Please refer to these additional policies for related information:
Introduction
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) considers the positive, respectful, and ethical conduct of all event participants and attendees an important and essential component of all RECF-sanctioned events.
Legal Notice
Teams and participants that fail to follow the requirements and guidelines in this policy will be ineligible to participate in RECF competitions. Any disputes regarding policy-related actions shall be resolved exclusively through RECF’s internal process as set forth in Section VI, article 15, of the RECF Event Consent, Release, Hold Harmless and Authorization Agreement, in which participants waive their right to pursue individual legal claims against RECF personnel for such actions. In the event any dispute arising from or relating to RECF events is not subject to arbitration under that agreement, such dispute shall be brought exclusively in the state courts located in Hunt County, Texas, or in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Rules and Conduct Committee
The Rules and Conduct Committee (RCC) is composed of anonymous members from around the world to ensure consistent and impartial resolution. The committee consists of RECF employees with diverse professional backgrounds, based both across the United States and internationally.
It is expected that most conduct-related violations will be handled through the steps outlined in the RECF Code of Conduct Reporting Process, with any immediate penalties approved by the event’s RECF Regional Support Manager (RSM) and/or Director of Regional Operations. Following the event, the incident should be reported to the RCC for follow-up and recordkeeping.
Behavior and Ethical Standards
We expect the following behavior and ethical standards at all RECF-sanctioned events:
- Act with integrity, honesty, and reliability
- Behave in a respectful and professional manner with all event participants, attendees, and RECF staff members
- Exhibit maturity and professionalism when dealing with difficult and stressful situations
- Respect individual differences
- Respect the facility and equipment provided at an event
- Follow all rules as listed in the current game manual(s)
- Operate as student-centered teams according to the Student Centered Policy
- Prioritize safety in actions and design
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship, which includes supporting your alliance partners
These expectations apply to, but are not limited to team members, mentors, parents, any adult associated with a team, Event Partners, and volunteers. The Code of Conduct may also apply to behavior outside of RECF-sanctioned events where inappropriate actions are related to an event or participating individuals.
Judges will consider team conduct and ethics when determining awards.
Violations of the expectations in this policy may result in consequences up to the disqualification of the team or organization from the current event and/or future events, and potentially removal from the program after review by the RECF.
Notes:
- Event staff and RECF staff must ensure that an adult representative from the team is present for all conduct-related interviews with student team members at an event.
- It is RECF policy that RECF staff may only interact with adults during the rules and conduct violations resolution process (which is primarily conducted by email) following an event.
- Where a team is found to have committed a serious violation, the team may not retain the benefits obtained as a result of the violation, such as a qualification to higher level of competition.
- The entire process is anonymous, and the reporting party will not be made aware of the outcome of the report.
- Teams or individuals who deliberately weaponize, manipulate, or falsely report conduct-related violations for competitive gain or to harass another team may be subject to a separate RECF Code of Conduct investigation.
RECF Code of Conduct Violation Levels
The RECF wants everyone to have a safe, fun, and positive competition experience. Most problems can be solved through coaching and learning. However, repeated or serious behavior may result in stronger consequences.
Level 1
What it means:
A small mistake or behavior that needs a reminder but does not seriously affect others.
Examples:
- Being loud in the pits or hallways
- Leaving tools, parts, or bags where people could get hurt
- Running in event areas
- Showing up late to matches
- Not following a volunteer's instructions
- Forgetting safety expectations, such as wearing safety glasses when required
Responses:
- The Event Partner gives a reminder to the coach
- The student or team is coached on the correct behavior
- A Level 1 violation should not be reported to the Code of Conduct team for review and can be handled at an event.
Level 2
What it means:
Behavior that is disrespectful, unsportsmanlike, or continues after reminders have been given.
Examples:
- Arguing with referees, judges, volunteers, or event staff
- Making rude comments to another team, student, or coach
- Poor sportsmanship after a win or loss
- Accidentally using inappropriate language
- Repeating Level 1 behaviors after being reminded
Responses:
-
Referral to the Regional Support Manager and the RECF Rules and Conduct Committee for review
- An official warning is given to the team by the Event Partner, Head Referee, or Judge Advisor
- The team may lose eligibility for some awards.
Level 3
What it means:
Behavior that hurts others, damages trust, or goes against the values of the competition.
