General Info

***UPDATE*** This is an OPEN event and any team may register for this event. It is NOT an Invitational, however it IS geared towards newer organizations and newer teams, newer team members, or even newer coaches. More experienced teams are welcome to attend, but should know this will be slower paced and focused on teaching.  

Push it in! Pull it in! Drag it in! We want your bot, whatever you got.

Jackson Area Robotics along with Union University are excited to host our first VIQRC event. 

This tournament is designed for TEAMS who would appreciate some early season support. Bring a Hero Bot, a Base Bot, or a Starter Bot. From learning where to place robots to practice interviews, join us for a fun day of learning all about the new game. Teams, Coaches, or Organizations should be new-ish to Vex Competitions. 

This early event will give teams a headstart on the season. Get students on the field in October, so they can start snagging those State spots! 

Teams that have consistently made it to State the last several years, are welcome to come volunteer or mentor. We hope to be able to assign each registered team a student mentor to help them navigate their day. By donating some time to this early season event, experienced teams can give back to the community, build strong relationships, and foster good will for the upcoming season.   

This is also intended to get an early start on VOLUNTEER training. EPs and coaches, don’t wait until November to identify volunteers from the community. In order to have a strong season, a strong network of volunteers is necessary. We are asking that each team provide ONE volunteer willing to train to be a Judge Advisor, Head Referee, Emcee, Tech Support, Skills Scorekeeper, or Judge. There’s no better way to build confidence in new volunteers than to work alongside an experienced certified Key Volunteer who will be dedicated to answering questions, sharing tips and tricks, and teaching best practices.   

In addition, we are needing a few more experienced volunteers to allow new volunteers to shadow for training. Please consider signing up as an Experienced Volunteer to help train new ones. Only volunteers who sign up at least two weeks in advance will recieve free meals. 

Meals through the Union University cafeteria are $10 pre-paid and $14.21 on the day of the event. No outside food or drink will be allowed in the Grant Center. This will be strictly enforced out of respect for Union's policy. Lawn areas are available for picnic lunches. Teams who wish to pre-order tickets for meals from the cafeteria must do so by noon on Friday, Sept. 20. 

All team members and adults must have the RECF waiver completed. Instructions avialable at this link. https://kb.roboticseducation.org/hc/en-us/articles/7119161700759-Participant-Release-Form

Payment is due two weeks after a team is registered or immediately if after September 16, 2024, unless other arrangements are made with the EP.  All teams not paid after two weeks of registration will be moved to the waitlist and may be added back in, IF there is still room on the roster. If your registration payment process takes longer than two week, clear communication will keep teams from being moved to the Waitlist.  

Team swapping policy will be strictly followed as outlined in this article. https://kb.roboticseducation.org/hc/en-us/articles/8337081839895-Team-Swapping-Policy-in-Event-Registrations#:~:text=The%20following%20policy%20was%20instituted,be%20swapped%20from%20that%20organization.

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Jackson Area Robotics and Union University are excited to welcome you to the Rapid Relay season. 

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: No Judging