Butte County Robotics League
IRON Cal's robotics league for elementary and middle school teams, part of the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) Engage program. Teams build and code a robot, then compete over four league sessions in Chico and Oroville. No experience needed.
WHAT STUDENTS DO
Build
Design and build a robot to play this season's game, Tier Takeover.
Code
Program the robot to score on its own in solo coding matches.
Team up
In alliance matches, two teams share the field and work together.
Show their work
Keep an engineering notebook and talk with judges about their design at the championship.
HOW A LEAGUE SEASON WORKS
Register
Register and pay for the season on RECFEvents.org, then sign up for the league. League entry is $50 per team.
Build and practice
Teams build, code, and practice between sessions.
League sessions
Three weeknight sessions, 4:30 to 8 PM, each at a different Chico school. Every session has alliance and solo matches, and scores carry over.
Championship
An all-day Saturday final session with finals matches, judging, and awards.
Upcoming league sessions
What comes next
When students are ready for bigger robots, they move up to VEX V5. V5 teams build with metal parts and compete at tournaments across California.
Explore V5Questions parents ask
No. Kids can start right here, or try a Bot Builders camp first.
Our camp levels line up with league divisions, so camp is a good way to get started or keep practicing.
Teams come from schools and local groups. If your school doesn't have a team, email us and we'll help you find one or start one.
Each team brings its own adult coach or chaperone, who stays with the students at every session.
Only to be considered for judged awards. Notebooks are due at check-in on championship day.
Yes. Families are welcome to come watch and cheer. Anyone in the pits or near the fields needs safety glasses.
Ready to join the league?
Register your team, or start a team at your school.