During the qualification matches, randomly assigned teams are partnered to form alliances just prior to the start of each match. Alliances last only for the duration of a match. Each team is assigned to one of four divisions and participates only with other teams in the same division. All teams are ranked after playing an equal number of qualification matches. Following the conclusion of the qualification matches, the top ranked teams form alliances and go on to compete in the elimination matches.
Alliances formed for the elimination matches stay together for the remainder of the event.
Each alliance is composed of five teams. The fifth team serves as an alternate and can be used if a robot in the alliance is damaged or for reasons of scoring strategy. There are 40 small balls, approximately 13 inches in diameter. There are also four balls approximately 30 inches in diameter. Balls are inflated to size, not pressure.