Q&A Oficial: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Level Up
3296: Priming robot before match
<GG12>GG12 states that robots cannot move before the match timer starts. Would a motor being programmed to hold a position against gravity be a violation of this rule? Without the input from the motor, the starting position of the robot would change. GG12b states that there can be no pre-programmed routine causing motion before the match, but does not clarify further on if the motor becoming stationary would still count as a violation of the rule.
Teams are allowed to briefly operate their Robots and/or run a pre-programmed routine when setting up their Robot on the Field prior to the Match, as long as they're not delaying the start of the Match by doing so.
Once setup is complete, the Robot must remain completely stationary (see <SG1.c>) until the Match timer starts. A motor holding a Robot mechanism in position would be considered completely stationary for the purposes of <SG1.c>, and would not be considered a violation of <GG12>.