Rules & Manuals
Download the official GRC 2026 Game Manuals for each league below. Each manual is the definitive source for missions, scoring, robot specs, and inspection rules — coaches, judges, and referees all work from the same document.
General Competition Manual 2026
Cross-league participation rules, code of ethics, dispute resolution, and core safety standards. The league-specific manuals below cover missions, scoring, and robot specs for each track.
Each Game Manual is a Word document — open it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages. Versions are dated v1.0 (2026). If a new revision lands before the event, we'll bump the version number here.
General Rules & Match Phases
Select a league to see its specific timings and match structure.
Setup
30 secPlace robots in Home Base. No code changes allowed.
Autonomous
1 minPre-programmed only. Robots stay in own quadrants.
Manual
2 minFull field opens. Remote control enabled. Shared missions.
Endgame
Last 30sWarning signal. Evacuate to home zone.
Innovation Point
Deliver the Network Module autonomously to the connection hub in the field center.
Intelligence
Standard line-following navigation and basic sensor automation.
Robot Size
Max starting size: 30 × 30 × 30 cm. Expansion is permitted during the match.
Core Scoring Mechanics
Precision Tokens
Each alliance starts with 7 tokens worth 15 points each (105 total). Tokens are lost for fouls, touching the robot, or field interference.
Auto Multiplier
Missions completed during the Autonomous period earn significantly more points than during Manual (except Engineers).
Endgame Evac
Robots must return to Home Base by the final buzzer. Safe parking earns 10-35 points depending on alliance status.
Tournament Format
1. Preliminary Stage
Ranking is purely total-score based. Every team plays 3 matches. Scores are cumulative. No "Win Points" — only mission points matter for ranking.
2. Knockout Stage
Direct elimination. Match outcome is the only metric. If tied after autonomous and manual phases, a replay is conducted.
3. Ethics & Conduct
Students are the primary problem solvers. Coaches must provide guidance, not answers. Direct adult interference results in team disqualification.