Official Rules Clarifications are made to clarify or correct the rules printed in the manuals. These Official Rules Clarifications apply to all states and all tournaments and originate at the national level. Click here to Submit a Question or view FAQs.
Check your state web sites for special updates pertaining to your regional or state events.
Junkyard Challenge, Mission Possible and Mousetrap Vehicle: According to TSA, Mousetraps are NOT considered as a prohibited item by airlines in either carry-on or checked baggage - see: ( http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm ) (7/22/09)
Anatomy & Physiology: Section 3.b.x. Torricellis should read Torticollis. (9/25/09)
Physics Lab: The TOP TITLE for page 25 should read PHYSICS LAB. The contents of the page are correct. (9/25/09)
Ornithology: Official Bird List for 2010 (PDF) Note: Family added 9/29 Shrikes (Laniidae) for Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus (9/29/09)
Fossils: Section 3.l. chiton should read chitin. (10/17/09)
Physical Science Lab/Physics Lab: Section 3.b. is correct as stated. The blade does have to have a maximum diameter between the numbers stated, but reads better if the word "maximum" is omitted. (10/17/09)
Mission Possible: Section 3.d. should read (see additions in bold): "Electric components shall be limited to batteries, wires, motors, switches, resistors, capacitors, commercial photocells (i.e.cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell, photoresistors or light dependent resistors), mechanical relays, lightbulbs, and LEDs. No computers or transistors will be permitted in the device." (11/9/09)
Mission Possible: Section 4.b. should read (see additions in bold): "Activate a photocell that allows current to flow to a motor, which leads to the next action." (11/9/09)