All official REC Foundation events that qualify teams to a Championship event are required to have a Certified Head Referee, and all Referees are encouraged to use this certification course for training. If there is anything in the certification course that is in disagreement with the Official Game Manual, the Official Game Manual should be followed.
This course takes an average of 4 hours to complete, and represents 4 hours of professional development and training when completed. VEX IQ Robotics Competition Head Referees are expected to recertify each season.
Need to reach us about a course or certification? Email us at volunteercerts@recf.org.
Unit 1: VEX IQ Robotics Competition Referee Attributes and Responsibilities
Introduction
This certification course is designed to teach volunteer VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) referees the nuances of the VIQRC game rules and how VIQRC tournaments are run. Qualified and certified Head Referees help provide a consistent experience for participants within and across local, regional, national, and World Championship events.
As a Head Referee, you are required to pass the certification exam at the end of this course before volunteering in that role at a qualifying event. Scorekeeper Referees are encouraged to take this course, but it is not a requirement for that volunteer position.
Throughout this course, you will find links to external resources that include important information for Head Referees. Please take time to read the identified sections of each resource before moving on to the unit exam.
This unit assists referees in understanding the attributes and general responsibilities of VIQRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Determine the total number of referees recommended for a particular event
- Recall the key attributes of VIQRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
- List the minimum qualifications for VIQRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
- Associate responsibilities with Head Referees and/or Scorekeeping Referees
VIQRC Referee Attributes and Responsibilities
VIQRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees work together at VIQRC tournaments to observe and score Matches, and to ensure that gameplay stays within the letter and spirit of the rules. Each event or division at an event includes one or more Head Referees and multiple Scorekeeping Referees.
Read the first few sections of the VIQRC Referee Guide now, and stop when you get to the section titled “Referee Task List.”
- Read about the two types of VIQRC referee and how the numbers of referees change based on the size and format of the event
- Review the key attributes that make a good VIQRC referee, and the skills that all volunteer referees should possess
- Learn the minimum qualifications for each type of referee
- Read through the general responsibilities of Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees during a competition, and consider where the two roles overlap and where they differ
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 2: VIQRC Rapid Relay Terms and Field Setup
Introduction
This unit introduces the 2024-25 VIQRC game, Rapid Relay, and provides general and game-specific definitions for competitions that run using the Rapid Relay rules.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Define general terms for VIQRC games
- Define key terms for VIQRC Rapid Relay
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Rapid Relay game field layout
- Recognize the differences between Match types and their Autonomous and Driver-Controlled periods
- Describe how and when disablements and disqualifications are communicated to Teams
- Classify rule violations as major or minor violations
- Determine whether a violation is Match Affecting or not
VIQRC Rapid Relay Terms and Field Setup
VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) Rapid Relay is played on a 6’ x 8’ rectangular Field, set up as illustrated below.
The primary objectives of the game are to Pass the Balls between Robots, score Balls through Targets, and Clear Switches. Balls are introduced to the field through the Loading Station or, during the last 15 seconds of a Match, a Rapid Load Zone. Points are awarded based on how many Goals are Scored, how many Switches have been Cleared, and how many times the Alliance successfully Passed the Ball before scoring it.
In the Teamwork Challenge, an Alliance composed of two (2) teams with one (1) Robot each works together to score as many points as possible in a 60 second Match.
Teams may also compete in Robot Skills Challenge Matches, where one (1) Robot tries to score as many points as possible.
Read the first few segments of Section 2—"The Game," “Field Overview,” "General Definitions," & "Game-Specific Definitions"—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now, and stop when you get to the segment titled “Scoring.”
- Learn about the field and game objects in VIQRC Rapid Relay and their starting locations
- Read the general definitions that apply to most VIQRC games regardless of the season, including the variety of Match types
- Review how a Head Referee determines when a Violation is Score Affecting and what the penalties for rule Violations should be
- Learn the terms specific to VIQRC Rapid Relay
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 3: VIQRC Rapid Relay Scoring
Introduction
This unit describes how and when Teams and Alliances can earn points in VIQRC Rapid Relay.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Explain how objects are scored when Driver input and Robot motion continue after the end of a Match
- Evaluate whether a Goal has been Scored
- Determine whether a Switch has been Cleared
- Describe the requirements for a Pass and identify Balls that are not eligible for Passes
- Calculate the maximum number of Passes that can be awarded in a specific Match
- Identify all ways a Team or Alliance can earn points during a Match
- Recall recommended methods of tracking Goals and Passes for Rapid Relay
- Calculate points earned by a Team or Alliance during a Match
- Score and submit a Match electronically or on paper
VIQRC Rapid Relay Scoring
Alliances and Teams earn points in VIQRC Rapid Relay by Scoring Goals, Clearing Switches, and Passing the Ball. Each of these ways to score has specific criteria that must be met for points to be awarded.
