Game Overview
VEX Over Under challenges teams to score blocks in goals, control zones, and finish in parking spots. The 12×12 field hosts two alliances of two robots each, competing in a 2‑minute match with autonomous and driver‑controlled phases. Robots use ramps, lifts, and teamwork to score efficiently.!!!!!
Season and Objectives
The 2023‑2024 VEX Robotics Competition season introduced the Over Under game, a dynamic challenge that blends autonomous precision with strategic driver control. Over Under’s primary objective is to outscore the opposing alliance by placing colored blocks into the two tiered goals, controlling the designated zones within those goals, and parking in the end‑zone parking area. Teams must balance rapid block collection, accurate placement, and zone control while navigating the 12×12 field. The game encourages creative robot design, as robots must climb ramps, lift blocks, and coordinate with teammates to maximize scoring opportunities. Matches last two minutes, split into a 30‑second autonomous period followed by 90 seconds of driver control. During autonomous, robots can score blocks and move to strategic positions, setting the stage for the driver‑controlled phase where teams refine their strategy, clear loaders, and secure parking. The season’s competitive structure includes regional qualifiers, district championships, and the national championship, culminating in a high‑stakes final match that tests teams’ endurance and teamwork. Over Under’s design promotes collaboration, as alliances must communicate block placement, zone control, and parking tactics to achieve a higher score than the opposing alliance. The game’s emphasis on both autonomous and driver control phases challenges teams to develop versatile robots capable of adapting to dynamic field conditions and scoring requirements. Teamwork adaptability.?!
Field Configuration
Over Under’s 12×12 field features two goals, a central loader, and a parking zone. Each goal has a lower and upper level with distinct scoring zones. Ramps connect the floor to the upper goal, and the field’s perimeter defines alliance starting zones and autonomous paths. Ramps are 1.5 ft high. plus.
Dimensions, Layout, and Zones
The Over Under field measures 12 feet by 12 feet, a total of 144 square feet. Boundary lines run along each side, defining the play area. Two goals sit on opposite long sides. Each goal is 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. The lower goal has a single level with a 2‑foot high platform. The upper goal is a two‑level structure: the first level is 1.5 feet high, the second level is 3 feet high, creating a vertical challenge. Between the goals is a central loader, a 2‑foot square pit where robots drop blocks into the lower goal. The loader is surrounded by a 0.5‑foot safety zone that robots must avoid during autonomous. The parking zone is a 3‑foot square on the far side of each alliance’s starting area, marked by a distinct color. The field is divided into three zones: alliance starting zone, goal zone, and parking zone. Each alliance starts on opposite sides, 6 feet apart. Autonomous allows movement within the starting and loader zones but not beyond the boundary lines. Driver‑controlled permits traversal of the entire field to score and park. The loader pit is 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep, providing a small area for block transfer. The safety zone around the loader extends 0.5 feet outward, creating a buffer that robots must respect. The parking zone’s orange carpet provides a high‑contrast visual cue for end‑game positioning. The field’s center line is marked by a 0.25‑foot wide stripe, aiding robot alignment during autonomous. The layout encourages strategic block placement, autonomous timing, and precise navigation to maximize scoring!!
The Over Under field measures 12 feet by 12 feet, a total of 144 square feet. Boundary lines run along each side, defining the play area. Two goals sit on opposite long sides. Each goal is 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. The lower goal has a single level with a 2‑foot high platform. The upper goal is a two‑level structure: the first level is 1.5 feet high, the second level is 3 feet high, creating a vertical challenge. Between the goals is a central loader, a 2‑foot square pit where robots drop blocks into the lower goal. The loader is surrounded by a 0.5‑foot safety zone that robots must avoid during autonomous. The parking zone is a 3‑foot square on the far side of each alliance’s starting area, marked by a distinct color. The field is divided into three zones: alliance starting zone, goal zone, and parking zone. Each alliance starts on opposite sides, 6 feet apart. Autonomous allows movement within the starting and loader zones but not beyond the boundary lines. Driver‑controlled permits traversal of the entire field to score and park. The loader pit is 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep, providing a small area for block transfer. The safety zone around the loader extends 0.5 feet outward, creating a buffer that robots must respect. The parking zone’s orange carpet provides a high‑contrast visual cue for end‑game positioning. The field’s center line is marked by a 0.25‑foot wide stripe, aiding robot alignment during autonomous. Parking must finish the clock ends Autonomous scoring limited to 4 blocks.
