VEX Over Under: A Comprehensive Overview
The VEX Over Under Manual is a vital resource, detailing rules and objectives for fair play and success within the VEX Robotics Competition.
This manual’s structure includes game rules, robot specs, and tournament guidelines, offering teams essential information in accessible PDF formats.
The VEX Over Under Manual serves as the foundational document for all participants, establishing a clear understanding of the competition’s core principles and expectations.
It meticulously outlines the game’s objectives, ensuring all teams, referees, and spectators share a common framework for evaluating performance and fostering a spirit of fair competition. This comprehensive guide details every aspect of gameplay, from the initial autonomous period to the dynamic driver-controlled phase.
The manual’s clarity is paramount, providing essential resources for teams to strategize, design, and build robots capable of excelling in the VEX Over Under challenge.
Game Overview and Objectives
The VEX Over Under Manual precisely defines the game’s core objective: two alliances of two teams competing to score by strategically maneuvering game elements Over and Under a central barrier.
Matches consist of a 15-second autonomous period followed by a 1 minute and 45-second driver-controlled period, demanding both pre-programmed precision and real-time adaptability.
The manual details scoring rules for balls and cubes, endgame hanging, and potential penalties, providing a complete framework for understanding how points are earned and lost throughout each match.
Understanding the VEX Over Under Manual
The VEX Over Under Manual ensures clarity and consistency for all participants, outlining game rules, robot specifications, and tournament procedures for fair competition.
Purpose and Importance of the Manual
The VEX Over Under Manual serves as the definitive guide for teams, referees, and spectators, establishing a shared understanding of the competition’s intricacies. Its primary purpose is to ensure fair play by clearly defining all game rules, robot specifications, and tournament procedures.
This comprehensive document fosters consistency, minimizing ambiguity and promoting equitable competition. By providing essential resources, the manual empowers teams to build, program, and strategize effectively, ultimately enhancing the overall VEX Robotics Competition experience and driving innovation.
Manual Structure and Key Sections
The VEX Over Under Manual is meticulously organized into comprehensive sections for easy navigation. Key areas include detailed game rules outlining scoring and penalties, robot specifications defining size and component limitations, and tournament guidelines covering registration and match procedures.
Appendices offer supplementary information, while readily available PDF versions ensure accessibility. This structured approach allows teams to quickly locate crucial details, facilitating efficient preparation and strategic planning throughout the VEX Robotics Competition season.
Accessing the VEX Over Under Manual (PDF Version)
The VEX Over Under Manual is conveniently available in a downloadable PDF format, ensuring easy access for teams worldwide. This digital version allows for offline viewing, printing, and efficient searching of critical game information.
Teams can readily locate the PDF on the official VEX Robotics website, within the game-specific resources section. Having this readily available document streamlines preparation, enabling teams to quickly reference rules and specifications during robot design and competition.
Field Setup and Dimensions
The VEX Over Under Manual details the 12×12 square field configuration, crucial for proper gameplay. Understanding these dimensions is key for strategic robot design.
Field Layout and Configuration
The VEX Over Under Manual provides a comprehensive visual guide to the field’s layout, illustrating the precise arrangement of scoring zones and the neutral area. This detailed configuration is essential for teams to strategize effectively and optimize robot performance.
Teams must thoroughly understand the field’s dimensions and zone placements as outlined in the manual to maximize scoring opportunities during both the autonomous and driver-controlled periods. Accurate interpretation of the manual’s diagrams is paramount for successful competition.
Key Zones: Scoring Areas and Neutral Zones
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously defines each scoring area, detailing the point values associated with successful object placement within these zones. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for maximizing a team’s score throughout a match.
The manual also clearly delineates the neutral zones, explaining the rules governing robot and object interaction within these areas. Teams must adhere to these guidelines to avoid penalties and maintain fair play, as outlined in the official documentation.
Gameplay Mechanics
The VEX Over Under Manual outlines the match structure: a 15-second Autonomous Period, followed by a 1:45 Driver Controlled Period, defining gameplay.
Autonomous Period (15 Seconds)
The VEX Over Under Manual details that the Autonomous Period lasts 15 seconds, where robots operate pre-programmed instructions without driver control.
Teams strategically plan these sequences to score points by manipulating game elements, aiming for efficient object placement and positioning for the Driver Controlled phase.
Success in this period relies on precise programming, sensor integration, and reliable robot execution, potentially establishing an early advantage in the match.