Read the next two segments of Section 2—"Scoring" and “Scoring Examples”—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now, and stop when you reach the segment titled “Safety Rules.”
- Discover when Scoring statuses are evaluated in a Rapid Relay Match
- Learn the point value assigned to each scoring method in Rapid Relay
- Review the criteria for points to be earned for each of the scoring methods in Rapid Relay
- Read about recommended ways to track Goals and Passes during a Match
- Study some sample Matches and the resulting scores
Although Head Referees don’t typically score Matches during a competition, it’s important that they fully understand the process so they can train Scorekeeper Referees at an event and settle any scoring disputes. Read the article “Methods of Recording a VIQRC Match Score” now.
- Learn how to score and submit a Match score electronically and on paper
- Discover how to record edge cases like No-Shows and Disqualifications
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 4: VIQRC Safety and Game Rules
Introduction
This unit introduces the safety rules for VIQRC events, and reviews the general rules that apply to most or all VIQRC games.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Identify situations in which a Robot should be disabled
- Differentiate between student-centered and non-student-centered behaviors
- List the requirements for Teams before and during Matches
- Explain when and how a Drive Team Member can legally handle their Robot mid-Match
- Describe how a Robot must be set up at the beginning of each Match
- Summarize the rules for Robot expansion in Rapid Relay
- Describe what happens to a Ball that leaves the field during Match play, and how it can be returned based on the time left in the Match
- Explain how and when a Ball can be retrieved by a Loader
VIQRC Safety and Game Rules
The VIQRC rules for safety and general gameplay (rules <S1>, <S2>, and <G1> through <G11>) are rarely modified, and provide consistency and continuity for Teams across competition seasons. These rules establish a baseline for expectations of Team behavior and Robot operations at an event. The specific game rules for VIQRC Rapid Relay (rules <SG1> through <SG6>) provide requirements and limitations on how a Robot can interact with Field Elements and game objects. Because each season’s game is different, the specific game rules change significantly from season to season.
Read the final three segments of Section 2—"Safety Rules,” "General Game Rules,” and “Specific Game Rules”—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 3: The Robot.
- Learn that Robots may be disabled if their operations are deemed unsafe by the Head Referee (rule <S1>)
- Recognize that everything Teams do in VIQRC is expected to be student centered, and that all behavior should be respectful and professional (rules <G1>, <G2>, and <G4>)
- Learn about the actions and interactions that are allowed during a Match (rules <G5> through <G7>)
- Read about the requirements for Teams before and during Matches (rules <G8>, <G9>, & <G11>) including what’s allowed in a Driver Station and who can control the Robot
- Discover how and when a Driver can interact with their Robot during a Match (rule <G10>)
- Review the list of requirements for Robot starting positions (rule <SG1>)
- Review the limits on Robot expansion during a Match (rule <SG2>)
- Learn what happens when a Ball leaves the field (rule <SG3>)
- Recognize the legal ways to Load Balls based on the remaining Match time (rules <SG4> & <SG5>)
- Read about how and when a Loader can retrieve a Ball from the Pickup Zone (rule <SG6>)
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 5: VIQRC Rapid Relay Robot Inspection Rules
Introduction
This unit presents the Robot and Robot inspection rules, particularly those that a referee should keep in mind during an event.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Discuss the Robot inspection process and the Head Referee’s role in it
- Describe the appropriate response to a non-student-centered Robot
- Identify the appropriate actions when a Robot fails to pass inspection or is later found to be in violation of an inspection rule
- Recall the maximum starting size for a VIQRC Rapid Relay Robot
- Recognize the basic materials allowed in construction of Rapid Relay Robots
VIQRC Rapid Relay Robot Inspection Rules
The Robot and Robot inspection rules impose limitations on the components that may be used when building a Robot to compete in VIQRC Rapid Relay. VIQRC is a “closed” system that intentionally limits the variety of parts available to Teams, both to simplify the rules and ensure that emerging Teams have ways to be competitive. The closed nature of VIQRC also provides an additional layer of constraints that Teams must analyze and work within to “beat” the game and other competitors.
Head Referees do not have to memorize the details of all allowed and disallowed components, but should be familiar enough with these rules to assist the inspectors as needed and to make quick decisions about Robot legality as concerns arise during the event.
In the spirit of helping Teams avoid breaking the rules, it’s helpful to check Robots quickly for obvious violations before Matches so you have the option of removing them from the Match instead of issuing a DQ for an issue that is noticed during Match play.
If you have concerns about a Team’s student-centeredness, behavior, or potential Robot rule infractions you should bring them to the attention of the Event Partner and take no further action unless the Event Partner instructs you to do so.
