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2025-2026 SEASON

VELOCITY VORTEX

Official Game Manual & Competition Rules

Version 2.1 • Updated Jan 2026
The Game

Game Overview

VELOCITY VORTEX challenges teams to score points by collecting and launching energy spheres

Watch Game Animation
2:30 VIDEO

The Challenge

In VELOCITY VORTEX, two alliances of two teams each compete to score points by collecting Energy Spheres and launching them into scoring goals. Navigate a dynamic field with rotating Vortex Platforms!

Match Structure

15s
AutonomousPre-programmed robot actions
1:45
Driver ControlDriver operated period
30s
EndgameBonus scoring opportunities

Alliance Format

2v2 alliance format. Qualification matches have random alliances. In elimination rounds, top-ranked teams select partners.

The Arena

Field Specifications

Official competition field layout and element details

Red Alliance
VORTEX

Rotating Platform

Blue Alliance

Field diagram - Not to scale

Field Size

12' × 12' (3.66m × 3.66m) foam tile surface

Perimeter

Aluminum perimeter walls, 2" (51mm) high

Energy Spheres

60 total spheres (30 red, 30 blue), 4" diameter

Goals

4 low goals, 2 high goals, 1 center Vortex

Vortex Platform

Rotating center platform (15 RPM during endgame)

Starting Zones

18" × 18" starting tiles in each corner

Points

Scoring Breakdown

Complete points breakdown for all game elements and periods

Autonomous Period
Sphere in Low Goal 2 pts
Sphere in High Goal 5 pts
Sphere in Vortex 10 pts
Robot on Center Platform 10 pts
Autonomous Bonus +20 pts
Driver Control
Sphere in Low Goal 1 pt
Sphere in High Goal 2 pts
Sphere in Vortex 5 pts
Sphere returned to base 1 pt
Endgame (30s)
Touching Platform 5 pts
Fully on Platform 20 pts
Both robots on Platform +10 pts
Cap on Vortex goal 25 pts

Tiebreaker Rules: Ties are broken by highest autonomous score, then highest endgame score, then Skills Challenge ranking.

Regulations

Competition Rules

Key rules and regulations summary - refer to full manual for complete details

General Rules

  • Robots must pass inspection before competing
  • Teams must demonstrate Gracious Professionalism
  • All team members must wear safety glasses in pit areas
  • Mentors may advise but not build or program
  • Engineering notebooks are required for judged awards

Game Violations

  • Minor: Warning, then 5-point penalty
  • Major: 20-point penalty
  • Match Affecting: Disqualification from match
  • Egregious: Disqualification from tournament

Prohibited Actions

  • Intentional damage to field or other robots
  • Trapping robots for more than 5 seconds
  • Hoarding more than 3 Energy Spheres
  • Entering opponent's protected zones
  • Using non-approved materials or components

Safety Rules

  • Maximum battery voltage: 12.8V
  • No exposed sharp edges on robot
  • Pneumatic systems limited to 100 PSI
  • All electronics must be properly secured
  • Emergency stop button must be accessible
Specifications

Robot Requirements

Size, weight, and component limitations for competition robots

Size Limits

Starting Size 18" × 18" × 18"
Expanded 36" any dir.
Height Limit 24" expanded

Weight & Power

Max Weight 15 lbs
Battery 1× 7.2V Li-Ion
Motors Up to 8

Components

Brain MRX v3
Sensors Unlimited
Pneumatics 1 tank max

Materials

Structure MRX only
Custom Parts 3D (limited)
Decorations Non-functional
Resources

Official Downloads

Get the complete game documentation and resources

Complete Game Manual

Full rules, specifications, and appendices

PDF • 4.2 MB • v2.1

Quick Reference Guide

1-page scoring and rules summary

PDF • 512 KB • v2.1

Field CAD Files

3D models for field element construction

ZIP • 28 MB

Field Assembly Guide

Step-by-step field setup instructions

PDF • 8.5 MB

Robot Inspection Checklist

Pre-competition inspection requirements

PDF • 245 KB • v2.0

Q&A Archive

Official rule clarifications and answers

Online • Updated Weekly

Game Manual Updates

The game manual may be updated during the season. Subscribe to receive notifications about rule changes and clarifications.

Last updated: January 15, 2026 (Version 2.1)