Division B Events Reveal Questions Questions must be directed toward the rules. We cannot pre-judge your device by answering questions on whether it complies. Earth & Space Science Dynamic Planet - Div B Meteorology - Div B Remote Sensing - Div B Rocks and Minerals - Div B 03/16/2026 The rules state that "Identification of rocks and minerals should be at least 30% but not more than 50% of available points". Do identification points include questions based off of rock/mineral identification? (e.g. characteristics of a specimen ... The 30-50% guidelines are for identification only, and do not include additional questions based on those specimens. Solar System - Div B Inquiry & Nature of Science Codebusters - Div B (Section: 3 / Paragraph: h / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1) 02/03/2026 If a team answers the timed question after the first 10 minutes passed, are they allowed to signal the event supervisor to have their response checked even though they will not receive a timing bonus? No. After the 10 minute timer has passed, the event supervisor will not check the timed question for accuracy, but it will be scored with the rest of the test. Experimental Design - Div B (Section: checkl / Line: 5) 02/11/2026 The checklist for section I says "two additional accurately calculated statistics included" but on the student report form they're listed as statistics 3 and 4 under variation. Do they have to be statistics of variation? No, statistics no. 3 and no. 4 do not need to be for variation. For state/national only, these two additional calculated statistics should be included. They can be for either variation or central tendency. Ping-Pong Parachute - Div B 01/28/2020 Does the label have to be on the bottle (not removed), or can it be taken off prior to building and presented to the event supervisor at a competition? The label may be removed and presented to the Event Supervisor at competition. Write It Do It - Div B (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1) 01/08/2026 Are we able to use the numbers for angles like 30 degrees, as well as the mathematical symbol for degree. Yes, in that situation the degree symbol is being used in its standard intended use and is not considered a drawing. (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 10/28/2025 Is the writer allowed to write in another language other than English? General rule #1 applies here. The rules do not specify a specific language for the written portion of Write It Do It, therefore students are allowed to write in a different language. The event supervisor must be able to ensure that no drawings or diagrams are included in their response. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 2) 12/05/2025 Would writing "shaped like the letter C" (or, alternatively, "shaped like the 3rd letter of the alphabet") be allowed because it "fit[s] within the context of the written description"? In concept yes that is allowed. However we can not evaluate all the details of the writing compared to the build. The final decision will be up to the local event supervisor. Life, Personal & Social Science Anatomy and Physiology - Div B Disease Detectives - Div B Botany - Div B Heredity - Div B Water Quality - Div B (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 02/03/2026 Are students allowed to bring their reference sheet with them when they test their salinometer? Yes, students are allowed to bring their reference sheet with them when they test their salinometer. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 01/23/2026 Are students allowed to print a scale or set of measuring lines used for discerning height changes on the hydrometer, and have it on the cheat sheet for use in concentration measurements? Yes, students may use a scale or set of measuring lines used for discerning height changes in their hydrometer on the note sheet for use while doing their testing instead of putting the measurements on the device itself. (Section: IV / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 12/16/2025 Can the team take samples of the solution into their beaker of size preference? meaning, can my students remove 50-100 mL of the solution measure and then return the solution back to the beaker. Water may not be removed from the event supervisor provided 400-600ml beaker for testing. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: A / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1) 10/27/2025 Does programmable include the use of Arduino; Also, is 3D Printed devices made for the salinometers allowed? Per rule 3.pIV.a., a simple electronic salinometer is allowed to be built and arduino is not a simple component and would not be allowed. 3D printed parts are allowed. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 03/03/2026 The reference calibration sheets for the salinometer test are allowed in National Clarification on 2/12/2026. Can students bring both salinometer reference calibration data sheets for salinity test and one 8.5"X11" double-sided cheat sheet for wri... No, the rule clarification states that students may take their one allowed reference sheet with them to the salinometer testing. It does not allow an additional reference sheet to be taken into the event. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 11/06/2025 Water Scorpion is not a pollution sensitive macroinvertebrate, and should not be placed in that category. The Water Scorpion was included in the list by mistake. It has been removed and a rule correction has been posted. