What happens if a team throws a match to manipulate rankings?

If a team throws a match to manipulate rankings, it would be a violation of rule G202. The penalty for this would be a verbal warning, and if subsequent violations occur, a yellow or red card may be given at the discretion of the Head REFEREE.

According to G202, examples of behaviors that would violate this rule include, but are not limited to, deliberately violating the spirit of the rules, throwing MATCHES, deliberately missing RPs, or playing beneath your ability to manipulate rankings.

For the exact penalty and ruling, refer to the official Competition Manual.

Sources
- Predictions for FTC DECODE Worlds 2025-26 — 7:34 to 10:05 — Brogan M. Pratt
- 13.6.3 Qualification Ranking
- G202 *Follow the Competition Integrity Contract (CIC).
- Predictions for FTC DECODE Worlds 2025-26 — 5:01 to 7:34 — Brogan M. Pratt
- Breaking Down DECODE Strategies | FTC Live | #firsttechchallenge — 30:15 to 32:46 — FUN Robotics Network