2026-2027 RECF Signature Event Guide for Event Partners

Introduction

RECF Signature Events give students the opportunity to play at a unique tournament that provides a special team experience. RECF Signature Events have a level of technical expertise, production value, and overall event quality that is above and beyond that of a standard tournament.  The mission of these events is to provide more opportunities for teams that may or may not typically attend Event Region Championships or the RECF STEM World Championship to experience an event of that level. RECF Signature Events that meet the necessary requirements can qualify teams directly to the RECF STEM World Championship. These events rely on the dedication of Event Partners who provide these special experiences for teams. 

Requirements

In order for a RECF Signature Event to be recommended for approval for the 2026-2027 season, the following requirements must be agreed to and met by the Event Partner. 

Event

• All RECFSignature Events must abide by the standards included in the Commitment to Event Excellence.
• RECF Signature Event descriptions must include messaging that the event is a RECF Signature Event and may not include messaging that would refer to it being an alternative National or World Championship event.
• The event must have a minimum number of teams that have registered, paid, and competed.
  • RECF Inspire Robotics Competition: 12
  • RECF Achieve Robotics Competition (High School): 64
  • RECF Achieve Robotics Competition (Middle School): 50
  • RECF Engage Robotics Competition: 50
• Each event must be single-grade only (no blended events).
• The event is subject to the following registration limits.
  • No more than 50% of registered teams may be from the same region.
  • No more than six (6) teams from one organization may register for a specific event.
  • RECF Signature Events may elect to lift the max per organization and/or regional capacity limits 8 weeks prior to event.
  • The event may choose to have a minimum capacity for the host Event Region not to exceed 50%.
• The event must provide sufficient time for all teams to run Solo Matches.
  • Solo Matches must be available to teams for a minimum of 2 days.
  • Teams must be given the opportunity to run exactly three (3) Solo Driving Matches and three (3) Solo Coding Matches.
• The event must include the following required ceremonies and meetings.
  • An Event Meeting where the Head Referee and Event Partner go over the event logistics with participants, including how to queue for matches, the game rules, and a brief Q&A session.
  • An Opening Ceremony that welcomes the teams, spectators, volunteers and invited guests. 
  • An Award Ceremony that concludes the event; while some awards may be given out before the final match, the Tournament or Teamwork Champions and Excellence Award must be recognized after the final match.
  • Note: All skills and practice fields must be closed during all Event Meetings and Ceremonies.
• All teams must be given the opportunity to be judged, and judging must follow the standard judging process as outlined in the RECF Guide to Judging.
• The event listing on RECFEvents.com must include a clear refund policy that states what happens in the following circumstances.
  • If the Event Partner cancels the event
  • If a team registers and chooses not to attend
• The event listing on RECFEvents.com must include a clear payment deadline that states if a team doesn't pay by a specified deadline, they will be moved to the waitlist.

Fields

• All competition fields for Alliance Matches and Finals Matches must be raised off the floor to the same height between ten (10) and 24 inches.
  • Field risers must be reinforced, durable enough to hold the weight of individuals (referees, students, field resetters, etc.) without moving or shifting, and must be level.
• Any lighting/ special effects used must be consistent across all Competition fields and cannot interfere with match play.
  • Dark venues must use white lighting during match play on competition fields
• The event must provide a sufficient number of fields for Alliance Matches, Solo Matches, and Practice Areas; all fields for a match type must use the same perimeter type per the Game Manual.
  • RECF Achieve Robotics Competition / RECF Inspire Robotics Competition / JROTC Invitational
    • At least 2 Competition fields per division 
    • At least eight (8) Alliance Matches per team
    • At least one (1) Solo Match field for every 16 teams*
    • At least one (1) Practice field for every 32 teams*
  • RECF Engage Robotics Competition
    • At least two (2) Competition fields per division
    • At least eight (8) Alliance Matches per team
    • At least one (1) Solo Match field for every 15 teams*
    • A least one (1) Practice field for every 25 teams*
  • *Event Partners are required to provide the appropriate total number of fields based on the event size, but they have the flexibility to adjust the allocation between skills and practice fields as needed. While the overall field count must still meet the minimum requirements outlined, Event Partners can adjust the balance between skills and practice fields according to scheduling, venue space, or the needs of participating teams. It is the Event Partner’s responsibility to ensure that all teams have adequate opportunities for both practice and skills runs throughout the event.

Event Staff

Division Manager

• The Division Manager oversees the running of Tournament Manager, field operation, and queuing in each Division.

Field Staff

• There must be at least two (2) Certified Head Referees for each division who have the final authority on all rulings.
• There must be at least two (2) Scorekeeper Referees for every RECF Achieve Robotics Competition / RECF Inspire Robotics Competition / JROTC Invitational Competition field and at least one (1) Scorekeeper Referee for every RECF Engage Robotics Competition field.
• Every Robot Skills Challenge field should have at least one (1) Scorekeeper Referee.
• There should be at least two (2) Emcees per division.
• Each RECF Achieve Robotics Competition / RECF Inspire Robotics Competition / JROTC Invitational division should have a field reset crew.
• A designated Field Technician is strongly recommended for each division.

Judging

• There must be a minimum of one (1) Certified Judge Advisor
  • Each Certified Judge Advisor has read and agreed to follow the Judges Guide and official RECF judging processes.
• The event includes a minimum of one (1) pair of Judges for every eight (8) teams.

