RECF Drone Competitions Referee Guide – RECF Library

Introduction

This guide has been prepared for head referees and scorekeeper referees serving at RECF drone competitions, including Aerial Drone Competition (ADC) and ADC Pro. This guide does not replace the applicable ADC or ADC Pro game manual, the official RECF Q&A, or referee certification training. Instead, it provides an overview of referee responsibilities, event procedures, and best practices to help referees provide a fair, consistent, and positive competition experience. Refereeing is an important responsibility. Referees help ensure that matches are conducted safely and fairly while supporting students as they learn and compete.

When questions arise about how a rule should be applied, referees should refer to the most current applicable game manual and the official RECF Q&A. The current game manual and official Q&A answers take precedence over this guide.

Thank you for your willingness to make the RECF drone competitions a success by volunteering as a referee!

Position Summary

There are two different types of referees at drone competitions:

Head referee
Scorekeeper referee

Head referees and scorekeeper referees work as a team, with specific responsibilities that may vary by match type. Referees observe matches, identify rule violations, and enforce the RECF Game Manual as written. They track scored game objects, accurately record match results on a score sheet or scoring tablet, and help ensure matches run safely and efficiently according to event procedures.

Refereeing at an RECF event is different from traditional sporting events because referees actively help teams avoid breaking rules. For example, referees may caution team members when they are approaching a potential foul rather than waiting until a foul occurs. A caution given before a foul occurs is intended to help the team avoid the violation and is not itself a penalty.

The specific equipment, team-member roles, scoring activities, and match procedures may differ between ADC and ADC Pro. Referees should use the terminology and procedures in the current applicable game manual for the competition they are officiating.

Important: ADC and ADC Pro

ADC and ADC Pro are separate competitions and have differences in equipment, team-member roles, scoring, match procedures, and rules. Throughout this guide, referees should apply the rules and procedures for the specific competition they are officiating. Where ADC and ADC Pro differ, this guide will identify the distinction when it is relevant. The current applicable game manual and official Q&A always take precedence over this guide.

Referee Staffing and Match Coverage

The required referee staffing and match coverage may vary by competition format. Referees should follow the staffing requirements in the current game manual for the competition they are officiating. The following information applies to each event or each division, if an event has multiple divisions.

Note: "Alliance/Teamwork matches" refers collectively to ADC's alliance/teamwork matches and ADC Pro's alliance matches. When a rule or procedure differs between the two competitions, the applicable competition will be identified.

Alliance/Teamwork Matches

Every alliance/teamwork match must be watched by at least one head referee.
Each alliance/teamwork field should have at least one scorekeeper referee.
When staffing allows, two scorekeeper referees per field are recommended.
When multiple alliance/teamwork fields are in use, event partners should provide sufficient head referee coverage so that every alliance/teamwork match is watched by at least one head referee. A head referee should also remain available to assist with inspection and solo matches as needed.

Solo Matches

Scorekeeper referees may oversee solo matches independently.
Every solo match must be watched by at least one referee.
When possible, it is recommended that two scorekeeper referees work together to oversee solo matches.
A head referee must be available to assist with solo matches as needed.

When Only One Head Referee is Available

If an event has only one head referee, event partners should plan staffing and match scheduling so the head referee can provide the required alliance/teamwork match coverage and remain available to assist with solo matches as needed.
The head referee should not leave an alliance/teamwork match if doing so would leave the match without the head referee coverage required.
If the head referee needs to address an issue in the solo area while an alliance/teamwork match is underway, event staff should follow the event's established procedure for maintaining the required head referee coverage.
Event partners should consider these requirements when determining referee staffing and scheduling solo and alliance/teamwork matches.

Key Referee Attributes

Referees interact directly with teams and other event staff. Effective referees demonstrate the following skills:

Knowledge of the current game and rules: Understand the current game manual and know how to find applicable rules and official Q&A guidance.
Effective decision-making: Make decisions based on the rules and the facts of the match.
Attention to detail: Observe carefully and accurately record scoring information.
Teamwork: Work effectively with other referees and event staff.
Confidence: Make and communicate necessary decisions confidently and assertively as needed.
Communication and diplomacy: Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with students and volunteers.
Consistency: Apply the same rules and standards to all teams.
Student-centered focus: Support a positive, fair, and educational competition experience for students.

