2026–2027 · Division B · Build
Motion · timing · track reliability
Plan for: a stable table and clear floor area
2027 · Know before you build
A practical checklist for students, parents and coaches, written from the 2027 Division B manual. Each note points to its source rule.
Maximum width × length × height throughout the competition, excluding the ball.
Rule 3.b
Target steps: 5 s at Regionals, 2 s at States, 1 s at Nationals.
Rule 4.c
Setup, adjustments, practice and up to two scored runs share the time.
Rule 4.d–f
Impound the coaster, balls, supplies and notes; wear eye protection.
Rule 2.a–c; 4.a
Source: printed pages B46–B48 · PDF pages 51–53 · Checked September 13, 2026 (manual); October 25, 2026 (published corrections)
Impound one coaster and at least one ball; extra balls are allowed, but only one travels in each run. Bring Category B eyewear.
2027 rule 2.a–c
Submit spare parts, non-electronic tools and all data or notes before competition. Mark the start and finish before the target time is revealed.
2027 rule 2.a; 3.f; 4.a
The supervisor supplies an unsharpened #2 pencil with an unused eraser, timers and measurement equipment. Use that pencil for the release.
2027 rule 2.d; 3.d
The same target applies to every team and is revealed immediately before setup.
2027 rule 4.c
The ball must be at least 1 cm in diameter and visible throughout. Gravity supplies motion except for the permitted elevator mechanisms; no magnets, electrical/electronic devices or added spring/rubber-band propulsion. Include a safe stop after the finish.
2027 rule 3.c,e,h–i
Use exactly one clearly labeled line for each, perpendicular to travel. Their relative positions cannot change after impound.
2027 rule 3.f–g
Each must raise the ball at least 10 cm: Type 1 combines a first-class lever with a wheel-and-axle; Type 2 combines a second-class lever with a pulley. Each specified mechanism requires ideal mechanical advantage below 1. Counterweights are permitted.
2027 rule 3.j
Label the touching track intersection and the vertical height from it to the loop's highest inner point. The loop cannot be fully enclosed; the ball must maintain contact and be unsupported from below at the top.
2027 rule 3.k
Unlimited practice runs fit inside the eight-minute window, but only two runs can score. Declare a scored run before release. Start a scored run before time expires and it may finish afterward.
2027 rule 4.d,f,h
Hold the ball completely behind the start line using the supervisor's pencil. Remove it on the signal without adding force; do not touch the device during a scored run.
2027 rule 4.g–j
Timing stops at full finish-line crossing, twice the target time, departure from the device, or a stop lasting three seconds. A failed finish loses timing points, although already successful features may still score.
2027 rule 4.j–k
Use the higher run score. Size points are the unused portions of the 60 cm height, 30 cm width and 80 cm length allowances. Each distinct successful elevator adds 50; the completed loop adds 3 per whole centimeter of qualifying height.
2027 rule 5.b–d,f–g
Earn 5 points per full second up to the target; subtract 5 per full second beyond it, up to twice the target. Runs without a finish receive zero timing points.
2027 rule 5.e; 4.k
A violation moves a run from Tier 1 to Tier 2. Missing impound for the device or ball places the team in Tier 3. Ties first compare loop, then size, then timing scores.
2027 rule 5.h–i
Review the mechanisms with the coach before buying parts. The source's 4.k mentions a Height score, but 5.c–d defines a Size score using all three dimensions; confirm the host's scoring sheet follows the scoring section.
2027 rule 3.j–k; 4.k; 5.c–d
Use these preparation notes alongside the authoritative manual, its diagrams, current corrections and the host’s instructions. They are not a complete rule replacement or a certification of your device. Both partners should be able to explain their design and operate it independently.
September 22 national corrections resolve the glider flight period to six minutes and correct Water Quality organism spellings (Phaeophyta, Eucidaris, Octocorallia). October 12 Scrambler kit guidance and form are linked below. Recheck national clarifications and tournament instructions before competition.
Public seller pages checked October 25, 2026. This is a dated snapshot, not live stock. Prices are advertised USD before shipping/tax; confirm the single-kit option and delivery before paying. An add-to-cart button alone does not establish stock. Kits still need student assembly, testing and rules checks.
None verified in the reviewed catalog
Do not assume a commercial marble-run toy matches the 2027 event. Source track and supports individually or borrow practice materials.
Availability / restock: No release or restock date published for a Roller Coaster kit.
Check seller source (opens in a new tab)Build your own
Original club build suggestions. Pair these steps with the rule checklist above; they are not an official design or a guarantee of competition compliance.
Printed track, supports or connectors are candidates under the general material provisions, provided the entire device obeys the event’s motion, dimensions and scoring rules. This does not certify a downloaded marble-run system. Verified straight-track and curve STL downloads are listed below. Their original magnet mounting must be omitted; test ball clearance and join alignment and retain the source CAD.
There is no blanket approval of all printed parts. The event’s specific material and construction restrictions take priority. Students should retain file source, license, CAD changes, print settings and test results, and build and explain their own device. Ask an official clarification when a design’s legality is uncertain.
The national general FAQ recognizes modeling a 3D-printed component as part of student design and construction. That answer does not waive an event’s material requirements. Read the national FAQ (opens in a new tab).
Official student-building and mentoring policy (opens in a new tab)Model review: October 27, 2026. Separate from the kit-stock review. File access and contents were checked; no physical print, load test or tournament approval is implied.
Use selected open track shapes only. This creator’s original system uses magnets, which are prohibited in the 2027 event. Attach adapted pieces to a freestanding structure using permitted nonmagnetic supports.
Use the creator’s Files tab or the exact file link below. If a raw STL/STEP opens as text, use Save link as and retain the listed extension. STEP needs CAD export to STL first. For OpenSCAD source, retain included dependencies, render the main part files and export STL. STL has no unit metadata: confirm millimeters in your slicer. Slice the model for your own printer; do not run someone else’s G-code.
Verified file access · adaptation required
By Jan Pieper (jhpieper) · ASCII STL · 191,308 bytes
Verification: Downloaded and parsed 1,080 triangles. Mesh extent is approximately 15 × 50 × 23.08 mm; STL does not encode units, so verify millimeters in the slicer.
Verified file access · adaptation required
By Jan Pieper (jhpieper) · ASCII STL · 957,450 bytes
Verification: Downloaded and parsed 4,888 triangles. Mesh extent is approximately 41 × 41 × 23.08 mm; verify the slicer’s units.
Links were read directly or confirmed on the national event page. Video playback, vendor checkout and downloadable model fabrication have not been tested. Historical resources are labeled; an older video cannot set 2027 dimensions.
Suggested supplies, not a mandatory shopping list. Borrow shared equipment first; confirm every competition item against the rules before purchasing.
Your first practice
Draw the construction envelope and identify the adjustable sections.
Establish a simple track that finishes reliably before adding complexity.
Repeat each setting and log both timing error and non-finishing runs.
Keep every trial, including failures. Record the conditions, one changed variable, what happened and the next decision.
Original club CSV template. Save it in your team’s approved workspace and share it with your coach. It does not upload or sync to student progress, and it does not replace any required official log.
Own the design decisions. Keep a revision record, learn the relevant rules and be ready to explain how your device works and why you changed it.
Arrange a stable testing surface and a way to transport the track without changing its geometry.
Confirm legal motion and scoring conditions, then rehearse setting an unfamiliar target within the allowed adjustment time.
Official event page and score-sheet links. Use current rules for dimensions, target times and scoring features.
Find coaching sessions and recordings. Check each resource’s event, division and season.