Welcome to the VEX Robotics Competition Over Under Game Manual. This guide outlines the rules, field layout, scoring, and safety guidelines for the 2023‑24 season. It serves as the official reference for teams preparing to compete. Teams must review safety rules and follow guidelines for fair competition!.
Overview of Competition
VEX Robotics Competition’s 2023‑24 season introduces “Over Under,” a dynamic game that challenges teams to navigate a 12‑by‑12‑foot field, score balls, and manipulate game pieces while avoiding penalties. The objective is to score the highest points by placing balls in the upper or lower goals, using a combination of autonomous and driver‑controlled periods. Each match lasts divided into 30‑second autonomous phase and 60‑second driver phase. Teams must design robots that can pick up, transport, and deposit balls efficiently, while also defending their own goal. The competition follows a single‑match format, with teams advancing through regional events to the world championship. The game emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and rapid prototyping, encouraging schools to innovate within the VEX V5 platform’s constraints. All participants must adhere to the VEX Robotics Competition Code of Conduct, ensuring fair play and sportsmanship throughout the season!
The season’s structure encourages continuous improvement, with teams receiving feedback after each match to refine strategies. Judges evaluate robot performance on criteria such as speed, accuracy, and teamwork, awarding points that influence rankings. Teams also participate in community events, hackathons, and design challenges, fostering creativity and collaboration. The VEX community’s online resources, including tutorials, design libraries, and forums, provide essential support for troubleshooting and idea exchange, ensuring that even new participants can quickly become competitive.
The Game
Over Under challenges teams to score balls in upper or lower goals on a 12‑by‑12‑foot field. Robots pick, transport, and deposit balls during autonomous and driver phases, while defending. Points are earned by goal placement; penalties for infractions. The game promotes teamwork!!!!
Field Layout
The Over Under field is a 12‑ft by 12‑ft square, marked with white boundary lines and a 2‑ft wide center line that runs the length of the field. Four goals are positioned at each corner: two lower goals (8‑inch tall) and two upper goals (12‑inch tall). Each goal is 12‑inches wide and 12‑inches deep, and is placed 4‑inches from the field edge for lower goals and 8‑inches from the edge for upper goals. The ball is a 2‑inch diameter, 2‑inch tall plastic sphere that is placed in the center zone at the start of the match. The robot starting position is 3‑ft from the nearest goal, and the field is surrounded by a 6‑ft high safety fence to protect spectators. The field is set on a flat, level surface with no obstacles, allowing robots to move freely during autonomous and driver phases. The center line is 12‑inches high, and the goal posts are 8‑inches high, ensuring clear visibility for scoring. The field layout is designed to provide balanced opportunities for both upper and lower goal scoring while maintaining safety and fairness for all teams. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!!! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing.!!
General Definitions
Robot: Any VEX V5 system that competes. Ball: 2‑inch diameter sphere used for scoring. Goal: 12‑inch wide, 12‑inch deep target for upper and lower scoring. Field: 12‑ft square with center line and safety fence. Match: 2‑minute period with autonomous and driver phases. ! !!
Robot Eligibility
All robots that compete in the VEX Robotics Competition Over Under must meet the following eligibility criteria. The robot chassis must be built from VEX V5 components or a combination of VEX V5 and VEX EDR parts, and must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 12 inches in width, 12 inches in depth, and 12 inches in height. The total mass of the robot, including batteries, must not exceed 30 lb (13.6 kg). Each robot must be powered solely by a VEX V5 Brain and one or more V5 Motors. The robot must be able to be controlled by a V5 Brain that is connected to a V5 Wireless Controller or a V5 Wireless Controller with a V5 Brain. The robot must be able to move on the field without the use of external power sources other than the V5 Brain and V5 Motors. The robot must be able to be operated safely by a single driver. The robot must not contain any hazardous materials or components that could pose a risk to safety. All robots must comply with the VEX Robotics Competition rules and regulations, including the safety rules, and must be inspected and approved by the event officials before the match. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in disqualification. Additionally, robots must be built within the allocated budget and must not contain flammable substances. All teams must submit a safety inspection sheet before the event. Compliance with the VEX Robotics Competition Code of Conduct is mandatory. Failure to meet any eligibility requirement will result in disqualification. and no other.
