2026-27 Season Update – RECF Robotics Programs
June 11, 2026

Hello WV robotics community!

We know many of you have questions about what the 2026-27 season in WV will look like in light of the split between VEX and the REC Foundation. We wanted to write with this update regarding our plans going forward and our reasoning for making that decision.

Brief Summary

For those who haven’t been following the situation closely, here is a brief summary:

• On May 10, VEX Robotics terminated their relationship with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation.

• Both VEX and the REC Foundation will run independent robotics competition programs going forward.

• VEX has established a new nonprofit entity, the “Global Robotics and Science Foundation” (GRSF), to assist in administering its programs.

• For 2026-27, both the VEX and RECF programs will use the Override and Level Up game elements revealed in late April; however, each program will use its own rules and game manuals.

  • VEX retains control of the VIQRC, V5RC, and VURC program names, as well as the Override and Level Up game manuals released in April.

  • RECF retains control of their policies and procedures, including the Guide to Judging, Qualifying Criteria, Student-Centered Policy, Code of Conduct, etc.

  • RECF’s robotics programs are called “Engage” (Elementary/Middle; equivalent to VEX IQ), “Achieve” (Middle/High; equivalent to VEX V5) and “Inspire” (University). Game manuals for these programs are available now (linked below).

  • The RECF Engage and Achieve programs have introduced 3D printing, with a limit on the size and quantity of individual parts.

  • RECF Engage and Achieve also allow robot components from additional systems.

    • Engage: Robots can be built from VEX IQ and/or LEGO parts. Electronics from both systems are allowed (brain, motors, sensors, etc.).

    • Achieve: Robots must use the VEX V5 control system and motors, but can use structural/mechanical parts from AndyMark Robits and Pitsco TETRIX MAX in addition to VEX V5.

• Both VEX and RECF will host world championships. The RECF world championship will be in St. Louis, Missouri, April 26 - May 7, 2027, as previously announced. VEX has not yet announced a location or date for their world championship.

Here are some links to additional resources for more information:

• RECF Competition Overview & Game Manuals

• Previous RECF Update (dated May 18) including Community FAQ

• RECF Team Registration

• GRSF Introduction & FAQ

Our Plans

For the 2026-27 season, the WV Robotics Alliance plans to support events in the REC Foundation programs. We have no plans to support events sanctioned by VEX/GRSF.

Why?

We made this decision after carefully considering each organization’s available resources and stated plans. Overall, we strongly feel the REC Foundation programs will be more accessible and sustainable, better organized, and have greater educational value:

• RECF’s existing network of regional support managers, as well as their tried and tested program structure and policies, represent a significant advantage for RECF’s programs. In contrast, a month after VEX claiming they would “shortly” communicate “direct contact information for your point of contact at Global Robotics and VEX Robotics”, no such contact information has yet arrived, and GRSF has provided no clear timeline or estimate for the release of their qualifying criteria, judging information, etc.

• RECF has extensive experience in organizing world championship events and holds the contract with the America’s Center in St. Louis for their championship event in April-May 2027. While VEX/GRSF plan to organize a world championship event, they have offered no information about a venue or date. Securing a venue for, and subsequently organizing from scratch, a large international event of this scale on less than a year’s notice is a significant challenge.

• We believe that introducing limited 3D printing and additional parts suppliers will ultimately drive costs down and increase the accessibility and sustainability of the programs.

• RECF’s independence from any single for-profit company or vendor enables them to make decisions about their programs based solely on program accessibility and benefit to students and teams.

• Introducing 3D printing also provides additional educational opportunities by enabling students to learn about CAD, advanced manufacturing, and related topics.

  • While we know that many schools already have access to 3D printing, we also realize that some teams may not have knowledge or experience in this area or may lack access to a 3D printer. As such, the WV Robotics Alliance is committed to helping robotics teams integrate 3D printing through training, workshops, and possible equipment grants, and we look forward to sharing more information about this in the near future.

• While the REC Foundation robotics programs will be moving to a new platform for team/event registration and tournament management this season, we do not see this as an obstacle. We are very confident that the new platform will be ready for RECF’s robotics programs in time for the traditional event season in West Virginia.

Invitation: Coach/EP Zoom Call

We’d like to invite all WV coaches and event partners to a discussion via Zoom Thursday, June 18, at 4:00 PM. This will be an opportunity for us all to compare notes, ask questions, and better prepare for the upcoming season.

The join link has been sent to teams and event partners via email. If you didn't recieve the link via email but would like to join the call, please reach out to john.holbrook@fairmontstate.edu.

As always, if you have any questions, want to share your thoughts, or if we can do anything at all to help you and your teams be successful, please feel free to reach out to us via email or phone at any time.

We look forward to seeing you all throughout the upcoming robotics season!

Regards,

John Holbrook & Todd Ensign

WV Robotics Alliance

Fairmont State University