarding Robot-to-Robot interactions and Entanglement.

<GG14>: “Don’t destroy other Robots. But, be prepared to encounter defense.”

<GG15>: “Offensive Robots get the benefit of the doubt.”

Additionally, <SG8> explains that Robot-to-Robot interactions may involve possible <GG14> Violations such as “damage, Entanglement, or tipping over,” and states that reckless or unsafe strategies aimed solely at “destruction, damage, tipping over, Entanglement, Trapping, or forcing of an opponent into a penalty” are prohibited.

Consider the following scenario:

Robot A has a flat mechanism that can extend horizontally from the Robot. This mechanism is designed and used for a normal game-related purpose, such as interacting with or scoring Scoring Objects. It is not designed or intended to hook, catch, trap, lift, or Entangle opposing Robots.

During normal gameplay, Robot B drives onto the top of this extended mechanism, causing Robot B’s wheels to rest on Robot A’s mechanism.

Robot B is not hooked, caught, clamped, or mechanically attached to Robot A. Its wheels remain free to rotate, and Robot B is physically capable of driving backward or otherwise maneuvering off Robot A’s mechanism under its own power.

Would this situation be considered Entanglement if Robot B is still capable of independently driving away? If Robot B remains on top of Robot A’s mechanism but is capable of leaving on its own, is Robot A required to immediately move away, retract its mechanism, or otherwise attempt to separate the Robots? If Robot A remains stationary without hooking, holding, clamping, lifting, or otherwise preventing Robot B from leaving, would Robot A be in Violation of <GG14> or any other rule? Would the ruling be different if Robot B intentionally drives onto Robot A’s mechanism during a Robot-to-Robot interaction? Which of the scenarios above, if any, would result in a Violation for Robot A? If a Violation occurs, which rule would apply, and at what point would the interaction become a Violation?

Thank you for taking the time,

68678C