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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
  • Construction Challenge
  • GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
  • Solar Racer
  • System Control Technology

Construction Challenge

9/24/25

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. 

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

9/25/26
F. Prohibited Materials, References and Images
6. Entertainment Software Rating Board link:

Solar Racer

8/27/25
Pre-Conference
E. Solar Paneling
3. No official car kits or parts are specified for the event

System Control Technology

10/22/25
PROCEDURE
PRELIMINARY ROUND
D. The problem and the Inventor’s Log are present to teams at the beginning of the fifteen (15) minute problem analysis session prior to model-building.
HIGH SCHOOL
  • Architectural Design
  • Children’s Stories
  • Digital Video Production
  • Dragster Design
  • Fashion Design and Technology
  • GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
  • Promotional Design
  • Robotics
  • Senior Solar Sprint
  • Structural Design and Engineering
  • Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)

Architectural Design

10/23/25

Project Overview
You are tasked with designing a unique and modern barn-inspired residence—for a family of five. The setting is a scenic area, where the landscape is as much a part of the experience as the home itself. Your objective is to create a harmonious balance between comfortable family living and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
 
Design Requirements
Bullet #2
• Barn-inspired Residence Aesthetics: Reflect the essential qualities of a barn—spaciousness, warmth, and simplicity—while merging modern amenities and sustainability.

Children’s Stories

10/8/24
The TSA logo may be used for this year’s event in accordance with the TSA Branding Guide.  Any other use of the TSA logo beyond the national TSA conference is prohibited.

1/10/2025
PRE-CONFERENCE/PRELIMINARY ROUND
     A. Storybook:
     5. The maximum reading time is ten (10) minutes, and no minimum.

Digital Video Production

11/19/24

Tier 1 Digital Video
Video Effectiveness (X2)            

Minimal performance
The work does not meet the project goals, has an unclear message, and reflects sloppy work. The year’s theme is not well represented or represented at all.

Adequate performance
The topic is presented with some insight, and the video meets most project goals. The theme is represented somewhat but may not be fully clear to the viewer.

Exemplary performance
The video is focused, with a clear message and a rich variety of supporting material. The yearly theme is the centerpiece of the work and easily understood by the viewer.

Dragster Design

11/5/24

Rubric - Semifinal Dragster Construction section
Body Paint/Finish Criteria
Adequate Performance – Dragster body is painted and/or finished adequately. 

Fashion Design and Technology

A. Participants submit their portfolio, patterns, and prototype(s), in a plastic container, with an affixed lid, not exceeding 32 quarts. The container must only include the portfolio, patterns, prototype(s), and components listed in the annual theme. A cardboard box is not a plastic container.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

9/25/26
F. Prohibited Materials, References and Images
6. Entertainment Software Rating Board link:

Promotional Design

10/21/25
REGULATIONS AND REQUIRMENTS
PRELIMINARY ROUND

4. must include four (4) printed promotional publication items as identified in the annual theme. The folder is not included as one of these four (4) items but must also contain design elements that unify the entry.

Robotics

8/21/2024
Documentation Portfolios are not required for this event

Senior Solar Sprint

Senior Solar Sprint Rules and Rating Form

Updated rules reflect no reference to AEOP

Structural Design and Engineering

9/5/24

2024-2025 Design Brief
The two column towers will be placed on the bases 8" apart instead of 6" apart to accommodate the center plate on testers.
The test block can be a minimum of 12" instead of 10"

Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)

1/16/25
D. Recording of Simulation
     b. Absolutely no purchased content may be used in any part of the simulation. (Purchased content includes, but is not limited to, texture, and models)