General Info
General Info
Click here for more information to include agenda, parking, hotel, and more.
Competition Preparation
This event is sure to be a fast-paced and exciting event. All teams should come prepared for the competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.
1. Review the rules and run through the inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments. The inspection checklist can be found on the Documents tab.
2. Check the official VEX forums at VEX Forum for rule updates and changes.
3. Carefully read all of the information contained in the tournament posting on VEX Events
4. Pack for the event the day before the day of departure. Here are a few items that you don't want to forget.
Goggles/Safety Glasses
Spare parts & tools
Batteries and chargers
Programming cable
Power strip
Laptop computer
Engineering notebook (if you have one, helpful for Judges, Design and
Excellence Awards )
Banners and other decorations for your team pit
Giveaways if you have them
5. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament.
6. Prep for your interviews with the judges. Check the awards tab to see what awards will be given during the tournament.
7. Remember that safety comes first, please don't bring tools that pose a safety risk to your team, or others nearby as the venue is a very tight fit. Also, remember no grinding or other actions that create sparks. Tiger Robotics will provide access to grinders and a metal cutting chop saw upon request.
8. Review the Awards Offered at Competition Events – Global Robotics & Science Foundation Awards Offered at Competition Events
9. Read through the Robot troubleshooting guide. Get Started with VEX V5
10. Ensure your robot brain has the latest version of firmware.
11. All team members, coaches and adult mentors should fill out the online consent form which is good all season and for all RECF run events. A link to the instructions for online consent form can be found here. Global Robotics Consent Form
- Venue
- Surbeck Center, SD School of Mines and Technology
- Address
- 611 Surbeck Lane, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- Dates
- February 26 – 27, 2027
- Grade Level
- High School
- Skills Challenge
- Yes
- Judging Format
- All In-Person Judging
Registration & Logistics
- Event Type
- Invitational Tournament
- Event Format
- Invitational
- Field Control
- Smart Field Control
- Capacity
- 16
- Spots Open
- 16
- Event Region
- South Dakota
- Standard Registration Opens
- 19-Oct-2026 12:00 EDT
- Registration Deadline
- 19-Feb-2027 12:00 EST
- Payment Deadline
- 17-Feb-2025 09:00 EST
- Price
- $100.00
Agenda
Click here for the agenda.
Stream
Webcast Stream links will be provided closer to the event.
Judging Format
Judging Format • The South Dakota State Championship will be utilizing Electronic Engineering Notebooks. Teams should upload an electronic copy of their notebook which will be submitted to judges. A Link for the electronic notebook must be submitted via events.vex.com in the coaches dashboard no later than Feb 24 3 PM mountain time. • Engineering notebooks will be reviewed Feb 25th or Feb 26th. • Team Interviews will be in person on the 26th and 27th on a first come first serve basis.
Volunteer
Volunteer If you wish to volunteer at this tournament please contact the event partner in charge. jhoguet@gmail.com
Emergency/Bad-Weather Policy
Emergency/Bad Weather Policy The tournament will go on unless the interstates are closed for bad weather. If the event is cancelled, then Cancelled will appear in the title of the event.