Competition Rules

GoSHackathon - Competitor Rules

TThese rules exist to keep the GoSHackathon fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone taking part. They

apply to all competitors for the duration of the event.

If a rule is broken, GoSH volunteers and event organisers will always try to understand what

happened and support a participant to get back on track first. Repeated or serious breaches may

result in disqualification, in which case a parent or guardian agrees to collect their child from the

venue.

1. Getting Help

1.1 Using AI tools such as ChatGPT is expected and encouraged throughout the Hackathon — there’s

even a prize for the best use of AI, so be ready to tell a mentor or judge how you used it.

1.2 Getting help from people outside the event — in person, by phone, message, email or social

media — is not permitted, to keep the competition fair for everyone.

1.3 If a participant needs to speak with a parent or carer during the event, they should let a GoSH

volunteer know.

2. Wi-Fi Usage

2.1 Competitors must follow the Responsible Use of Wi-Fi Agreement provided by event organisers.

2.2 Breaching the Wi-Fi Agreement, including illegal or unethical activity, may result in

disqualification and, where relevant, further action.

3. Loan Devices

3.1 Competitors borrowing a device from the host school must follow the terms of the Loan Device

Agreement.

3.2 Failing to follow the Loan Device Agreement — including damaging or not returning a device —

may result in disqualification, costs to the participant, and further action.

4. Robots and Event Technology

4.1 Reachy robots and other event technology may only be used with the support of a trained GoSH

“Reachy Wrangler” or event technical partner.

4.2 Participants must not alter the hardware, software, settings or accounts of Reachy or any other

loaned technology.

4.3 Participants must not share personal, sensitive or identifying information with Reachy or any

connected AI tool.

4.4 If a robot or piece of technology shows unexpected behaviour, a fault, or raises a safety concern,

stop using it immediately and tell a GoSH volunteer.

4.5 Interactions with Reachy may be recorded as outlined in the event’s technology-use and consent

information provided at registration.

4.6 Event technology should be treated with care. Deliberate damage may lead to disqualification,

costs to the participant, and further action.

5. Code of Conduct

5.1 All participants are expected to treat others with respect.

5.2 Harassment, offensive language or disruptive behaviour towards volunteers, venue staff or other

participants will not be tolerated and may lead to disqualification.

5.3 If a participant needs a break, a quiet space, or support to take part in a way that works for them,

they’re encouraged to speak with a GoSH volunteer. GoSH is a strength-based event, and behaviour

is treated as information, not automatically as a breach.

5.4 School and venue property must be respected. Deliberate damage or vandalism will result in

immediate disqualification, possible costs to the participant, and further action.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Competitors must respect intellectual property rights and only use legally obtained resources,

tools and AI platforms.

6.2 Plagiarism or unauthorised use of copyrighted material may result in disqualification.

7. Data Privacy and Security

7.1 Competitors must handle all data, including personal information, carefully and confidentially.

7.2 Attempting to access or misuse data without authorisation may lead to disqualification.

8. Submission Guidelines

8.1 Solutions must be original and developed during the Hackathon. Building on existing

technologies, products or AI tools is permitted.

8.2 Participants should be ready to explain their solution and how they used AI or other tools to build

it — this is how the AI Prize is judged, and it helps all judges understand your thinking, not just your

output.

9. Judging

9.1 Decisions of the judges and event organisers are final.

9.2 Attempting to influence or dispute the judging process may result in disqualification.

10. Collaboration and Fair Play

10.1 Competitors are encouraged to support one another and show good sportspersonship.

10.2 Collaboration and knowledge-sharing between teams is encouraged, provided it doesn’t

compromise the event’s competitive integrity.

By registering for the GoSHackathon, participants and their parent/guardian agree to these rules,

including that a parent or guardian will collect their child from the venue in the event of a

disqualification.