Examples:
- Behaviors at an event such as: bullying, harassment, intimidation, discriminatory comments/actions, aggressive/ threatening actions
- Intentionally using inappropriate language
- Cheating or intentionally breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage
- Violations of the RECF Student Centered Policy or RECF Organization Policy
- Repeated Level 2 violations
Responses:
-
Referral to the Regional Support Manager and the RECF Rules and Conduct Committee for review
- Removal from matches, judging, or other event activities
- Loss of award eligibility
- Possible disqualification from the event
Level 4
What it means:
Behavior that puts people at risk, seriously harms others, or threatens the fairness of the competition.
Examples:
- Physical fighting or threats of violence at an event
- Deliberately creating unsafe conditions at an event
- Theft or intentional destruction of property at an event
- Damaging or interfering with another team's robot, tools, code, notebook, or equipment
- Tampering with field equipment, scoring systems, or competition results
- Severe harassment or discrimination at an event or through online channels
- Retaliating against someone for reporting a concern
- Possessing prohibited dangerous items
Responses:
-
Referral to the Regional Support Manager and the RECF Rules and Conduct Committee for review
- Immediate individual and/or team removal from the event
- Possible suspension from future events
- Referral to venue security, or law enforcement if necessary
Non-Code of Conduct Issues
Not all issues are “Code of Conduct” related. If a concern is raised about event operation including questions about judging processes, how a referee ruled on a match, etc., these can be reported via the Event Feedback Form and are not Code of Conduct issues. If these issues are submitted improperly via the Code of Conduct Report, they will not be reviewed.
If you have questions about how a situation should be classified and handled, please contact your RECF Regional Support Manager.
Violation Reporting and Resolution Process
The RECF Code of Conduct Violation Resolution Process is outlined in this scenario. This process will be followed in the event of a conduct-related violation or allegation.
The RCC cannot overrule or change the outcome of rulings and/or penalties from an event. However, they may add or increase penalties as deemed appropriate after investigation.
Level 1 Violations
These violations should be handled at the event. Event Staff is welcome to ask their Regional Support Manager for advice/assistance but these violations should not be elevated or reported to the Rules and Conduct Committee.
Level 2, 3, and 4 Violations
These violations should be addressed at the event but ultimately reported to the Regional Support Manager and the Rules and Conduct Committee.
- Reports must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the event/alleged violation.
- The submitter should make every effort to provide detailed evidence such as witness statements, pictures, etc.
- “Irrefutable evidence” must be submitted. When the Rules and Conduct Committee reviews an allegation, if the evidence leaves any doubt, or room for speculation, then it is difficult or impossible for the Committee to consider any sanction.
- Evidence must be “first-hand” accounts, meaning, a specific person saw/heard information from the accused themselves.
When a Potential Level 2, 3, or 4 Violation is Observed:
The Code of Conduct Report should be filled out adhering to the rules stated in the section above and on the form.
When a Code of Conduct Report is Received:
- The Rules and Conduct Committee will issue a Request for Response to the individual or Primary Coach of the team in question asking for a response within seven (7) calendar days of being sent.
- Once received, the Rules and Conduct Committee will review and assign one of the following:
- Formal Warning: evidence may not support an official sanction but the team/individual is required to take corrective action.
- Official Sanction With Right of Appeal: irrefutable evidence supports that a violation occurred and disciplinary action is warranted.
- If the Request for Response is not received within seven (7) calendar days, the Rules and Conduct Committee may assign either of the options as they deem appropriate.
When a Formal Warning is Issued:
- The team/individual will be notified that no further action will be taken.
- The team/individual is required to take corrective action.
- Repeated situations may lead to an official sanction.
- A Formal Warning can not be appealed.
When an Official Sanction is Issued / Appeal Process:
- The team/individual may appeal the sanction within 7 calendar days of when the sanction was sent.
- If an appeal is not received within 7 calendar days of when the sanction was sent, the sanction will automatically be upheld.
- If an appeal is received:
- The RCC will review the appeal, and make a recommendation to the CEO and Vice President of Programs who will make the final determination to uphold, overturn, or modify the imposed sanction. The RECF CEO, with the advisory of the RECF Board of Directors, has the final and binding authority in interpreting policies. Notifications will be made in writing once the CEO makes a final decision, which should be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the appeal. Once this decision is issued the matter is closed and not subject to further review or discussion.