The current game manual for IQ defines a middle school student as being born after May 1, 2005 (14 or younger at Worlds). The current game manual for VRC defines a middle school student as being born after May 1, 2004 (15 or younger at Worlds). Can you clarify the age for middle school IQ? Leaving it as written would not allow many 9th grade students in a junior high (grades 7-9) to compete.
Official Q&A: VIQC 2019-2020: Squared Away
Age clarification for middle school IQ
Thank you for sharing your concern. The age breakdowns of the different types of Students will be clarified further in the August Game Manual update.
EDIT: In the August 16th Game Manual update, the definition of Student was updated as follows:
Anyone born after May 1, 2004 (i.e. who will be 15 or younger at VEX Worlds 2020). Eligibility may also be granted based on a disability that has delayed education by at least one year. Students are the individuals who design, build, repair, and program the Robot with minimal adult assistance.
• Elementary School Student - Any Student born after May 1, 2007 (i.e. who will be 12 or younger at VEX Worlds 2020). Elementary School Students may “play up” and compete as a Middle School Student.
• Middle School Student - Any eligible Student that is not an Elementary School Student.