Points for Blocks, Zones, and Parking
In Over Under, each block placed in the lower goal earns 1 point, while a block in the upper goal is worth 3 points. A robot that successfully places a block on the upper goal’s second level earns an additional 2 bonus points, for a maximum of 5 points per upper‑level block. Control zones within each goal are marked by a 1‑foot square. If an alliance maintains control of a zone for the entire autonomous period, the alliance receives 2 points per zone; During the driver‑controlled period, control of a zone is worth 1 point per zone. Parking in the designated parking zone at the end of the match awards 5 points, while parking in the neutral zone awards 2 points. If a robot parks in the neutral zone but remains within the alliance’s side of the field, the alliance receives 1 point. The total match score is the sum of all block points, zone control points, and parking points. A team may score a maximum of 10 blocks, 4 zones, and 1 parking spot per alliance. The highest possible score for an alliance is 115 points. The scoring system encourages strategic block placement, zone control, and precise parking to maximize points. The referee will award points based on visual confirmation of block placement and zone control, and will record parking points at the end of the match. Teams should aim to secure high‑value blocks early, maintain zone control throughout the match, and finish with a well‑executed parking maneuver to maximize their score. The scoring sheet provided at the event will capture all points earned during the match. The scoring sheet is divided into sections for blocks, zones, and parking, and the referee will record the final score after the match ends. The alliance that achieves the highest total score wins the match. The scoring system is designed to reward both offensive and defensive play, encouraging teams to develop balanced strategies that focus on block placement, zone control, and parking execution. All teams must follow the official scoring sheet See rules!!
Game Elements
Blocks are 2‑inch cubes scored in goals. Goals have upper and lower levels, each with a control zone. Loaders hold blocks for autonomous. Control zones are 1‑foot squares; robots must occupy them to earn points. Parking zones end the match. Robots may also score by clearing 1!
Blocks, Goals, Loaders, and Control Zones
In Over Under, the core elements are the 2‑inch blocks, the dual‑level goals, the autonomous loaders, and the control zones that award extra points. Each block is a 2‑inch cube, 1.5 inches tall, and 1.5 inches wide, designed to be easily handled by robot manipulators. The goals are 2‑foot high, 2‑foot wide, and 2‑foot deep, with a lower and an upper scoring level separated by a 12‑inch high ramp. Robots must place blocks into either level to earn points; the upper level is worth 5 points per block, while the lower level is worth 3 points. The loaders are 12‑inch high platforms located on each alliance’s side of the field; they hold up to 4 blocks each and are used during the autonomous period to supply the robot with a ready supply of blocks. Control zones are 1‑foot squares located at the center of each goal’s upper level. A robot must occupy a control zone for at least 2 seconds to earn 10 points. The control zone can be occupied by a single robot, and if both alliances occupy their respective control zones simultaneously, each alliance receives the full 10 points. These elements combine to create a dynamic game where strategy, precision, and teamwork are essential for success. The loaders and control zones are positioned to encourage strategic block placement. Teams coordinate to maximize scoring, managing congestion.
Match Control Period
The match lasts 2 minutes, split into a 15‑second autonomous phase followed by 1 minute 45 seconds of driver control. Robots may move freely, but must stay within field boundaries. Scoring occurs throughout, with parking points awarded at match end. Stay within bounds
Duration, Phases, and Autonomous
The VEX Over Under match is precisely 2 minutes long, divided into a 15‑second autonomous period followed by 1 minute 45 seconds of driver‑controlled play. During autonomous, robots may move, score, and park without human input, but must remain within the 12×12 field boundaries and avoid prohibited zones. After autonomous, drivers take control, continuing to score blocks, control goal zones, and finish in parking spots. The match ends when the timer reaches zero; any robot still moving is considered out of bounds and may incur penalties. The autonomous period is critical for establishing early points, while the driver phase allows teams to adjust strategy, correct errors, and maximize scoring opportunities. Teams must coordinate robot actions to avoid collisions, maintain field position, and adhere to all safety and compliance rules. Successful execution of both phases determines the alliance’s final score. Teams often employ a two‑phase strategy: an aggressive autonomous routine to secure early points, followed by a coordinated driver phase that focuses on maximizing goal control and parking efficiency. Because the field is only 12×12, precise positioning is essential; a single misaligned block can cost valuable points or even trigger a penalty if it crosses into a forbidden zone. Teams also plan for the endgame, where the final parking spot can earn bonus points; securing a spot in the middle or corner of the field often determines the final score differential. All strategies are subject to real‑time adjustments.
Alliance Strategies
Teams synchronize block placement, use shared vision, and coordinate parking. One robot focuses on goal control while the other clears loaders, ensuring zone dominance. Timing, communication, and adaptive tactics maximize points and secure victory. Precision wins. fast.
