Starting a VEX Robotics Team

Step 1: Get People Together

VEX teams typically consist of a group of high school or middle school students mentored by a teacher or staff member from their school or organization. There is no limit to how many students can be on a team, however if you find yourself with more than 10 interested students, you may want to consider splitting into two teams. Only so many students can comfortably work on the same Vex robot at the same time! There is no limit to how many adults can help with a team either.

Step 2: Register Your Team(s)

You must register with VEX and pay your team registration fee to obtain an official team number. Team registration fees are $75 for the first team from your school or organization, $25 for each additional team

Next, register your team(s) for one or more of our events. See the event registration pages for more information.

Step 3: Buy Parts and Build Your Robot(s)

All VEX Robotics parts are available through the VEX Robotics website VEX Robotics website.
Recommended parts for getting your team going:

Item	Cost	Description
Classroom Lab Kit with programming software	$749.99	As a good starting point for most teams, this kit includes all the essential Vex components for building and programming your first robot.
VEXnet Upgrade	$149.99-$399.99	VEXnet communication is required for Maine events. Teams can upgrade with the VEXnet Upgrade Bundle or VEXnet System Bundle

OR

Item	Cost	Description
Classroom Lab Kit with programming software and Cortex Controller	$849.99	Almost identical to the standard classroom kit, but includes the new Cortex Controller and VEXnet Joystick. With this Classroom Kit, teams will not have to purchase a VEXnet upgrade bundle.

Step 4: Ready, Set, Compete!

Practice with your robot(s) against other teams on an official playing field at the Southern Maine VEX Tournament. Come up to Orono with your team(s) to compete for the title in the Maine VEX Championship. Top teams will also qualify for the VEX World Championships!

Step 5: Need Help?

Start by reading 101 Things I wish I’d Known Before My First VEX Tournament. After that, check out the rest of the Documents and Resources and Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us and we'll point you in the right direction!