Referee Qualifications

RECF Drone Head Referees

Head Referees must:

Be at least 20 years of age.
Be a certified volunteer assigned by the event partner.
Possess the key referee attributes described above in the “Key Referee Attributes” section.
Complete and pass the RECF Head Referee Certification Course required for the applicable program and event.
Understand and apply the current game manual and official RECF Q&A.
Be prepared to make final decisions on rules.
Avoid wearing apparel with messaging that could be inappropriate for student events or anything that represents a specific competition team.

Scorekeeper Referees Must

Be at least 15 years of age.
Be a volunteer assigned by the event partner.
Possess the key referee attributes described above in the “Key Referee Attributes” section.
Avoid wearing apparel with messaging that could be inappropriate for student events or anything that represents a specific competition team.

Referee Key Responsibilities

Head referees and scorekeeper referees work together, but each has specific roles and duties.

Head Referee

Head referees have the following responsibilities at an RECF drone tournament:

Train and support scorekeeper referees and inspectors as appropriate, ensuring they are fully prepared for their role.
Work with event staff to help matches proceed safely and on schedule.
Communicate fouls and penalties to teams when they occur.
Be available throughout the tournament to assist with inspections and inspection-related questions as needed.
Make all final decisions on match and drone/robot rules.
Answer questions about rules and rulings with teams.
Communicate rule interpretations, rulings, and scoring decisions to teams.
Address questions or disputes concerning match decisions and scoring information
Be available to assist with solo matches and rule questions arising during solo matches as needed.
Make the final check that the field and teams are properly set before the start of each alliance/teamwork match.
Help ensure that solo match fields are properly set up before the event and remain ready for competition throughout the event.

Inspection Note: Every team must pass inspection before participating in a match.

ADC: Inspectors confirm that teams' drones meet the game manual requirements.
ADC Pro: Inspectors confirm that teams' equipment meets the game manual requirements.

In both programs, inspectors should consult the head referee when questions arise during inspection.

Key Points

Head referees make final decisions on match and drone rules and communicate rule interpretations, rulings, fouls, and penalties to teams.
Scorekeeper referees are responsible for accurately recording scoring information and working with the head referee when a team raises a question about a rule, ruling, or scoring information.

Scorekeeper Referee

Scorekeeper referees have the following responsibilities at an RECF drone tournament:

Score all assigned match types.
Observe and track scoring activities during the match, and determine scoring based on the applicable scoring criteria and the final state of scoring objects when required.
Record the scoring tasks and accomplishments required for the specific type of match being scored.
Observe the match for scoring and safety concerns.
Bring possible fouls or other rule concerns to the attention of the head referee.
Oversee solo matches independently when assigned to do so. During a solo match, the scorekeeper referee is responsible for observing the match, recording scoring information, monitoring for safety concerns, and identifying possible fouls or other rule concerns.
Take appropriate action when an immediate safety concern requires a drone to be grounded, following the procedures in the current game manual. When a scorekeeper referee is the only referee overseeing a solo match, the scorekeeper referee may indicate that the drone should be grounded when necessary for safety.
Consult the head referee if you have a question about scoring, match play, a foul, or the application of a rule that does not have a clear answer in the current game manual or official Q&A.
If a team questions a rule, ruling, or scoring decision, consult the head referee before finalizing the disputed decision.
After the match, confirm scoring counts with the appropriate team members before submitting the match score.
Follow the current game manual and event procedures when recording and submitting scores.

Scoring Notes:

Scorekeeper referees should actively observe and track scoring throughout the match.

Some scoring tasks are confirmed when they are completed, while other scoring is determined by the final position or status of an object when the match ends.
Referees should apply the scoring criteria for the specific match type and confirm the final scoring counts before submitting the score.

Key Points:

When possible, having two scorekeeper referees at each field is recommended.