Team Coordination and Block Placement
Effective alliance play in Over Under hinges on precise block handling and synchronized robot actions. The first step is to assign clear roles: one robot targets the high goal, the other focuses on the low goal and loader clearance. During autonomous, robots should pre‑load a block and move to a predetermined zone, leaving space for the partner to pick up the next piece. Communication is vital; teams use a shared signal or a simple “ready” cue to indicate that a block is in the goal and the partner can proceed. In the driver‑controlled period, the high‑goal robot must balance speed with accuracy, using a ramp or lift to place the block in the upper slot while maintaining a stable base. The low‑goal robot should prioritize clearing the loader and then move to the middle goal, ensuring that the alliance retains control of the central zone. Both robots should maintain a “block‑in‑hand” protocol: if a robot has a block, it should move to a safe zone before attempting to score, preventing collisions and allowing the partner to continue scoring; Timing is critical; teams practice a 3‑second window between block placement and partner arrival to maximize points. Additionally, teams should develop a “parking strategy” that aligns with block placement: after scoring, the robot should glide toward the designated parking zone, using the same path as the partner to avoid interference. Finally, teams must rehearse a “fallback plan” for when a block is lost or a robot stalls: the partner should be ready to take over scoring duties, and both robots should have a clear path to the goal. Consistent practice, clear communication, and adaptive block‑placement tactics enable teams to dominate the field and secure a high score in Over Under Coordinated timing and communication allow teams to adapt quickly, ensuring consistent high scoring top
Robot Design Guidelines
Robots must weigh under 3.5 kg feature a 12‑inch wheelbase for agility. A dual‑motor drivetrain a 12‑inch lift allow high‑goal scoring. Vision sensors aid alignment, while a robust gripper secures blocks. Wiring must be tidy, and all safety checks completed before match play. All designs comp.!
Mechanics, Control, and Compliance
Robots must weigh under 3.5 kg and feature a 12‑inch wheelbase for agility. A dual‑motor drivetrain and a 12‑inch lift allow high‑goal scoring. Vision sensors aid alignment, while a robust gripper secures blocks. Wiring must be tidy, and all safety checks completed before match play. All designs must comply with the VEX Robotics Competition rules, including the 2023‑2024 Over Under game manual. The drivetrain should be powered by a single battery pack, and the robot must be able to move in all directions. The lift mechanism must reach goal height and hold blocks securely. The robot’s control system should support autonomous routines, driver‑controlled operation, and real‑time telemetry. The robot must be able to park in the designated zone at the end of the match. All electronic components must be properly shielded, and the robot must not exceed the maximum allowed power consumption. The robot must also pass the safety inspection, which includes checking for exposed wires, loose parts, and ensuring that the robot does not pose a risk to other teams. The robot’s design should allow for quick adjustments during the match, such as changing the block pickup height or adjusting the gripper. All robot designs must be reviewed and approved by the team’s mentor before the competition. Additionally, teams must document all mechanical and electrical schematics, and submit a compliance checklist to the event officials prior to the match. Robots should also incorporate a failsafe shutdown to prevent damage during unexpected power loss. Safety protocols obeyed!!
Safety and Compliance
Robots must meet weight, size, and safety limits. All wiring is secured, no exposed conductors, and all moving parts are guarded. Teams must submit a compliance checklist before play. Referees enforce rules; violations result in penalties or disqualification and safe!
Rules, Referee Procedures, and Event Conduct
The Over Under competition enforces strict safety and compliance standards. Referees monitor all matches, ensuring robots adhere to weight, dimension, and electrical regulations. Prior to kickoff, teams submit a compliance checklist; failure to comply results in immediate disqualification. During play, referees issue penalties for rule violations such as illegal robot construction, unauthorized software, or unsafe behavior. Penalties range from 1‑point deductions to match forfeiture. Referees also enforce the autonomous period rules, ensuring no driver control is applied before the designated time. All matches are recorded; video evidence is used to review contentious decisions. Event conduct requires teams to follow the VEX Code of Conduct, maintaining respectful communication with officials, opponents, and spectators. Teams must keep the field clear of debris, secure all cables, and avoid obstructing the referee’s view. Referees have the authority to pause or stop play for safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or external interference. After each match, a post‑match review is conducted, and any appeals must be filed within 30 minutes. The event’s governing body reserves the right to modify rules or procedures as needed, with updates communicated via official channels. All participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the official rulebook and to seek clarification from certified referees before competition. Additionally, the event includes a mandatory safety briefing for all participants, covering emergency procedures, first aid access, and the location of safety equipment. Referees are trained to recognize hazardous robot designs, such as exposed wiring or unprotected moving parts, and will issue warnings before penalties. The event’s compliance team conducts random inspections during the match period to verify adherence to the technical specifications. All penalties and decisions are recorded in the official match log, which is accessible to teams for review. The referee’s final decision is binding; appeals are limited to procedural errors, not strategic disputes. The event organizers provide a clear channel for reporting misconduct, ensuring that any violations of the Code of Conduct are addressed promptly and fairly. Teams are also required to submit a safety plan outlining how they will mitigate risks during autonomous and driver‑controlled phases. All safety plans are reviewed pre‑event.
