Frequently Asked Questions

SCRL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality robotics education and competitive opportunities for students aged 12-18 across Southern California. Founded in 2014, we organize tournaments, workshops, and training programs that help students develop STEM skills through hands-on learning.

We currently serve 500+ teams, partner with 50+ schools, and have trained over 2,000 students in robotics, programming, and engineering fundamentals.

SCRL programs are open to students aged 12-18 in two divisions: Middle School (ages 12-14) and High School (ages 15-18). Teams can be school-based, homeschool groups, or community organizations.

No prior robotics experience is required! We welcome complete beginners and provide comprehensive training workshops to get started.

No experience necessary! Many of our most successful teams started with zero robotics background. We offer beginner workshops that teach everything from basic robot assembly to programming fundamentals.

Our mentorship program pairs new teams with experienced coaches who provide step-by-step guidance throughout your first season. What matters most is curiosity, willingness to learn, and commitment to your team.

Team registration fees typically range from $150-$400 per season, which includes competition entries, training workshops, and mentorship support. Additional costs may include:

Robot Kit: $300-$800 (one-time purchase, equipment sharing available)
Additional Parts: $100-$300 per season for improvements and repairs
Tournament Entry: Included in registration fee

We offer financial assistance programs and equipment sharing to reduce costs for families in need.

Registration is simple! Visit our Contact page and fill out the Team Registration form. You'll need to provide:

• Team name and school/organization
• Coach/advisor contact information
• Age division selection
• Approximate team size
• Experience level

After submitting, we'll contact you within 24 hours with next steps, including payment instructions and orientation schedule.

Yes! We never want cost to be a barrier to participation. SCRL offers:

• Registration fee waivers for qualifying families
• Equipment loan and sharing programs
• Scholarship fund for underserved communities
• Sponsor-funded team support packages

Contact us confidentially at help@southerncaliforniaroboticsleague.com to discuss financial assistance options.

A robotics competition is an exciting event where student teams design, build, and program robots to complete specific game challenges. Competitions include:

Qualification Matches: Teams compete in alliance matches (2v2 or 3v3) to earn ranking points
Skills Challenges: Individual robot performance testing
Judging: Teams present their design process and programming to judges
Awards Ceremony: Recognition for excellence in various categories

It's a fun, educational way to apply STEM concepts while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills!

The main competitive season runs from September through April (8 months). Here's the typical timeline:

September: Team formation and training begins
October-December: Fall qualifying tournaments
January: Winter championship
February-March: Spring qualifiers and regional finals
April: State Championship
May-August: Summer camps and skill-building workshops

Teams typically meet 2-3 times per week throughout the season for practice and robot development.

Tournament day is exciting! Here's what to expect:

7:30-8:30 AM: Check-in, robot inspection, team photos
8:30 AM: Opening ceremony and game explanation
9:00 AM: Practice matches on competition fields
10:00 AM-2:00 PM: Qualification matches (5-8 matches per team)
2:00 PM: Alliance selection
2:30-4:00 PM: Elimination bracket matches
4:30 PM: Awards ceremony

Bring your team, tools for adjustments, and plenty of enthusiasm!

To get started, teams need:

Robot Kit: VEX Robotics Competition kit (V5 or IQ system)
Tools: Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, hex keys)
Computer: Laptop for programming (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
Programming Software: VEXcode (free download)
Practice Field: Optional but helpful for testing

We offer equipment loans and sharing programs if purchasing a full kit isn't feasible initially. Contact us for options: help@southerncaliforniaroboticsleague.com

Teams can choose from multiple programming options based on their experience level:

Block-Based (Beginners): VEXcode Blocks - drag-and-drop visual programming, perfect for those new to coding
Text-Based (Intermediate): Python - accessible syntax, widely used in education and industry
Advanced: C++ - maximum control and performance for experienced programmers

Our workshops teach all three levels, and you can transition between them as skills develop.

Robot rules ensure fair competition and safety:

Size Limit: Must fit within 18" x 18" x 18" at start (can expand during match)
Parts: Only VEX legal competition parts allowed
Motors: Maximum quantity per game rules (typically 8-11 motors)
Safety: No sharp edges, dangerous mechanisms, or projectile risks
Inspection: All robots must pass safety inspection before competing

Complete rulebook provided upon registration with detailed specifications and clarifications.

Team size can vary, but we recommend 4-8 students per team for optimal participation and learning. Smaller teams (2-3) are allowed but may find the workload challenging. Larger teams (9-15) can work well with good organization.

Each team needs at least one adult coach/advisor (teacher, parent, or volunteer) who attends competitions and provides guidance.

Typical time commitment during competition season (September-April):

Regular Practice: 2-3 sessions per week, 2-3 hours each (4-9 hours weekly)
Tournaments: 1 Saturday per month, full day (8 AM - 5 PM)
Workshops: Optional, 2 hours monthly
Total: Approximately 20-40 hours per month depending on team goals

Off-season (May-August) is lighter with optional summer camps and skill-building workshops.

Absolutely! We welcome homeschool teams and individuals. Homeschool students can:

• Form homeschool-specific teams
• Join existing community teams
• Partner with local school teams
• Participate in all workshops and competitions

We have several successful homeschool teams in our league, and we provide additional coordination support to help connect homeschool families.

No problem! You have several options:

Start a Program: We provide free consultation and support to help your school launch a robotics program. See our Schools Partnership page.
Join a Community Team: We can connect you with existing teams accepting new members.
Form an Independent Team: Register as a community-based team not affiliated with a school.

Contact us and we'll help you find the best path forward: help@southerncaliforniaroboticsleague.com