Scorekeeper referees record and communicate scoring counts to teams for verification.
They may independently oversee solo matches, but they do not make final rule interpretations or disputed scoring rulings.
When a team questions a rule, ruling, or scoring decision, the scorekeeper referee should consult the head referee.

Referee Task List

Referees are responsible for the following major tasks during each match cycle.

Pre-Match

Confirm that the scheduled teams are present and ready to play.
Verify that the team members are in the appropriate areas and following applicable match-position and safety requirements.
Verify that the required equipment (drones/robots) are in the required starting positions and configurations according to the current game manual.
Confirm that the competition field is properly prepared for the scheduled match.
Address any apparent safety or rule concerns before the match begins.
Teams should complete any applicable pre-flight checklist before each match and should be ready when they arrive at the field.
Confirm that the team is ready before starting the match.
Follow the current game manual and event procedures when a team or equipment is not ready to begin the match.
Help keep the competition on schedule while allowing reasonable time to address legitimate preparation or safety concerns.
Safety concerns should always be addressed before the match begins.

For Alliance/Teamwork Matches

The referee or emcee should ask the teams if they are ready before starting the match.
If a team is not ready, consider the scheduled start time and determine whether additional time can be given without unnecessarily delaying the event. Use reasonable judgment when addressing minor preparation issues while keeping the competition on schedule. For example, waiting a few seconds for a team to get its drone working may be reasonable, while waiting several minutes for a team to repair a broken drone may unnecessarily delay the event.
If a team is not present, wait until the scheduled start time and follow the procedures in the current game manual.
If a team is seen approaching the field, use reasonable judgment about whether there is time to wait or whether the match needs to begin without that team.
Confirm that the teams and equipment are in the proper locations and configurations before starting the match.

For Solo Matches

The assigned scorekeeper referee starts the match.
Before starting a solo match, confirm the team number and the type of solo match the team will be completing.
Confirm that the team is ready and that the team members and equipment are in the proper locations.
Ensure that applicable safety requirements are being followed.
When the team is ready, the scorekeeper referee starts the match timer and begins the match.
Solo matches are not scheduled in advance. Teams may complete their solo attempts when the solo match field is open and their event schedule permits.
The scorekeeper referee should help keep the solo field moving smoothly so teams have an opportunity to complete their allowed attempts.

Tip: Remind teams to be fully prepared before coming to the field, including having charged batteries and all required equipment ready to use.

During the Match

For Alliance/Teamwork Matches

Monitor the match for safety concerns and compliance with the current game manual.
Bring possible fouls or other rule concerns to the head referee’s attention.
If an immediate safety concern requires a drone or robot to be grounded, follow the grounding procedures in the current game manual.
Observe and track scoring activities throughout the match.
Observe team members for compliance with applicable match and safety requirements.
When recording scoring information, count out loud so that the team can hear what is being recorded.
Finalize scoring information at the end of the match.

For Solo Matches

Monitor the match for safety concerns and compliance with the current game manual.
Bring possible fouls or other rule concerns to the head referee’s attention.
If an immediate safety concern requires a drone or robot to be grounded, follow the grounding procedures in the current game manual.
Observe and track scoring activities throughout the match.
Actively record scoring information as scoring tasks are completed.
When recording scoring information, count out loud so that the team can hear what is being recorded.
Continue observing and recording scoring information throughout the match.
Finalize scoring information at the end of the match.

Post-Match

1. Complete and Review the Scoring Information

Complete and review the scoring information.
When recording scoring information, count out loud so that the team can hear what is being recorded.
The head referee should survey the field and make any scoring calls that are close or require a judgment.
Referees are not expected to check imperceptibly small measurements.
After the scoring information is entered, but before saving or submitting the score, show all teams the scoresheet or tablet to confirm.
Verify the scoring information for each scoring task.

2. Review Possible Fouls and Rule Concerns

Discuss any possible fouls or other rule concerns with all referees who observed the match.
Refer to the current RECF game manual and official RECF Q&A when determining how a rule applies.
Determine whether the action violated a rule in the current game manual.
When the applicable rule requires determining whether a foul improved the match score, complete the scoring process before making the ruling.
Consider any previous violations of the same rule when determining the appropriate penalty.