General

• There is at least one (1) Lead Robot Inspector, who should be a Head Referee.
• There is at least one (1) Robot Inspector for every twelve (12) teams.
• There is a minimum of one (1) Queuer for every Alliance Match and Finals Match field.
• There is a minimum of one (1) Practice Field attendant.
• There is a check-in table with one (1) staff member per 24 teams.

Pit Areas

Each team attending is given adequate space and resources in the Pit area.

• Each pit table/booth has access to a dedicated power supply.
• 8’ x 8’ pipe and drape booths are preferred; however, the following can be substituted if space is unavailable:
  • Each RECF Achieve Robotics Competition team has a pit table that is at least six (6) feet in length.
    • At least two (2) chairs per table is recommended.
  • Each RECF Engage Robotics Competition team has a pit table that is no less than four (4) feet in length. This may be an eight (8) foot table shared between two teams.
  • Each RECF Inspire Robotics Competition team has either a table that is no less than eight (8) feet in length or two (2) tables that are no less than six (6) feet in length each.
  • Each team must be given a floor space that is at least 50 square feet.

Communications

• The event broadcasts to RECF sponsored app live during the event.
• A live stream of the event is strongly preferred.
  • If playing music over a live stream, it is the Event Partner’s responsibility to ensure proper licensing is in place and no copyright laws are violated.
• Clear, audible sound system is used at the venue.
• The event uses video overlay with cameras on the competition fields during Alliance Matches and Finals Matches.
• All custom artwork (event logos, apparel, display artwork, etc.) must be submitted and approved by the RECF Marketing Departments before printing.
• The event must be clearly branded with RECF Signature Event logos on electronic and print displays.
• Event setup and decoration will be completed before the scheduled team check in, including competition fields set up properly for matches.
• The event utilizes the appropriate displays in the RECF Competition Portal.
• There is a Field Queue monitor on each competition field.
• Pit Displays are visible throughout the venue.
• If the RECF secures a sponsor to provide support for the event, the Event Partner will follow deliverable guidelines when possible.
• Allow official sponsors/partners of the RECF to set up a booth and/or display at any event. A request must be made at least 30 days in advance of the event with the Regional Support Manager who will facilitate the introduction. The sponsor/partner must abide by venue rules and regulations.

Awards

• Any award qualifying for the RECF STEM World Championship must have an award banner awarded in addition to a trophy.
  • RECF Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
    • Additional custom award banners may be created and awarded if artwork is approved by RECF Marketing.
• At a minimum, the following awards must be given out at each RECF Achieve Robotics Competition, JROTC Invitational, and RECF Engage Robotics Competition Signature Event:
  • Excellence Award
  • Teamwork/Tournament Champions
  • Design Award
  • Robot Skills Champion
  • Innovate Award
  • Think Award
  • Amaze Award
  • Build Award
  • Create Award
  • Judges Award
  • Sportsmanship Award
• RECF Inspire Robotics Competition Signature Events must give out, at a minimum:
  • Excellence
  • Tournament Champions
  • Design Award
  • Robot Skills Champion
  • Judges Award
  • Innovate Award
  • Sportsmanship Award

RECF STEM World Championship Qualifications

A RECF Signature Event must be an in-person event and occur between August 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. 

• RECF Achieve Robotics Competition and RECF Engage Robotics Competition Signature Events will be awarded between 3-5 spots to the RECF STEM World Championship spots. 
• RECF Inspire Robotics Competition Signature Events will have 2-3 RECF STEM World Championship spots.
• RECF Signature Events must be open to all teams by not having a qualification requirement, and must be open for any team to register.
  • The only exception to this rule is JROTC Invitational events.
• RECF Signature Events may only qualify teams for the RECF STEM World Championship and cannot qualify teams to Event Regional Championships.
• RECF Signature Events must meet all of the requirements listed in this document.
• Note: From time to time, the RECF may make an exception to one of these criteria to better support a growing State/Province/Region/Nation; for more information, please contact your Regional Support Manager here.

Notes

• Events that do not meet the established criteria may be deemed ineligible to receive World Championship qualification spots, regardless of prior approvals, historical precedent, or expectations.
• As premier competitions within the RECF ecosystem, RECF Signature Events are held to higher operational and programmatic standards. Failure to maintain these standards may result in the event being placed on probation for the following season, or denial of RECF Signature Event designation.
• If the event does not meet the listed team registration and competition minimums at least 14 days prior to the event, RECF STEM World Championships spots will be adjusted to one (1) or zero (0).
• The process for double qualification from RECF Signature Events is found in the Qualification Criteria document.

RECF Signature Event Application Process

To apply to host an RECF Signature Event, an Event Partner should review the requirements listed below then visit the RECF Signature Event Application Process page to get started. There are two deadlines to be aware of.

• New RECF Signature Event concepts:
  • The deadline to submit a RECF Signature Event Initial Proposal is January 31, 2026.
  • If an Initial Proposal is approved, the Final Application and Planning Calendar will be sent.
• New and Existing RECF Signature Event concepts:
  • The deadline to submit the Final Application for the 2026-2027 season is March 31, 2026.
  • The Final Application must include a detailed budget and event layout diagram.

The RECF will collect $10 per team registration on all RECF Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for RECF staff and support for these larger events.

If you have questions about RECF Signature Events, please contact Heather Harris, Director of Robotics Programs or your Regional Support Manager. 

Best Practices

If you are considering hosting a RECF Signature Event for the first time:

• Create a planning team.
• Attend another RECF Signature Event and shadow the Event Partner.
• Visit the desired venue multiple times to plan how the event could be set up.
• Test out an event idea on a smaller scale and/or at a different venue first before moving it to a RECF Signature Event.