Tiers

Some events use tiers as a way to penalize teams breaking event rules without resorting to disqualification. The default tier is Tier 1, for teams that have not violated any event rules. The event rules typically specify that teams breaking certain rules are ranked in lower Tiers - currently extending at most to Tier 4 in some events. The word is frequently used as a verb; for example, referring to a team as having "been tier 3'd for violating Construction Parameters." In the past, various infractions involved differing levels of penalty, sometimes with as many as eight tiers. This process was simplified to involve a smaller number of tiers during the early 2000s.

2020

 * Boomilever (B/C) - Tier 2 for holding a load with any construction/competition violations, Tier 3 for being unable to be loaded (can't hold Loading Assembly, not wearing eye protection, etc.)
 * Mousetrap Vehicle (C) - Tier 2 for runs with any competition violations, Tier 3 for runs with any construction violations, Tier 4 for teams with 2 failed runs, Tier 5 for teams that did not impound their Vehicle during the impound period.
 * Ping Pong Parachute (B/C) - Tier 2 if the parachute system does not separate from the rocket, Tier 3 if any part of the rocket/parachute system touches the ceiling.
 * Write It Do It (B/C) - Tier 2 for drawing a subsection of the model.

2018

 * Experimental Design (B/C) - Tier 2 for not addressing the question.
 * Game On (C) - Tier 2 for not addressing the theme and/or game type.
 * Helicopters (C) - Tier 2 for Construction or Competition violations without a specific penalty.
 * Mission Possible (C) - Tier 2 for Construction or Competition violations, Tier 3 for devices impounded after the deadline or teams without eye protection.
 * Mystery Architecture (B) - Tier 2 for devices not supporting the load (as defined in the rules).
 * Roller Coaster (B) - Tier 2 for Competition violations, Tier 3 for Construction violations, Tier 4 if the device is not impounded on time.
 * Towers (B/C) - Tier 2 for Competition violations, Tier 3 for Construction violations, Tier 4 if the device is unable to be loaded.
 * Wright Stuff (B) - Tier 2 for Construction or Competition violations without a specific penalty.
 * Write It Do It (B/C) - Tier 2 for drawing a subsection of the model.