General Info

This is our 6th annual Thief River Falls VEX IQ Event. This will be a fun event centered around the VEX IQ Rapid Relay teamwork and skills tournament. Not only will we be giving out one of the largest selections of trophies in the state we will also have a number of fun VEX IQ side events for your teams to participate in during the tournament.

Pits and practice area will be open on Friday Evening (Inspections depending on judging availability) Tournament will be all day on Saturday with concessions on site. Come join the fun in Thief River Falls. 

Please read through the following information to make sure your team(s) are prepared for the tournament.

Registration Information

All participating teams must be registered with VEX Robotics and the Robot Events website and have an official team number before registering for this event. Tournament fees must be paid before teams are allowed to compete. Registration and payments should be made through the Robot Events website.

Engineering notebooks

We will be collecting Physical engineering notebooks at this event for judging.

Lunch and Concessions

Full concessions will be available opening shortly after opening ceremonies and closing once qualifying rounds are complete. Lunch specials will be announced.

Finals Matches

The top 50% of teams will move into finals and will be paired up and participate in Finals matches. (Don't go away though as there might just be a fun challenge for the rest of the field!)

Competition Preparation

All teams should come prepared for competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

Review all game information: Current Game Webpage

1. Review the rules and run through the inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments. Robots must use VEX IQ parts. Please self inspect before arriving at the tournament using the IQ Robot Inspection Checklist

2. Check the official VEX forums for rule updates and changes.

3. Carefully read all of the information contained in the tournament posting on robotevents.com

4. Pack for the event the day before the day of departure. Here are a few items that you don't want to forget.

   • Spare parts & tools

   • Batteries and chargers

   • Power strip and extension cord

   • Laptop computer

   • Programming cable

   • Engineering notebook (Required for judged awards)

   • Banners and other decorations for your team pit table

   • Giveaways if you have them

5. Be sure to read VEX Tournaments 101.

6. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament.

7. Prep for your interviews with the judges and read the Judge's Guide. Check the awards tab to see what awards will be given during the tournament.

8. Remember that safety comes first, please don't bring tools that pose a safety risk to your team, or others nearby, as teams are close to each other in the venue pit area. Also, remember no grinding or other actions that create sparks, ask the tournament director for a safe location if grinding is needed.

9. Ensure that you have the latest version of programming software and firmware for your IQ Brain.

Participation and Consent Form

A completed form for all participants must be uploaded to robotevents.com prior to the tournament. Team leaders will need to check that all team members attending the event have completed the online consent form prior to the tournament. Instructions on how to upload consent forms in English or Spanish is given here: VEX Consent Form (English) or VEX Consent Form (Spanish)

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: All In-Person Judging