Current Season (2026 - 2027)
2026 - 2027 Key Season Changes
- Center weight: Centers snapping from the ground may weigh up to 45 lbs. Other centers remain limited to 35 lbs.
- Nose tackles: Nose tackles may weigh up to 45 lbs and must line up directly across from the center. Those over 30 lbs must display a black flag at least 4” × 4” above the robot.
- Defensive alignment: The three required defensive linemen may now spread across the full width of the field.
- Missing robots: A new appendix explains other missing-robot scenarios and when officials may require a forfeit.
- Kickoff and punt operators: Only the kicker’s operator may be on the field for the kicking team. The receiving team may station up to three operators behind the goal posts.
- Onside recovery: The kicking team may recover only between midfield and the opposing one-third line. Contact outside that zone gives the receiving team possession at that spot.
- Kicker positioning: Kickers must drive into position remotely and cannot be carried onto the field.
- Robot positioning: The robot’s entire body must cross the leading edge of the line when considering caught passes, first downs, and more.
- Field technicians: Each team’s technician must wear a blue pinny and may switch a robot off and back on. The pinny must transfer if technicians change.
- LED placement: LED strips must fully wrap all sides of the robot and may be positioned anywhere above the baseplate.
- Artificial intelligence: AI use is permitted within each university’s applicable policies.
See the full rulebook for requirements and details.
Scoring Cheat Sheet
Additional detail on the Rules can be found on the CRFC Docs Page