Game-Specific Definitions
Over Under defines “Over” as a ball positioned above the midline, “Under” as below. “Zone” refers to the scoring area. “Robot” is the V5 system. “Match” is the 2‑minute play period. “Score” counts balls per zone. “Safety” prohibits contact. Follow safety protocols always!
Over Under Zones
In Over Under, the field is split into two scoring zones: the Over Zone above the midline and the Under Zone below it. Each zone contains four scoring targets that are 12 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 18 inches above the ground. Balls placed in the Over Zone are worth 2 points, while balls in the Under Zone are worth 1 point. The zones are marked with colored tape—blue for Over and red for Under—making them easily identifiable. The midline is a 6‑inch wide boundary that robots cannot cross during autonomous mode, but may cross during driver control to deposit balls in either zone. Robots must start on the side of the field opposite their designated zone during autonomous. The field is 12 feet by 12 feet, with a 2‑foot clearance around the perimeter for safety. The scoring targets are spaced 6 feet apart along the perimeter of each zone. Balls used in the game are 2.5 inches in diameter. The zones are also used to determine the robot’s starting location for the autonomous period, ensuring a fair and symmetrical play area. The robot must stay within its assigned zone during autonomous, but may cross the midline during driver control to score. The zones are color‑coded and marked with a 3‑inch wide tape border for quick identification. The scoring system rewards teams that can consistently place balls in the Over Zone, as the higher point value can offset the difficulty of reaching it, making play essential now. The Over Zone occupies the upper half of the field, while the Under Zone occupies the lower half; each zone’s targets are positioned 4 feet from the midline to give robots a path.
Scoring
Scoring in Over Under awards 2 points for each ball placed in the Over Zone and 1 point for each ball in the Under Zone. Robots may score during autonomous and driver control. The final score is the sum of all points earned, with no penalties for missed shots. Balls leaving the field earn no points. !!!!!
Point System
In Over Under, each ball deposited into the Over Zone earns 2 points, while a ball in the Under Zone earns 1 point. Autonomous scoring follows the same point values, but teams may earn bonus points for completing a full autonomous cycle of placing 3 balls in the goal, worth 5 additional points. During driver control, teams can accumulate points by strategically placing balls in either zone. The total match score is the sum of all points earned, with no negative deductions for missed shots. Robots must keep all balls within the goal boundaries; any ball that exits the goal during scoring does not count toward the score. The point system encourages balanced play between the Over and Under zones, rewarding precision and speed. Teams should monitor the field to avoid disqualifying infractions that could nullify earned points. The official manual lists all point values and conditions for bonus points, ensuring teams can calculate expected scores before the match. Teams plan strategies, securing the last ball in the Over Zone to maximize points before the ends. Mode places ball before driver control, giving a scoring edge if well executed. This mode allows teams to preprogram ball trajectories for placement. Driver control lets teams use hoppers or conveyors to manage ball flow. Penalties apply for violating field boundaries, touching the goal from the side or manipulating the ball in ways strictly! Teams analyze match footage to refine strategies for future competitions.
