Do changes made during rebuilds need to be approved by FIRST?

During rebuilds, teams are permitted to make changes to their robots as long as those modifications comply with established rules and guidelines. This means that as long as any alterations do not violate any applicable regulations set forth by FIRST, teams do not need prior approval for those changes. This approach encourages innovation and flexibility in design while still maintaining adherence to the overarching rules of the competition.

There are situations where certain alterations may require approval, particularly if they result in deviations from critical design specifications or safety protocols, but for the majority of cases, as long as changes conform to the existing framework of rules, teams can implement them without seeking approval. This allows teams to optimize their robots and enhances the overall competitive experience.