The manual provides specific rules governing autonomous actions, ensuring fair play and consistent scoring criteria for all competing teams.
Driver Controlled Period (1:45 Minutes)
The VEX Over Under Manual specifies a 1 minute and 45 second Driver Controlled Period following the Autonomous phase, where teams directly control their robots.
During this time, drivers execute strategies to score points by manipulating balls and cubes, navigating the field, and interacting with scoring zones.
Effective teamwork, precise driving skills, and quick decision-making are crucial for maximizing points and outmaneuvering the opposing alliance.
The manual outlines legal driver control methods and restrictions, ensuring fair competition and safe robot operation throughout the match.
Scoring Elements and Points
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously details how points are awarded throughout a match, based on interactions with scoring elements.
Points are earned by successfully transferring balls and cubes over the barrier to the opponent’s side and into designated scoring zones.
Additional points are awarded for endgame achievements, such as hanging or balancing on the central platform, as defined within the manual.
The manual provides a comprehensive scoring breakdown, ensuring teams understand how to maximize their points and strategic gameplay.
Robot Specifications and Regulations
The VEX Over Under Manual outlines crucial robot specifications, including size restrictions, weight limits, and legal component lists for competition.
These regulations ensure fair play and safety, guiding teams in building compliant and competitive robots.
Size Restrictions and Weight Limits
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously details robot size restrictions, crucial for ensuring fair competition and preventing field interference. Robots must adhere to maximum dimensions, preventing advantages gained through excessive size.
Furthermore, the manual specifies strict weight limits, promoting balanced robot designs and preventing damage to the playing field or opposing robots. These limitations encourage strategic building and efficient use of materials, fostering innovation within defined boundaries. Teams must carefully consider these constraints during the design and build phases.
Motor and Controller Limitations
The VEX Over Under Manual clearly outlines limitations regarding motors and controllers, ensuring a level playing field and promoting strategic engineering choices. Specific motor types and quantities are restricted, preventing teams from overpowering opponents with excessive drive power.
Controller specifications are also detailed, governing programming capabilities and robot control complexity. These regulations encourage teams to focus on intelligent design and efficient code, rather than simply relying on raw power or advanced hardware.
Legal and Illegal Robot Components
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously lists legal and illegal robot components, crucial for compliance and fair competition. It specifies permitted VEX parts, ensuring all teams operate within defined boundaries. The manual also details prohibited items – those posing safety risks or granting unfair advantages.
Teams must carefully review this section to avoid disqualification, understanding that modifications to legal parts are often restricted. Adherence to these guidelines fosters a consistent and equitable competitive environment.
Alliance Strategy and Teamwork
The VEX Over Under Manual emphasizes the importance of red versus blue alliance cooperation, communication, and coordinated offensive/defensive strategies for optimal gameplay.
Red Alliance vs. Blue Alliance
The VEX Over Under Manual clearly defines the competitive structure as two alliances facing off: the Red Alliance and the Blue Alliance. Each alliance comprises two teams, fostering collaborative gameplay.
Understanding this fundamental division is crucial for strategic planning. Teams must analyze opponent capabilities, anticipate movements, and coordinate actions within their alliance to maximize scoring potential. The manual details how alliances interact during both the Autonomous and Driver Controlled periods, emphasizing the need for synchronized efforts to achieve victory.
Communication and Coordination
The VEX Over Under Manual stresses the importance of seamless communication and coordination within each alliance. Effective teamwork is paramount for success, requiring teams to share information about robot positions, scoring strategies, and opponent actions.
The manual doesn’t dictate how teams communicate, allowing for flexibility, but emphasizes the need for clear, concise messaging. Successful alliances will develop pre-match plans and adapt dynamically during gameplay, relying on constant communication to optimize performance and respond to changing field conditions.
Offensive and Defensive Strategies
The VEX Over Under Manual doesn’t prescribe specific strategies, but its ruleset inherently encourages both offensive and defensive play. Teams must balance scoring objectives with disrupting the opponent’s progress, creating a dynamic strategic landscape.
Successful teams will analyze the manual to identify opportunities for maximizing points while simultaneously hindering the opposing alliance. This includes understanding scoring element control, zone dominance, and endgame capabilities, adapting their approach based on opponent robot designs and observed gameplay tendencies.
Scoring Details
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously outlines point values for object scoring, endgame actions (hanging/balancing), and details any penalty systems or fouls.
