Rules

1. Each team consists of five members for The Competition @ MRO Americas and three members for The Competition @ Asia Pacific and The Competition @ VERTICON. Teams may designate alternate(s), but are not required to do so. Alternates replacing a competitor must obtain a wristband from the Competition Chairman before competing. Alternates are not guaranteed goodie bags or prizes.
2. Competitors must be certificated by a national aviation authority, enrolled in a training program certificated by a national aviation authority or a registered apprenticeship program, employed by a certificated repair station or manufacturing facility, or serving in the armed forces.
3. Education & Training category teams must consist of non-certificated individuals that are currently enrolled students or apprentices in a training program certificated by a national aviation authority or a registered apprenticeship program. Individuals who graduated and/or received certification within the past six months and are not employed by an aviation-related company are also eligible. Instructors are not eligible to compete.
4. All team members must agree to the Terms and Conditions of Participation during registration and/or prior to the Competition. Competing team members will receive wristbands at orientation and must wear them throughout the Competition.
5. All teams compete in all events. Teams assign competitors as needed for each event, but only designated competitors may participate or assist during their assigned event.
6. Teams have 15 minutes to complete each event. Breaks between events will follow the Competition schedule. Competitors may review task materials before the event as permitted by the judge. Late arrival may result in point deductions or disqualification.
7. Scores are calculated using the official score sheet. Judges may stop the clock at their discretion to address issues or answer questions. Verbal scores are unofficial until recorded.
8. Score grievances must be submitted to the Sergeant-at-Arms during the Competition or within 30 minutes after its conclusion. All decisions by the Competition Chairman regarding scores, penalties, and rule interpretations are final.
9. Teams employed by the same company hosting a competitive event are automatically considered “Affiliated Teams” for that event. Event Hosts will be asked to voluntarily disclose any other teams or organizations with access to practice on the equipment used in a competition event. To promote competitive fairness, Affiliated Team scores for their associated event will be adjusted to one second slower than the next best non-affiliated score. If there are multiple Affiliated Teams for an event, score adjustments will increase in one-second increments based on placement. Adjusted scores will be used in overall Competition scoring.
10. The top teams in each category, the top-scoring team in each event, and the team with the lowest overall score will be recognized at the awards ceremony. Tie-breaking procedures will be determined by the Competition Chairman.
11. The Competition Chairman may remove any participant for unprofessional behavior, cheating, safety violations, or other misconduct and reserves the right to modify events or rules before or during the Competition. Reasonable efforts will be made to notify participants of any changes.
12. Participants must follow all PPE and safety requirements. Required tools and protective equipment will be provided by Event Hosts. Personal tools are not permitted.

Revised May 20, 2026