COMPETITION UPDATES
When a decision is made by a member to compete in an event, it is imperative that the member thoroughly read and understand the rules, regulations, procedures, and evaluation criteria for the chosen event(s). National TSA is responsible for addressing mistakes or discrepancies in the competitive event guides and accomplishes this through competition updates on the TSA website. National TSA is not responsible for interpreting, advising, or suggesting ways that a member might develop a viable response or solution to a competitive event challenge.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Community Service Video (Updated: 5/12/2026)
- Construction Challenge (Updated: 5/12/2026)
- Dragster (Updated: 2/24/2026)
- Drone Challenge (UAV) (Updated: 9/3/2026)
- Flight (Updated: 1/22/2026)
- Mechanical Engineering (Updated: 12/10/2025)
- Robotics (Updated: 8/20/2026)
- Solar Racer (Updated: 2/19/2026)
- STEM Animation (Updated: 4/2/2026)
- System Control Technology (Updated: 10/22/2025)
- Video Game Design (Updated: 1/21/2026)
Community Service Video
Construction Challenge
Theme: Your team has been tasked to design a playground appropriate for elementary school students (kindergarten through fifth grade). The playground should accommodate 50-60 students and be American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The playground should have a minimum of three (3) distinct zones for students. Describe the materials your team will use and how they complement distinct zones of the playground.
Dragster
MS Dragster
2/24/26
Page 152
Axles/axle holes/wheelbase
2. Bottom of axle hole or bearing above bottom of car body. 5mm 10mm
(NOTE: This will only be measured at the lowest point of the side surfaces of the car body at the axle hole.)
Drone Challenge (UAV)
See updated Theme
Flight
1/22/26
Mechanical Engineering
Robotics
Solar Racer
8/27/25
Pre-Conference
E. Solar Paneling
3. No official car kits or parts are specified for the event
STEM Animation
4/2/26
PRELIMINARY ROUND
B. Animation
7. All graphics, images (including background), and student voice audio clips must be originally created by the participants.
System Control Technology
Video Game Design
1/21/26
E.1.c.
Include/cite any references for market research
HIGH SCHOOL
- Data Science and Analytics (Updated: 8/20/2026)
- Debating Technological Issues (Updated: 8/24/2026)
- HS General Rules (Updated: 9/28/2026)
- Hybrid Racer XL (Updated: 9/15/2026)
- Interior Design (Updated: 9/29/2026)
- Robotics (Updated: 9/4/2026)
- Structural Design and Engineering (Updated: 9/15/2026)
- Vlogging (Updated: 8/25/2026)
Data Science and Analytics
Debating Technological Issues
HS General Rules
E. Competition Entries
11. d. Unless otherwise noted, for all events that require a display, the size of the display may not exceed 15" deep x 2.5' wide x 4' high.
Hybrid Racer XL
pp. 254
Head-to Head Race section of the rubric
Head-to Head Race Subtotal
Interior Design
Documentation materials (comprising “a portfolio”) are required and must be secured in a clear front report cover with the following single-sided, 8½" x 11" pages, in this order
Students will develop their own floor plan; a shell will not be provided. The tiny home should follow standard tiny home requirements and be under 400 square feet. Within that limit, students may determine the square footage and layout that best supports their design.
The $28,000 budget applies to the interior design only. Students may assume the exterior shell, including exterior walls, roof, exterior doors, and windows, is complete. Interior elements included in their design should be accounted for in the budget.
Students should also refer closely to the event rubric, as judging and points are based on the interior design elements identified in the rubric.
Robotics
See updated Theme
Structural Design and Engineering
pp.345
Documentation Portfolio section of the rubric
Documentation Portfolio Subtotal
Vlogging