General Info

General Info (AM Only Event)

Event Type: Open to all VEX IQ teams! (non-school IQ and school IQ teams)

Grade Level: Elementary and Middle School

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: In person Judging

All participating teams must be registered with the Robot Events website and have an official team number before registering for this event. Tournament fees must be paid before teams are allowed to compete. Registration and payments should be made through the Robot Events website.

Today’s Tournaments at University Elementary will be TWO separate tournaments.  (We have been to other tournaments that work like this, and it works well.) They are fast paced and exciting for both competitors and spectators.

>The morning tournament will be a blended Elementary and Middle School Competition. Doors will open at 7:30 AM and qualification will start at 8:35 AM. Finals will begin at 11:30 AM and awards to follow.

The afternoon tournament will be Elementary School Only. Doors will open at 1:00 PM and qualification will start at 2:05 PM. Finals will begin at 5:00 PM and awards to follow.  

Each event will offer Robot Skills matches. 

Competition Preparation

All teams should come prepared for competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

Review all game information: https://www.vexrobotics.com/iq/competition/viqc-current-game

1. Review the rules and run through the inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments. Robots must use VEX IQ parts. Please self-inspect before arriving at the tournament using the Full Volume Robot Inspection Checklist.
2. Check the official VEX forums for rule updates and changes.
3. Carefully read all the information contained in the tournament posting on robotevents.com
4. Pack for the event the day before the day of departure. Here are a few items that you don't want to forget.
   • Spare parts & tools
   • Batteries and chargers
   • Power strip and extension cord
   • Laptop computer
   • Programming cable
   • Physical Engineering notebook (Required for judged awards)
   • Banners and other decorations for your team pit table
   • Giveaways if you have them
5. Be sure to read VEX Tournaments 101.
6. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament.
7. Prep for your interviews with the judges and read the Judge's Guide. Check the awards tab to see what awards will be given during the tournament.
8. Remember that safety comes first, please don't bring tools that pose a safety risk to your team, or others nearby, as teams are close to each other in the venue pit area. Also, remember no grinding or other actions that create sparks, ask the tournament director for a safe location if grinding is needed.
9. Ensure that you have the latest version of programming software and firmware for your IQ Brain.

Participation and Consent Form

A completed form for all participants must be uploaded to robotevents.com prior to the tournament. Team leaders will need to check that all team members attending the event have completed the online consent form prior to the tournament. Instructions on how to upload consent forms is given here: VEX Consent Form.

Awards

The Blended (ES/MS) Morning event:

Excellence (2)*, Teamwork Champion (2), Skills Champion, Design, Judges, and Innovate.

*Two Excellence awards are permitted if a minimum of ten teams in both Elementary and Middle School are registered for this event two weeks prior to the tournament. One Excellence award will be permitted if the registration minimums are not met for two awards.

The Elementary School Afternoon event:

Excellence, Teamwork Champion (2), Skills Champion, Design, Judges, and Innovate.

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: All In-Person Judging