Agenda

Tentative Agenda — Virginia Tech CRO Down (VEX U: Push Back)

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Goodwin Hall, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)
Event Partner: Ty Van Buskirk

8:00 – 8:45 AM — Team Check-In & Pit Setup
8:00 – 9:30 AM — Robot Inspection (rolling; get in early)
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Skills Field Open (as schedule allows)
9:45 – 10:00 AM — Driver Meeting (Field Area)
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM — Qualification Matches (Set 1)
12:15 – 1:00 PM — Lunch Break
1:00 – 2:45 PM — Qualification Matches (Set 2)
2:30 PM — Skills Closed / Final Runs Due
3:00 – 5:00 PM — Elimination Bracket (1 v 1 format)
5:10 – 5:30 PM — Awards & Closing Ceremony
5:30 – 7:30 PM — Pack-Down / Venue Clear

Notes:

• Teams must be checked in by 8:45 AM or risk being left off the schedule.

• Engineering Notebooks due by 9:30 AM at the Judging Table.

• Bring power strips, safety glasses, and backup batteries.

• Schedule may adjust based on team count and match duration.

Volunteer

We can’t run the Virginia Tech CRO Down without an amazing volunteer crew. Whether you’re experienced or brand-new, there’s a role for you.

Roles Available

• Field Reset / Queuing – Keep matches flowing and reset fields.

• Scorekeeper / Timekeeper – Manage tablets and match timing.

• Pit Admin / Check-In – Help teams and handle logistics.

• Inspection Assistants – Support robot inspection.

• Referees (experienced preferred) – Ensure rule compliance.

• Judges (engineering/STEM background preferred) – Interview teams & evaluate notebooks.

• AV / Media Crew – Run displays and capture event content.

Shifts

• Morning: 7:15 AM – 12:30 PM

• Afternoon: 12:15 PM – 5:45 PM

• All-Day: 7:15 AM – 5:45 PM

Perks

• Free event T-shirt, lunch, and snacks

• Volunteer certificate / service hours

• Parking details provided in confirmation email

Training & Check-In

• Briefings at 7:30 AM (morning/all-day) and 12:15 PM (afternoon).

• Please arrive 15 minutes early for your shift.

Volunteer Contact: Ayra Nirar – [email protected]

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

Safety is our top priority. In case of severe weather or emergencies, the Virginia Tech CRO Down (VEX U) will follow guidance from Virginia Tech Emergency Management and local authorities.

• Weather-Related Delays or Cancellations:
  If severe weather impacts travel or operations, updates will be sent to registered teams and posted on the RobotEvents page. We’ll make every effort to reschedule before canceling. Refunds will be issued if the event cannot be rescheduled.

• Venue Safety:
  During any emergency on campus, teams must follow instructions from event staff and Virginia Tech personnel. Shelter locations inside Goodwin Hall will be reviewed during the driver meeting.

• Travel Advisory:
  Teams traveling long distances should monitor forecasts and prioritize safety. Notify the Event Partner if you are delayed or unable to attend.

Contacts for Emergencies or Updates:

• Event Partner: Ty Van Buskirk – [email protected]

• Volunteer Coordinator: Ayra Nirar – [email protected]

Refund and Payment Policies

If the Event Partner cancels the event:
Full refunds will be issued to all registered and paid teams within two weeks of the cancellation notice.

If a Coach/Mentor completes registration and later withdraws or does not attend:
Refunds will only be issued if notification is received at least one week before the event (February 15, 2026).
After that date, no refunds will be granted unless the withdrawal is due to verified weather or emergency-related travel restrictions.

Contact Ty Van Buskirk (Event Partner) at [email protected] for refund or withdrawal requests.

Judging Format

All In-Person Judging - The Team Interviews and Engineering Notebooks will be judged in-person the day of the event. Teams should bring a physical copy of their notebook to submit to the judges.