Safety Rules
No loose cables or parts may protrude beyond the robot’s chassis. Operators should wear safety glasses and keep a safe distance from moving robots. Field hazards like loose balls or debris must be cleared prior to play. Teams must follow all VEX safety guidelines to prevent injury and equipment damage.Be
Field Safety
Field safety also requires teams to conduct pre-match inspections, ensuring that all field elements—walls, barriers, and scoring zones—must be inspected before each match for stability and proper installation. Teams are prohibited from modifying or adding any structures that could compromise the field’s integrity. The playing surface should remain level, free of debris, and all balls must be placed within designated zones. Any loose objects, cables, or equipment must be secured to prevent tripping hazards or accidental contact with robots. Referees are responsible for monitoring field conditions and may halt play if safety concerns arise. All participants must wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, and maintain a safe distance from moving robots. In case of an emergency, the designated safety officer should be contacted immediately. Compliance with these rules protects both competitors and the
Field safety also requires teams to conduct pre-match inspections, ensuring that all field components are secure and that no loose parts could become projectiles. Referees will verify that the field is free of obstructions and that all safety barriers are intact. In addition, teams must ensure that any temporary structures or modifications are approved by the competition officials and do not compromise the field’s design. During matches, robots should not be programmed to drive beyond the field boundaries, and any malfunctioning robot must be immediately stopped and inspected. All team members should be trained in emergenc
Q&A System
Access the official Q&A portal on the VEX website for Over Under clarifications. Submit questions via the form; responses appear within 24 hours. Team leaders should review updates before matches to stay compliant with rule changes. If a question remains unanswered, contact competition director directly!!.
Accessing Help
The VEX Over Under Q&A portal is the primary resource for resolving rule ambiguities and receiving timely updates. To submit a query, navigate to the official VEX website, locate the “Q&A” section under the Over Under competition tab, and click “Submit Question.” Each entry requires a concise description, the relevant rule section, and any supporting screenshots. The system assigns a unique ticket number and sends an automated acknowledgment to the submitting team. Answers are posted within 24 hours, and the portal archives all interactions for future reference. Teams should regularly check the Q&A feed before matches, as new clarifications may appear after the official manual release. If a question remains unanswered after 48 hours, use the “Escalate” button to request direct assistance from a competition director. Additionally, the VEX Forum hosts a dedicated thread for unofficial discussion; however, only information posted in the official Q&A or manual updates is considered authoritative for scoring and compliance. By actively engaging with the Q&A system, teams can avoid penalties, ensure fair play, and stay aligned with the latest rule interpretations. The Q&A portal is updated weekly; check the official manual for the latest rule changes and ensure your team follows the updated guidelines. During the competition, any rule violation discovered by the judging team will result in a penalty or disqualification, so it is essential to review the manual before the match. The Q&A system also serves as a record of any changes made during the season, ensuring teams stay current with the official rules. See forum!!
Updates Thread
Official updates to the Over Under Game Manual are posted in the dedicated VEX Forum thread. Teams should monitor this thread for rule changes, clarifications, and version releases. All updates are timestamped and linked to the corresponding manual sections. Keep the thread active for real‑time updates.
Official Manual Updates
The VEX Robotics Competition Over Under official manual is maintained through a dedicated updates thread on the VEX Forum. All revisions are posted with a clear version number, release date, and a brief summary of changes. The first version (0.1) was released on April 29, 2023, and subsequent updates have been added on November 3, 2023, October 17, 2023, and June 13, 2023. Each update includes links to the full PDF, highlights of rule clarifications, and any safety amendments. Teams are encouraged to subscribe to the thread or follow the official VEX RSS feed to receive notifications automatically. The manual also references the Q&A system for any ambiguities that arise after an update. All updates are archived in the forum for future reference, ensuring that teams can trace the evolution of the rules over the season. For the most current information, always refer to the latest post in the thread rather than older PDFs that may be out of date. If you encounter a discrepancy, report it through the Q&A or the forum’s comment section so the VEX community can address it promptly. The thread is pinned for easy access. Each post includes a changelog and links. The thread contains a FAQ section. A search function helps locate rule changes. The official manual updates are essential for compliance and competitive success. Teams should download the latest PDF before the competition to avoid missing critical rule changes. The updates thread also links to a changelog table and provides screenshots for visual clarity. These resources help teams stay compliant and focused on strategy. All updates are vetted!! Stay informed.
No Responses