3. Determine and Communicate the Ruling

The head referee determines whether the violation results in an official warning, yellow card, red card, or other applicable penalty.
If giving an official verbal warning, the head referee should record all required details in the Head Referee Match Anomaly Log.
If giving a foul, the head referee must tell the affected team members:
- The specific rule that was violated.
- The rule number.
- The resulting foul or penalty.
If the head referee cannot identify the applicable rule, the team should not be penalized until the rule has been located and reviewed. Other referees or event staff may assist in locating the applicable rule.
If additional time is needed, let the team know that the ruling is still being reviewed and follow event procedures for resolving the question.
Record the foul on the Head Referee Match Anomaly Log and record any resulting forfeits, zero scores, or other scoring adjustments on the score sheet or tablet.

4. Address Questions or Disputes

If a team questions a scoring count, the scorekeeper referee should review the recorded information with the team.
If a team questions a rule, ruling, foul, penalty, or scoring decision that cannot be resolved by reviewing the recorded information, the scorekeeper referee should notify the head referee.
If team members disagree with a referee's decision or recorded score, they should remain at the field and notify the referee immediately so a head referee can be consulted.
The head referee should review the applicable game manual rule and, when appropriate, the official RECF Q&A.
Referees and team members may discuss the specific rules or Q&A answers that support their understanding of the situation.
Referees and team members must not view video or photographs from the match while at the field or during discussions that could affect match outcomes or scoring.
Team members who were not at the field for the match may not approach the field to participate in the discussion.
The head referee makes the final decision on disputed match and drone rules and determines when the discussion is complete.
If the head referee needs additional time to gather information or review a rule, the head referee may ask the students to return at a specific agreed-upon time.

5. Record Official Warnings and Fouls

Record official warnings, yellow cards, and red cards in the Head Referee Match Anomaly Log, including the team and rule involved.
Use the log to track repeated violations of the same rule during the event and to determine when a subsequent violation requires a more serious penalty.
Advance warnings intended to help teams avoid a foul are not official warnings and should not be recorded in the Head Referee Match Anomaly Log.
All sessions of a league are considered a single event. The same anomaly log should be used for all sessions. For example, a yellow card recorded during the first session carries forward when considering repeated violations during the second session.

6. Prepare for the Next Match

Once the match score has been confirmed, teams may enter the field to collect their equipment. Teams should then work with field reset volunteers or team members to reset the field for the next match.

For Alliance/Teamwork Matches

After the match, the head referee should survey the field, make any close scoring calls, and move to the next field to start the next match while the scorekeeper referees record and submit the score for the completed match.
If only one alliance/teamwork field is in use, the head referee may collaborate with the scorekeeper referee to record the score and prepare for the next match.

For Solo Matches

Help keep the field moving smoothly so teams can complete their attempts without unnecessary delays.

Key Points

Scorekeeper referees record and communicate scoring information to teams and bring possible fouls or other rule concerns to the head referee.
Head referees make and communicate final rulings on fouls, penalties, and disputed rule applications.
The head referee should ensure that teams understand the specific rule involved whenever a foul or penalty is issued.
Complete the scoring process before making a ruling when the final score is needed to determine whether a foul affected the match score.
Resolve questions as promptly as possible while ensuring that all rulings are based on the current game manual and official RECF Q&A.

Referee Best Practices

Scoring is a primary responsibility of referees. In addition to scoring, referees observe matches for safety concerns, fouls, and other rule violations and take appropriate action. Because a foul in an RECF drone competition can result in a foul card including a red card that results in a zero score in some circumstances, referees should help caution and guide teams before they break the rules.

Advance Warnings

The teams have put a lot of time and effort into the competition; it is the philosophy of the RECF to be helpful rather than punitive when it comes to refereeing. When appropriate, referees may verbally caution a team about an action that could result in a foul, giving the team an opportunity to avoid the violation. An advance caution is not an official warning, foul card, or other consequence unless the game manual specifically provides otherwise.