Object Scoring – Balls and Cubes
The VEX Over Under Manual comprehensively details how points are awarded for successfully manipulating and scoring both balls and cubes throughout a match. It specifies the scoring zones, detailing the point values associated with depositing these objects into the high and low goals;
The manual clarifies scoring rules, including whether points are awarded for objects that are momentarily scored, or if they must remain within the scoring zone at the match’s conclusion. It also addresses potential scenarios involving contested objects and how referees will resolve them, ensuring consistent scoring across all matches.
Endgame Scoring – Hanging and Balancing
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously outlines the scoring criteria for the crucial endgame phase, focusing on robot hanging and balancing capabilities. It details the specific requirements for a successful hang, including the number of contact points and the duration needed to secure points.
The manual clarifies point values awarded for different levels of balance achieved on the platform, and specifies any restrictions on robot attachments or mechanisms used during the endgame; It also addresses potential penalties for failing to meet the hanging or balancing criteria, ensuring fair and consistent endgame scoring.
Penalty System and Fouls
The VEX Over Under Manual comprehensively details the penalty system, crucial for maintaining fair competition. It clearly defines various fouls, ranging from minor infractions like field interference to major violations such as intentional damage to opponent robots.
The manual specifies the corresponding penalties for each foul, including point deductions, robot disablement, or even match disqualification. It also outlines the referee’s authority to assess penalties and the process for appealing those decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the tournament.
VEX Robotics Competition Resources
The VEX Over Under Manual, alongside official websites and forums, provides teams with crucial support and documentation for successful competition participation.
Official VEX Website and Forums
The official VEX website serves as a central hub for all VEX Over Under competition information, including the comprehensive game manual available for download.
VEX Forums offer a collaborative space where teams can discuss strategies, seek clarifications on manual rules, and share robot designs related to Over Under gameplay.
These platforms provide access to official rule updates, frequently asked questions, and valuable insights from experienced teams, fostering a supportive community for all participants.
VEX IQ Challenge Resources
VEX IQ Challenge provides specific resources tailored to the Over Under game, including a dedicated section within the manual for VEX IQ robot specifications and gameplay adaptations.
Teams can find build guides, programming examples, and strategy discussions focused on the unique challenges presented by the VEX IQ platform in the Over Under competition.
These resources aim to support VEX IQ teams in understanding and effectively implementing the manual’s guidelines for successful Over Under performance.
VEX V5 Robotics Competition Resources
VEX V5 teams benefit from resources directly linked to the Over Under game manual, offering detailed explanations of advanced robot construction techniques and programming strategies.
The VEX platform provides tutorials on utilizing V5 hardware to optimize performance in Over Under, covering motor control, sensor integration, and autonomous navigation.
These resources help VEX V5 teams interpret the manual’s rules and regulations, enabling them to build competitive robots for the Over Under challenge.
Hero Bot Build Instructions
Hero Bot instructions leverage the VEX Over Under manual, providing a foundation for building functional robots aligned with game rules and objectives.
VEX IQ Hero Bot: Huey
Huey, the VEX IQ Hero Bot, is designed to assist teams in understanding the VEX Over Under game’s challenges, referencing the official game manual extensively.
Build instructions detail how Huey’s design aligns with manual specifications, aiding in grasping core concepts like object manipulation and field navigation.
Teams can utilize Huey as a starting point, modifying it based on strategies outlined within the VEX Over Under manual, fostering innovation and competitive advantage.
VEX V5 Hero Bot: Dex
Dex, the VEX V5 Hero Bot, serves as a practical learning tool, directly reflecting principles detailed in the VEX Over Under game manual for advanced robotics teams.
Its build instructions demonstrate how to implement strategies described within the manual, focusing on complex mechanisms and efficient scoring methods.
Dex’s design encourages teams to explore the manual’s robot specifications and regulations, promoting a deeper understanding of competitive robotics and game-specific challenges.
Tournament Guidelines and Procedures
The VEX Over Under Manual outlines registration, match scheduling, judging, and awards, ensuring consistent and fair tournament operations for all participating teams.
Registration and Qualification
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously details the team registration process, including required forms and associated fees, ensuring a smooth entry into the competition.
It further clarifies qualification pathways to regional and world championship events, outlining performance metrics and ranking criteria based on match results.
Teams must adhere to all deadlines and eligibility requirements as specified within the manual to maintain their competitive standing throughout the season.