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 2) 12/29/2025 Would a pre-made (commercial) electronic conductivity probe be allowed for use in the salinometer, as long as it is only a sensor component? No, a pre-made (commercial) electronic conductivity probe is not allowed for use in the salinometer, even if it is only a sensor component. If you have the conductivity measurement then all the student would be doing would be converting that number mathematically to a percent solution. This doesn't meet the event rules that the student must BUILD the device. Physical Science & Chemistry Chemistry Crime Busters - Div B (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 12/15/2025 The rules say "each participant may bring one 8.5x11 sheet of paper." Does that mean that each team of up to 2 may bring 1 sheet, or that each individual (up to 2 on a team) may bring 1 sheet, so a team of 2 may bring 2 sheets? Each participant may bring 1 sheet, so a team of 1 may bring 1 sheet and a team of 2 may bring 2 sheets. The sheets do not need to be identical but can contain different information. Food Science - Div B Physics Hovercraft - Div B (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 12/22/2025 A student came across a problem while making the hovercraft. The brushless fan he is trying to use needs an integrated circuit and the rules say that we can’t use an integrated circuit unless it’s an integral part of the motor. Rule 3.f. We c... If the fan cannot be run without a separate integrated circuit, it is not compliant with the construction parameters and will have to be replaced. Fans with compliant brushless motors are readily available. (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 10/16/2025 12v batteries sold at shop and online with 12v labelled are actually higher than 12v when charged (10 cells * 1.2=12v since each cell is 1.2v nominal, but often 1.4-1.5v when charged). Commercially labelled 12v nimh packs are allowed right in this... Per rule 3d, the ES is to calculate voltages based on the manufacturer’s original labels on the batteries. (Section: 3.b / Line: 3) 12/04/2025 3.b line 3 said inflated skirt must continuously contact with the base surface. Does this mean a inflated skirt is required for a hovercraft. No, an inflated skirt is not required. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1) 10/16/2025 4.c states "...8 minutes to adjust and repair their vehicle and make test runs. Practice runs are not allowed." Could you please clarify what is considered a test run (allowed) vs. a practice run (not allowed)? A Test run is an official, scorable run. (Section: 5 / Paragraph: a / Line: 2) 01/08/2026 5.a states that a “smooth” surface is required for a competition setup. Does that mean that any sort of start/end line demarcation that would make the surface unlevel (such as masking tape) would be prohibited for competitions? No. The presence of such markers will still be considered smooth surfaces. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1) 11/03/2025 Are supervisors intended to post Target Times and Bonus Target Times at impound? Are they allowed to, if they wish? Or are the times required to be kept secret? No, Rule 4d states that teams will be given the Target Time at the start of their testing period. Rule 4n states that the team will be given the Bonus Target Time when they become eligible to try for the bonus. (Section: 5 / Line: 1) 04/01/2026 Are teams allowed to clean the track using either dry or wet towels? Teams may dry-sweep the track, but may not wet or apply any cleaning solution to the track. (Section: 2 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 09/30/2025 Are tools with integrated circuits, such as multimeters or voltmeters, that are connected to the hovercraft's circuitry during the 8-minute testing period, but removed before a run permitted? Yes. Construction parameters refer to parts of the hovercraft. Tools are not considered part of the hovercraft. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: (f) / Line: 1) 12/16/2025 Are transistors allowed? No, they are not on the allowed list of components in rule 3f. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: i / Line: 1) 11/04/2025 Are we allowed to start our hovercraft against the side of the track as long as we show levitation and aren't using the wall as support, and instead use it because our hovercraft veers to the side, or are we forced to start in the middle of the tr... Yes the hovercraft can be started anywhere along the start line. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: k / Line: 1) 02/10/2026 Are you allowed to touch your hovercraft when giving the 3, 2, 1 countdown and then let go when you say go? No. The hovercraft must be held in place solely by the Event Supervisor's block. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 01/08/2026 As long as I'm within the size parameters, can I put free-spinning wheels on the corners of my hovercraft to reduce friction along the wall(s)? In concept, yes, that is allowed. However, we will not prejudge specific devices as we can not evaluate all the details of the implementation. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: B / Line: 4) 03/06/2026 Can a hovercraft use the side rails to propel itself (as long as it only contacts the inner portion)? The hovercraft is allowed to touch the side rails, beyond that we will not prejudge specific designs as we can not evaluate all the details of the implementation. (Section: 2 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 01/13/2026 Can a student bring multiple batteries to impound as long as the hovercraft runs under 12V? Yes, spare batteries may be impounded. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 02/26/2026 Can a student slightly lift the vehicle during initial inflation of skirting, so long as the vehicle remains levitated afterward with no additional assistance? Yes, this is allowed. (Section: 5 / Paragraph: e / Line: 1) 01/23/2026 Can a team hold their hovercraft at the top of the ramp until it is launched or does the team have to let it rest against the foam pad at the start line held by the event supervisor? A team may not hold the hovercraft as it is launching. It must be held in place by the event supervisor's block. However, the event supervisor's block can be placed anywhere behind the start line if requested by the team. (Section: 3) 02/03/2026 Can students switch thrust fan to improve the timing. For example one fan for 6 second target and another fan for 20 second target? Yes. That is within the spirit of the rules, but all safety / construction parameters must be met and this must be completed during the 8 minute testing period. (Section: 2 / Line: 1) 01/13/2026 Event Parameters - 2.b states that teams can bring spare parts and supplies. Can passive components like resistors be switched with spare parts after TT or BTT is announced. Yes, resistors may be switched with spare parts during the 8 minute testing period. Timing does not stop for students to make these changes. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 03/10/2026 For lift fans or blowers, is a thin plastic sheet covering the entire vehicle bottom (such as skirting) considered sufficient for the dowel test, or must there be additional "hard" guarding as there would be without the plastic sheet? We can't prejudge specific devices. The dowel cannot contact the fans in an unsafe manner - if the vehicle bottom is thin enough to cause the dowel to push it into the fan and create a safety hazard then it would not be adequate and not be legal. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 03/12/2026 Given switches that are mechanically activated by a motor, and electromechanical DPDT relays, what determines a "manually-operated" switch? A manually-operated switch is one that is operated by hand. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 10/28/2025 I know circuit boards are not allowed, but for connection purposes would a solderable breadboard be allowed for making wiring connections? Yes, bare breadboards are allowed as long as the entire circuit is visible for inspection. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 7) 12/29/2025 If I am not using a skirt does the bottom of the part have to be covered so the dowel can't touch it or just from the top being that is getting protected by the floor or is it being tested in the air. Rule 3.c. requires all propellers/impellers, including those under the vehicle, to have shielding. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 4) 03/04/2026 If I spin a flywheel before the start of the run, release a pendulum before the run start, or use a mousetrap, does the energy from said flywheel, pendulum swing, or mousetrap count as outside energy sources? Yes, those would all be outside energy sources and prohibited by the rules. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 01/19/2026 If a digital multimeter is mounted on the device but placed in series with a manual switch that is turns it off before the run, may the voltmeter tack the trip down the track as part of the weight of the device? No. Integrated circuits are not allowed on the hovercraft itself, and so a multimeter may not be part of the hovercraft as it travels down the track on a run. (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 10/01/2025 Is a rheostat an allowed electrical component? A rheostat is basically a potentiometer for higher voltage and current and, as it was described in a question to me from a clinic participant, a potentiometer would not be safe with this amount of vol... A rheostat is an allowed component. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 3) 12/04/2025 Is continuous or near-continuous contact permitted between the ground and a portion of a non-inflated skirt? For example, if one corner or side of the craft is dragging or frequently touching the ground. Yes. Rule 3.b. considers the skirt to be "inflated" if the vehicle is levitating, whether or not the entire skirt truly appears inflated. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 12/16/2025 Is it permissible to use battery placeholders ("dummy" batteries) to adjust the voltage on astring of batteries? They have the same form factor as standard batteries (inour case AA cell) and works as a conductor. We are using these to adjust t... Yes, they are acting then as wires. However, since they resemble batteries, it must be clear from the manufacturer markings on them that they are dummy cells. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 3) 03/30/2026 Is it permitted to use a motorized wheel for propulsion on our hovercraft instead of two fans? Specifically, can we use one lift fan for hover and a motor-driven wheel that constantly contacts and pushes against the inside wall of the track to mov... In concept that may be allowed. However we will not prejudge specific devices as we can not evaluate all the details of the implementation. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 03/09/2026 Is it still a manually operated switch if it is mechanically triggered later on in a run, without a human hand directly touching it the moment it is triggered? This is assuming you set up the switch with manual operation prior to it triggering/swi... No. "Manually-operated" means operated by hand and this applies to both setup and triggering. (Section: 4 / Line: 1) 03/30/2026 Is the starting block always placed flush to the start line? Ex: a team wants the block placed further back to start their vehicle at the top of the ramp, and the block be placed right below their vehicle. Or they want the block at an angle. The Hovercraft must be held in place by the event supervisor's block, which can be placed anywhere behind the start line if requested by the team. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 11/03/2025 Is there a minimum amount of rise required for the levitation test? Some crafts may rise sub-mm -- is that acceptable? No, there is no minimum stated. The Event Supervisor will need to make their best judgement, but it should be noticeable that the machine rises (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 2) 10/16/2025 It says we can use a brushless motor, but it doesn't explicitly address the ESC (Electric Speed Controller), nor PWM (Pulse-width modulation) control. Please confirm if we can use ESC and PWM control. Rule 3.f. says that integrated circuits that are not integral parts of a commercial motor are not permitted. A part is integral if it is manufactured as part of the whole rather than supplied separately. A ESC or PWM that is not integral to the motor is not allowed. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 03/12/2026 It says wires are allowed but is it OK if alligator clips are on the wires and used to connect them to motors? Yes, that is allowed. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1) 10/16/2025 May a hovercraft have multiple circuits that are separate from each other and under 12 volts, even if the combined voltage of all batteries is over 12 volts? Yes, each separate circuit can have a maximum of 12V per manufactures labeling. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: l / Line: 1) 03/04/2026 Nothing in the rules prohibits someone following their hovercraft down the track and placing their hand or some other object behind the driving fan, such that they are not touching it but still changing the airflow around it to allow for more thru... No, this is not allowed. Rule 1 says that the vehicle is self-propelled, thus teams may not interact with a run once it has begun. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1) 12/09/2025 Rule 3.f. lists the permitted electrical components but does not mention fusing. Can an inline 12V fuse (such as an automotive fuse) be used without penalty? Yes. A fuse is essentially a specialized resistor and is allowed (Section: 4 / Line: 5) 03/17/2026 Rule 4.n makes reference to restrictions on the Bonus Target Time being those of listed in 5.d. However 5.d describes the photogates. Rule 4.d seems a more appropriate reference. Can you clarify if (a) this is a typo or (b) how we should interpret... Yes, this is a typo. It should be the restrictions in rule 4d, not 5d. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: e / Line: 2) 03/04/2026 The rule states ‘if a team has 3 incomplete runs their testing period is over’. Same is stated in the Team Checklist - 2026; then why is there a column for 4th Run in the Team Checklist ? This is leading to illegal 4th run during competitions. A team can have four runs if the first two are incomplete, the third run is complete, and then the fourth run is their Final Run (Rule 4.e.). (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 03/04/2026 The students use manual switches, but the switches can be activated by the air pressure of the fan. Is this allowed?Thanks,Man No, a manually-operated switch is one that is directly operated by hand. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1) 12/30/2025 The text mentions “continuous contact of the inflated skirt” is allowed, but does not state that an inflated skirt is mandated or not. Can a rigid or non-inflated foam skirt be used as long as the vehicle levitates when pushed down and rises, ... Yes, a skirt is not required as long as the vehicle passes the levitation test. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 17) 03/06/2026 Under Electrical components stated manually-operated switches is allow. Is a PWM motor speed controller allow? Is a light dimmer allow? Rule 3.f. states that integrated circuits (other than those that are an integral part of a commercial motor) are not permitted. PWMs and most modern dimmers contain an integrated circuit and are therefore not allowed. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 11/04/2025 Would banana jack ports (for connecting a multimeter during calibration/setup) be an allowed component? Yes, connectors are allowed. Circuit Lab - Div B (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 10/28/2025 Are teams allowed to bring two or more binders? Yes, teams may choose to contain their resources however they wish. Rule 2a states that participants are responsible for organizing and containing their notes efficiently. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1) 12/30/2025 What defines a basic multimeter (i.e. versus some other unspecified type)? In general, the multimeter must be stand-alone and non-programmable and not be able to store information or access the internet. The local Event Supervisor will make the decision if the multimeter is allowed. (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 10/30/2025 What is the maximum number of binders that participants are allowed? Per rule 2a, the only restriction is "Participants are responsible for organizing and containing their notes efficiently" Thermodynamics - Div B Technology Technology & Engineering Design Roller Coaster - Div B Boomilever - Div B (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 11/03/2025 Does it count as having "designed" a Structure if a team copies a design without any significant (intentional) modifications? Yes, this would be allowed since the team would be selecting the wood, glue and assembling the device. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: g / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 3) 10/16/2025 If a boomilever is designed to meet the construction parameters for the Load Scored BONUS option (touches test wall above the 15cm(B)/10cm(C) contact line) but does not hold the full 15kg, would the boomilever then receive a construction violation... NO, the team would not be penalized with a construction or competition violation if a BONUS was attempted but failed to hold the full load, and would be considered as a "Base Option" with a Tier 1 score (5.d.i). (Section: 7 / Paragraph: 1 / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 6) 12/04/2025 If a student marks the wood with a pen where they would like to put braces, is this a legal marking from the construction process, or is the "construction process" referred to in the rules the wood construction process, not the boomilever construc... Yes, wood marking is acceptable if only used for the Boomilever "construction process" per rule 7.a. (Section: 7 / Paragraph: d / Line: 3) 11/04/2025 Please clarify "adhesive tape". For example, when making a custom lamination, could one use a "transfer tape" which only leaves behind a layer of adhesive film? Alternate methods of applying adhesive for joining wood pieces can be acceptable if no other materials including the support or backer material transfer with the adhesive and become part of the structure. Elastic Launched Gliders - Div B Scrambler - Div B (Section: 3 / Paragraph: i / Line: 1) 03/12/2026 Are teams allowed to drill one hole across the depth of the backstop and fill it with a dowel to attach the backstop to the scrambler device? In concept yes that is allowed. However we will not prejudge specific devices as we can not evaluate all the details of the implementation. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: i & ii / Line: 1) 12/04/2025 Are teams allowed to drill two holes in the front of the backstop and fill them with dowels that extend out 3.0 to 4.0 cm from the face or do they need to glue the dowels on the flat face of the backboard (no holes or filled holes)? Yes, teams can drill holes in the front surface of the backstop for the purpose of attaching the dowels the egg will rest on. (Section: 4 / Line: 4) 02/13/2026 Are teams allowed to use a laser device for aiming? No lasers are prohibited by rule 4.d.iv. which prohibits electric or electronic sighting, aligning and guiding devices. (Section: 1 / Line: 1) 11/03/2025 Are teams allowed to use purchased scrambler kits? Kits are allowed. Preassembled devices are not permitted to be used. (Section: 3 / Line: 2) 12/04/2025 Assuming the base remains 100cm x 50cm, can the imaginary box be rotated to any position relative to the imaginary center line of the track? Yes, as long as the base remains 100cm by 50cm, it can be rotated to any position relative to the imaginary center line of the track. (Section: 8 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1) 09/29/2025 Can "Vehicle Measurement Point" be defined? The Vehicle Measurement Point is defined as the foremost tip of the egg that is attached to the Vehicle. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 12/22/2025 Can teams from a single school share the launcher and falling mass? Yes, rule 4.a.i.(1) allows teams from the same school to share the launcher and falling mass as long as they remain in impound between teams competing. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 10/16/2025 Can the solid wooden backstop ("no holes nor filled holes") be attached to the car via a dowel, screws, bolts, or other mechanisms that would effectively create filled holes? What if the dowel/screws etc do not infringe the front-most 1.1 cm of a ... Holes on the back side of the backstop for screws, bolts, dowels, or other attachment components are allowed for the purpose of attaching to the vehicle. (Section: 4 / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 14) 03/31/2026 Can the students use a painter's tape on the track area floor as a part of aiming or aligning the launcher? Will it be a violation if they remove the tape before the run? No, competitors are not permitted to use tape of any kind on the floor during any part if the competition. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: D / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 3) 12/15/2025 Could we request the optional bucket bonus for both runs? Yes, per rule 4.d.viii.3, the team may choose the bucket Bonus per run. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1) 02/10/2026 During set up for a run with the bucket bonus, is the team allowed to touch/move the bucket to aim the launcher/vehicle than put the bucket back in place? The teams may request to have the bucket removed from the track during their 8 minutes to allow aiming or sighting. The event supervisor must replace the bucket before the run is made. (Section: 1 / Line: 1) 12/29/2025 How many calculators are allowed for this event?The event parameters mention a class III calculator but not how many per team. Rule 8.b. states that "Tools cannot be electric or electronic except for a stand-alone calculator (Class III)", therefore one calculator is allowed. (Section: 7 / Line: 1) 10/16/2025 I am confuesed as it never mentions this, but what if the scrambler goes out of the track, comes back and stops at the terminal barrier, fully in the track? Like for this year, if it curved around the bucket ? There is no penalty if the scrambler goes off the track during it's run and returns onto the track as long as no part of the scrambler passes the terminal barrier. The competitors assume the risk of this action as the event supervisor is not required to provide space beyond what is specified in rule 7.c.v. (Section: 7 / Paragraph: C / Sub-Paragraph: Iv / Line: 1) 12/09/2025 Regarding the bucket bonus, does the term optional mean the event supervisor can choose wether the bucket is on the track, or the participants can choose if the bucket is on the track, or if the bucket is on the track and participating in the bonu... Per rule 4.d.viii(3), the teams may choose "per run" to earn the optional Bucket Bonus. The event supervisor will place the bucket on the track following rule 7.c.iv when the competitors choose to run with the bucket on the tr (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1) 02/26/2026 Since the track is (1) 1m wide on each side of the midline, and (2) ends at the terminal barrier (TB), would placing an aligning device either (1) >1m away from the midline, or (2) behind the TB, violate this rule and incur a Competition Violation... Yes, per rule 4.d.iv, a competition violation would be awarded as all alignment devices must be used within the defined track area. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 4) 02/13/2026 Teams are wrapping the transparent plastic bag multiple times around the egg to create a cushion and/or obscuring the rounded part and/or tip of the egg. Are there any regulations around this? Yes, per rule 4.d.iii(4) the ES may require the competitors to place the egg in a "thin" plastic bag, however to be considered "thin" the leading and back tips of egg and must only have one layer of the bag covering it to avoid cushioning the egg from potential impacts. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: viii / Sub-Paragraph: 3 / Line: 3) 10/16/2025 Teams may opt to earn the Bucket Bonus by navigating around the bucket during a run. If a team selects the Bucket Bonus for their second run, the 8-minute counter will start once the Event Staff (ES) has set up the bucket or is it included in the ... No the setting of the bucket by the event supervisor is not counted against the competitors 8 minute time, however the team must pause their setup work while the time is paused for the bucket to be placed. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1) 02/02/2026 The sighting, aligning, and guiding devices must be placed and used within the defined Track area, which is defined in section 7.c.v from the Terminal Barrier to 1.0 m behind the Start Point. Could we pass the Start Point and use aligning or guidi... Yes, aligning devices may be placed anywhere on the defined track area, as long as they are removed before each run. (Section: 8 / Paragraph: H / Sub-Paragraph: I / Line: 1) 12/16/2025 This rule says that if the egg breaks on the first run, the second run is scored as a failed run.My question is: if the egg breaks, is the run on which the egg breaks a failed run? No, if the egg breaks on the first run, the first run will have a competition violation for the broken egg, and the second run will be scored as a failed run. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 1) 12/29/2025 When taking a bucket shot, can vehicle be placed at an angle horizontally so that the tip of the egg is on starting point, but the part of vehicle is beyond starting line? Without slanted positn, curved path can't be traced and if slanted, some pa... Yes, parts of the Scrambler device may be beyond the Start Point without a penalty provided the tip of the egg is above the Start Point. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 1) 02/13/2026 Will covering the Start Point with the apparatus or device such that the point is not fully visible constitute a violation? Yes, there will be a competition violation if the event supervisor is unable to verify the tip of the egg is above the Start Point. ‹ Submit a Question and Rule Clarifications Earth & Space Science ›
