Scioly.org

you should be able to buy a kit but I don't realy know but if you couldn't it wouldn't make sence.

The obvious intent of all Science Olympiad building events has always been that the contestants design and build the device they submit for judging. On the other hand, the intent is NOT to prevent them from using off-the-shelf materials and components.

The problem is where to draw the line and how to define that line in a few short sentences. ANY attempt to do so is open to interpretation. Exactly what may/may not be allowed depends on interpretation of the rules and for any given tournament can only be determined by the organizers of that tournament. That is why questions need to be directed to them.

I am aware of a case last year where teams used an off-the-shelf robot kit, without modification. They were allowed to compete without penalty and did quite well at the tournament. This generated several claims of foul play.

I wasn't involved in this year's changes to the rules, but they apparently attempt to resolve this issue.

Thanks! My teacher is going to email the regional coordinator about this too but we are anxious to get started!

"Girls love 'bots!"

does anyone have any good ideas about this event? like what kind of scooper or claw. please post a reply

gracate wrote:Last year the rules said "Each team may enter only one robot that must be built prior to the competion." This year they say "Each team may enter only one robot that must be DESIGNED and built prior to the competiton." Does this mean that no kits are allowed and that the team has to design the robot or can you order pre-desgined kits?

Well I think it means this, the robot can't be excatly the same as the kit, I would think you could buy a kit, then modify it.

That seems to make sence but what if the kits have modifications that you can make but you have to get the materials to build it?

isnt there somewhere to post rules clarifications on soinc.org?

Well yes or you could just e-mail Science Olympiad directly

Science Olympiad makes a distinction between "Rules Clarifications" and "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)".

Your questions should be submitted using the procedure outlined on the FAQ page. There is no way to submit a "Rules Clarification".

Only "important" rule clarifications are posted on that page. Less important answers are posted under FAQs.