Match Scheduling and Results
The VEX Over Under Manual outlines the procedures for generating match schedules, typically utilizing a randomized system to ensure fair competition amongst all registered teams.
It details how match results are recorded and validated, emphasizing the role of referees and the scoring system described within the manual itself.
Teams can access real-time standings and match results through official VEX platforms, as referenced in the manual, allowing for strategic adjustments throughout the tournament.
Judging Criteria and Awards
The VEX Over Under Manual meticulously defines the judging criteria used to evaluate teams beyond just robot performance, encompassing design, engineering notebooks, and team interviews.
It details the various award categories, such as the Robot Skills Champion, Design Award, and Teamwork Award, outlining the specific qualities judges seek in each category.
Understanding these criteria, as explained in the manual, is crucial for teams aiming to maximize their scores and secure recognition at VEX Robotics Competitions.
Advanced Strategies and Techniques
The VEX Over Under Manual provides a foundation for advanced strategies; mastering its rules unlocks opportunities for innovative programming and driver control techniques.
Programming for Autonomous Mode
The VEX Over Under Manual is crucial for autonomous programming, outlining precise game rules and field dimensions for reliable robot behavior. Teams must meticulously translate manual specifications into code.
Successful autonomous routines require accurate object detection, path planning, and scoring element manipulation, all guided by the manual’s detailed descriptions. Understanding scoring objectives, as defined in the manual, is paramount for maximizing autonomous points. Effective programming leverages the manual’s clarity to achieve consistent and strategic performance during the 15-second period.
Driver Control Techniques
The VEX Over Under Manual informs effective driver control, detailing legal robot actions and prohibited maneuvers. Mastering precise movements is vital for scoring balls and cubes efficiently.
Drivers must understand the field layout and scoring zones, as outlined in the manual, to optimize strategic positioning. Successful techniques include coordinated alliance movements and quick object acquisition. The manual’s penalty system necessitates careful driving to avoid fouls, maximizing points during the 1:45 driver-controlled period.
Robot Design Considerations
The VEX Over Under Manual dictates crucial robot design parameters, including size restrictions and weight limits, ensuring fair competition. Teams must adhere to these specifications throughout the build process.
The manual details legal and illegal components, guiding teams toward compliant construction. Effective designs prioritize efficient object manipulation, robust construction for durability, and maneuverability for navigating the field. Considering the endgame scoring—hanging and balancing—is vital, as outlined in the manual’s scoring details.
Rule Updates and Clarifications
The VEX Over Under Manual receives official updates, as of 02/04/2026, to clarify rules and address frequently asked questions, ensuring consistent gameplay.
Official Rule Updates (as of 02/04/2026)
The VEX Over Under Manual undergoes periodic revisions to maintain clarity and fairness throughout the competition season. As of February 4th, 2026, updates primarily focus on clarifying scoring ambiguities and refining interpretations of robot component legality.
These changes, detailed within the latest manual version, address specific scenarios encountered during early tournaments; Teams are strongly encouraged to review the updated PDF document to ensure full compliance with current regulations, avoiding potential penalties or disqualifications. Staying current with these revisions is crucial for competitive success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The VEX Over Under Manual’s FAQ section addresses common inquiries from teams regarding game rules, robot specifications, and tournament procedures. Frequently asked questions cover topics like legal bumper dimensions, motor controller limitations, and scoring element manipulation guidelines.
This resource, available within the official PDF manual, aims to provide quick answers to prevalent concerns. Teams encountering unresolved issues are directed to the official VEX forums for further assistance and clarification from experienced mentors and competition officials.
Mix & Match Game (2025-2026 VEX IQ)
While focused on Mix & Match, understanding the VEX Over Under Manual’s structure and rules provides a strong foundation for navigating new game challenges.
The 2025-2026 VEX IQ Mix & Match game introduces a new strategic layer, demanding adaptability and innovative robot designs. However, a solid understanding of foundational VEX competition principles remains crucial.
Previously, the VEX Over Under Manual established a framework for rules, robot specifications, and tournament procedures. This prior knowledge isn’t lost; it’s transferable. Familiarity with the manual’s structure – its sections on gameplay, penalties, and judging – will significantly aid teams in quickly grasping Mix & Match’s unique demands.
Effectively utilizing resources and understanding competition standards, as outlined in past manuals, will empower teams to excel in this new challenge.