Stauffer Challenge Tournament December Invitational MS Only
VEX V5 Robotics Competition Override
- Date
- 5-Dec-2026 Add to Calendar
- Event Code
- RE-V5RC-26-4905
- Program
- VEX V5 Robotics Competition
- Event Type
- Invitational Tournament
- Event Format
- In-Person
- Field Control System
- VEXNet Field Control
- Capacity
- 32
- Spots Open
- -
- Event Region
- California - Region 4
- Max Registrations per Organization
- 6
- Standard Registration Opens
- 14-Sep-2026 12:00 EDT
- Registration Deadline
- 21-Nov-2026 12:00 EST
- Payment Deadline
- November 28, 2026
- Price
- $200.00
- Registration opens at a future date.
General Info
General Information
Welcome to the Downey Unified School District Middle School VEX V5 Robotics Competition!
This event is open to middle school teams only and is proudly hosted by Downey Unified School District. Proceeds from the tournament directly support DUSD robotics programs and help us continue providing high-quality competitions for teams throughout Southern California.
Our goal is to create a professional, welcoming, and student-centered event where teams can compete, learn, collaborate, and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Thank you for supporting educational robotics and STEM opportunities for students.
Competition Facilities
The event will include:
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Two competition fields
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One dedicated Skills Challenge field
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One full practice field
Both Driving Skills and Programming Skills will be available to all registered teams.
Engineering Notebooks
Engineering notebooks must be submitted digitally through RobotEvents no later than:
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Late submissions cannot be accepted. Physical engineering notebooks will not be accepted at the event.
Payment
Payment in full is required by:
Friday, November 27, 2026
Teams that have not paid by the deadline may be removed from the event at the Event Partner’s discretion so that teams on the waitlist may be invited.
Organizations paying by purchase order should notify the Event Partner once the purchase order has been submitted to the REC Foundation so the team’s payment status can be tracked.
Team Limit
A maximum of six teams per school or organization may register for this event.
When the event reaches capacity, additional teams should join the waitlist. Teams may be invited from the waitlist as space becomes available.
Food and Concessions
A team meal plan will not be offered.
A concession stand will be available with prepackaged snacks, beverages, and other items. There are also many restaurants and food options located throughout the Downey community near the campus.
Parking
On-site parking is free for all teams, volunteers, and spectators. Please follow posted signs and event staff directions when entering the campus.
Late Arrivals
All teams must be checked in at least 45 minutes before qualification matches begin so the official match schedule can be finalized and printed.
Teams that are running late must contact the Event Partner as soon as possible. Teams that have not checked in and have not contacted the Event Partner may be removed from the event roster.
Event Contact
Questions may be directed to:
Tri Tansopalucks
[email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to Downey for a fun, competitive, and inspiring day of robotics!
Grade Level: Middle School
Skills Challenge Offered: Yes
Judging Format: Remote Engineering Notebooks
Skills Challenge Offered for VURC/VAIRC teams: No
Event Dates & Locations
Date: 5-Dec-2026
Venue/Location:11985 Old River School Road
Downey, California 90242
United States
Contact the Event Partner
You must login to contact this Event PartnerAgenda
Event Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:15 AM | Doors Open & Practice Fields Open |
| 7:30 AM | Robot Inspection Begins |
| 8:45 AM | Drivers & Coaches Meeting |
| 9:00 AM | Opening Ceremony |
| 9:15 AM | Qualification Matches Begin & Robot Skills Fields Open |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 12:45 PM | Qualification Matches Resume |
| 2:30 PM | Alliance Selection |
| 3:00 PM | Elimination Finals Begin |
| 4:45 PM | Awards Ceremony |
| 5:00 PM | Team Load-Out & Venue Cleanup |
| 5:15 PM | Event Concludes |
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change based on the pace of the competition. Teams should listen for announcements throughout the day and be prepared to report promptly when called.
Volunteer
Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to the success of every VEX Robotics Competition, and we are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to help make this event a great experience for our students.
We especially welcome volunteers interested in serving as Judges, but assistance is also appreciated in roles such as Field Reset, Inspection, Queueing, Check-In, and General Event Support. No prior VEX experience is required for many volunteer positions, and training will be provided as needed.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Event Partner:
Tri Tansopalucks
[email protected]
Thank you for supporting robotics education and helping inspire the next generation of engineers, programmers, and problem solvers!
