<R23>
Visual decorations are allowed. Teams may add non-functional decorations, provided that they do not affect Robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the Match. These decorations must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors and Head Referees will have final say in what is considered “non-functional.” Unless otherwise specified below, non-functional decorations are governed by all standard Robot rules. To be considered “non-functional,” decorations must be backed by legal materials that provide the same functionality. For example, if a Robot has a giant decal that prevents Scoring Objects from falling out of the Robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that would also prevent the Scoring Objects from falling out. A simple way to check this is to determine if removing the decoration would impact the performance of the Robot in any way.
• Anodizing, painting, dyeing or changing the color of any legal VEX part is prohibited.
• Small cameras are permitted as non-functional decorations, provided that any transmitting functions or wireless communications are disabled. Unusually large cameras used as ballast are not permitted.
• VEX electronics may not be used as non-functional decorations.
• Decorations that visually mimic Field Elements or Scoring Objects are not permitted. The inspector and Head Referee will make the final decision on whether a given decoration or mechanism violates this rule. Decorations cannot be designed to intentionally interfere with opponent Vision or Color Sensors. Teams will be asked to remove these decorations if the inspector or Head Referee determines that it interferes with opponent systems.
• Decorations which provide feedback to a Robot (e.g., by influencing legal sensors) would be considered “functional,” and are not permitted.
• Decorations that cover or obscure identifying features of electronics and/or pneumatics parts are not legal. Teams will be asked to either replace the electronics and/or pneumatics part entirely, or remove the decoration if possible. Identifying features include, but are not limited to, VEX logos, part numbers, and other distinctive colors or features of the part that allow an inspector to easily confirm it is a legal part.