Waiting for Teams

Help establish queuing processes that encourage teams to get set up and prepared for the match so that they are in place and ready to compete when the start time approaches. For alliance/teamwork matches, scorekeeper referees should have the field and scoring materials ready before the head referee arrives whenever possible. These practices can help the event run on time and at a more relaxed pace for the staff and competitors.

Rule Interpretations

Scorekeeper referees should not make final rule interpretations or disputed rulings. The head referee makes final rule interpretations and rulings and needs to be consistent in the answers given to all teams. If there is disagreement between the head referee and the scorekeeper referees, look up the rule in the current game manual or official Q&A. Do not create or enforce a rule based on how you think the game “should be” played. Games are designed without one strategy in mind, so teams will play the games very differently from each other. To an untrained eye, this can look like breaking a rule.

Conflict of Interest

Referees should avoid situations that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest and should notify the event partner if a situation could affect their ability to officiate fairly and impartially.

Referee Tips

Caution teams if they are close to committing a foul.
- When appropriate, give teams an advance warning about an action that may result in a foul or other penalty. Advance warnings are not official warnings and are not recorded.
Make the necessary calls, even if fouls happen unintentionally.
- A team's intent does not eliminate a penalty when the game manual requires one.
Be fair and consistent to all teams.
Be friendly and positive.
- Referees should be approachable and professional while maintaining their authority and impartiality.
Remember that a referee’s job is to enforce the rules as written, not as a referee thinks they should be written. Consistency is key in ensuring the integrity of competition.
Do not invent, modify, or ignore rules.
- If the current game manual or official RECF Q&A does not support a particular interpretation, do not create a rule based on how the game seems as though it should be played.
Do not penalize teams simply because they are not playing in a way that a referee “feels” is right.
- Teams may use different strategies and approaches that are permitted by the rules.
Follow the current game manual when a drone or robot must be grounded.
- Use the procedure specified in the current game manual rather than creating a separate procedure for grounding a drone or robot.
Be very vocal and visual when making calls.
- Use clear verbal communication and appropriate signals so that the teams, other event staff, and audience understand what is happening.
Direct questions requiring a rule interpretation, ruling, foul, or penalty decision to the head referee.
- Scorekeeper referees may communicate and confirm recorded scoring information with team members, but the head referee should handle rule interpretations and disputed rulings. When multiple referees explain rulings to teams, inconsistencies can easily arise.
The head referee (and only the head referee) should explain controversial rulings and close calls to the teams when an explanation is needed.
- Clear communication about rulings helps teams understand how the rules were applied and provides a positive competition experience.
Apply penalties as required by the game manual.
- Referees should not avoid applying a required penalty because they feel it is too harsh. If the game manual specifies a penalty for a rule violation, the penalty should be applied consistently, regardless of whether the violation was intentional
- When a violation requires a red card and zero score, the head referee must apply the penalty as required by the game manual. Referees should not choose a lesser penalty because they feel the required penalty is too severe.
If possible, attend a local practice session or event before your first tournament to become familiar with typical gameplay, communication and signaling procedures, and match flow. This can help you feel more prepared to referee.

Referee Training and Preparation

In addition to this guide, the following resources are essential for preparing you for your referee role. If this is your first time participating in an RECF drone event, we recommend reviewing these resources in the following order to help you best understand the game and your role as a referee.

Essential Resources

Please review these essential resources:

ADC Referees

ADC Pro Referees

Head Referee Certification

Head referees must complete and pass the applicable RECF Certified Head Referee Certification Course when certification is required for the program and event. Teams have a more positive competition experience when head referees are well prepared and familiar with the rules and procedures for managing the competition area.

There is no fee to become a certified head referee, and the RECF Drone Head Referee Certification Course is accessible on any device.

An exception to the certification requirement may apply if an event takes place before the applicable Head Referee Certification Course is available for the season. In that case, head referees should ensure that they have thoroughly reviewed the applicable game manual and are up to date on the official RECF Q&A.