Emergency/Bad Weather Policy
Emergency / Bad Weather Policy
This event is scheduled to take place rain or shine and will only be canceled or significantly delayed if conditions create an unsafe environment for participants, volunteers, or spectators, or if Downey Unified School District closes the facility.
In the event of severe weather, a natural disaster, a facility emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, the Event Partner will communicate any schedule changes, delays, or cancellations through VEX Events and email as soon as possible.
If an emergency occurs during the event, all attendees should follow the instructions of event staff, venue personnel, and emergency responders. Teams should remain with their coaches or designated adults until further instructions are provided.
Every effort will be made to complete the tournament as scheduled while prioritizing the safety of all participants.
For questions regarding emergency procedures or event status, please contact the Event Partner:
Tri Tansopalucks
[email protected]
Refund and Payment Policies
Refund and Payment Policies
Payment Deadline
Payment in full is required by November 28th.
Teams that have not completed payment by the deadline may be removed from the event at the Event Partner’s discretion so that teams on the waitlist may be invited.
Organizations paying by purchase order should contact the Event Partner once the purchase order has been submitted to VEX so the team’s payment status can be tracked.
Refund Policy
Teams that withdraw from the event before November 28 will receive a full refund.
Because the event incurs fixed costs, refunds will not be issued for withdrawals made on or after November 28.
Health and Safety Policies
Health & Safety Policies
The safety and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and spectators is our top priority.
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If you are feeling ill or have symptoms of a contagious illness, please stay home. Teams should notify the Event Partner if they are unable to attend.
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Participants should wash or sanitize their hands regularly. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the venue.
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Please be respectful of personal space and avoid unnecessary physical contact.
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Any injuries, accidents, or safety concerns should be reported immediately to the Event Partner or Pit Administration.
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Teams are responsible for maintaining a safe pit area. Keep walkways clear, properly manage batteries and charging equipment, and avoid creating tripping hazards with cords or tools.
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Safety glasses are recommended whenever teams are working on robots with powered tools or making repairs that could create flying debris.
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In the event of an emergency, participants should follow instructions from event staff and venue personnel.
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By attending this event, participants agree to comply with all venue policies and directions from event officials.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable competition for all teams.
Date: 5-Dec-2026
11985 Old River School Rd11985 Old River School Road
Downey, California 90242
United States
Travel Info
Travel Information
The event will be held at:
Mary R. Stauffer Middle School
11985 Old River School Road
Downey, CA 90242
Please enter the full school address into your preferred navigation app. Most teams will be commuting from throughout Southern California, so please allow additional travel time for normal Los Angeles-area traffic, especially during the morning arrival period.
Parking and Unloading
Event parking will be available on campus. Teams should follow posted signs and volunteer directions when entering the school.
A designated unloading area will be available for robots, toolboxes, and other team equipment. After unloading, drivers may be directed to a separate parking area.
Please do not leave vehicles unattended in loading zones or block fire lanes, gates, driveways, or neighboring properties.
Additional parking, unloading, and campus-entry instructions will be shared with registered teams before the event.
Arrival Recommendations
Teams should plan to arrive early enough to:
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Check in with event staff
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Unload and set up their pit area
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Complete robot inspection
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Attend the Drivers and Coaches Meeting
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Prepare for qualification matches
Please review the event agenda before traveling and plan your departure time accordingly.
Food and Nearby Services
Downey and the surrounding communities offer a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and other services.
Teams are encouraged to plan meals in advance and review the event’s food and concession information before arrival. Any policies regarding outside food will be listed separately on the event page.
Travel Questions
Questions regarding parking, unloading, or arrival procedures may be directed to the Event Partner:
Tri Tansopalucks
[email protected]
This version is better suited for a local, commuter-focused tournament.
Webcast
Webcast
Can’t join us in person? Cheer on the teams and follow all the action from home!
Watch the Stauffer Challenge December Tournament – Middle School Division live on the Stauffer Video Production YouTube channel:
The livestream will begin when competition matches get underway. Match times may vary throughout the day, so check the event schedule and tune in early.
Share the link with family and friends so they can support their favorite teams!
Judging Format
Judging Format
Digital Engineering Notebook Submission
All engineering notebooks must be submitted digitally for judging.
The team’s primary contact can submit the notebook using the submission link located in the “My Account” panel on VEX Events.
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, December 1st
Teams are encouraged to submit their notebooks early to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Physical engineering notebooks will not be accepted at the event.