Read Section 3—"The Robot" and “Inspection Rules”—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 4: The Tournament.
- Learn that a Team may only bring one Robot with multiple swappable manipulators or extensions to a particular event (Rule <R1>)
- Learn that Robots must be student centered, and must be designed, built, and programmed by Student Team members (rule <R2>)
- Read that Robots can’t compete until they pass inspection, and learn what to do when a Robot doesn’t pass inspection or is found to be in Violation of an inspection rule during the event (rules <R3> and <R17>)
- Review the Robot size limits and the configurations in which the Robot will be inspected (rule <R4>)
- Read the rules that govern allowable materials & quantities (rules <R5> through <R16>)
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 6: VIQRC Tournament Rules
Introduction
This unit explores the roles, definitions, and processes of a VIQRC tournament, particularly as they pertain to refereeing an event.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Describe the authority and and responsibilities of a Head Referee during an event
- Recognize how and when a Team can appeal a Head Referee’s ruling
- Identify the minimum requirements for a Team to get a score for a Match
- Apply the correct penalty when a Team delays the start of a Match
- Determine whether a specific Match should be replayed
- List the effects of a Disqualification on a Team or Alliance
- Describe the requirements and tolerances for Match fields and field elements
- Explain how a Team can end a Match early
- Recognize how Teams are assigned to Alliances for Finals Matches
VIQRC Tournament Rules
VIQRC Tournament roles, definitions, and rules remain consistent across most competition seasons. They govern how an event operates, and many of the rules govern behind-the-scenes operations of the event. Head Referees should be familiar with all rules in the game manual, but should pay close attention to the rules identified in this unit because of their pertinence to referees during a tournament.
Read Section 4—"The Event", “Tournament Definitions,” and “Tournament Rules”—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 5.
- Review the scope of the Head Referee’s authority and responsibilities (rule <T1>)
- Discover the actions a Team must take if they wish to appeal a score or ruling made by the Head Referee (rule <T3>)
- Learn whether a referee may review Match videos to help determine a score or ruling (rule <T3a>)
- Review the minimum requirement for a Team to get a score for a Match (rule <T5>)
- Discover what should happen when a Team delays the Match start (rule <T6>)
- Explore the extreme circumstances that might warrant a Match replay (rule <T7>)
- Read the potential effects of a Match Disqualification on a Team or Alliance (rule <T8>)
- Learn that field elements have allowed tolerances, and that referees should check everything before each Match (rule <T10>)
- Learn how a Team can end a Match early, and when Match Stop Times are recorded (rule <T13>)
- Review how Teams are ranked and assigned to Alliances for Finals Matches (rules <T17> through <T19>)
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 7: VIQRC Rapid Relay Robot Skills Challenge Rules
Introduction
This unit provides an overview of rules for the Robot Skills Challenge at VIQRC Rapid Relay events.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Identify the two types of Robot Skills Challenge Match
- Describe the changes to field and robot setup for Robot Skills Challenge Matches
- List the ways Loading changes for Robot Skills Challenges Matches
- Determine whether a Team has utilized all of their opportunities for Robot Skills Challenge Matches
- Summarize how a Team must reset the Robot after handling it in an Autonomous Coding Skills Match
- Identify Balls that should be removed from an Autonomous Coding Skills Match when a Robot is handled
- Recall the Match type that allows Drivers to move freely around the Field
- Specify how and when a Team can receive a Skills Stop Time for a Match
VIQRC Rapid Relay Robot Skills Challenge Rules
VIQRC tournaments offer Teams opportunities to compete in the Robot Skills Challenge, and some tournaments are in-person or live-remote Skills Only events. Participation in the Robot Skills Competition is a requirement for some Judged and performance-based awards at VIQRC events.
Read Section 5—"Robot Skills"—of the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual now.
- Learn about the two varieties of Robot Skills Challenge Matches, and that most game rules are the same as in Teamwork Challenge Matches
- Discover how the Match and Robot are set up for a Robot Skills Challenge Match (rule <RSC3>)
- Learn how Loading and Rapid Loading work in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC4>)
- Learn that all Teams will be given the opportunity to play a specific number of each type of Robot Skills Match (rule <RSC7>)
- Review how and when a Team can interact with their Robot during an Autonomous Coding Skills Match (rule <RSC8>)
- Read about how Autonomous Coding Skills Matches routines can and cannot be started (rule <RSC9>)
- Discover how and when a Team can receive a Skills Stop Time for a Match (rule <RSC10>
Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.
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Unit 8: VIQRC Referee Tasks and Best Practices
Introduction
This unit assists referees in understanding their responsibilities during an event, and presents best practices for those tasks.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:
- Associate pre-Match, mid-Match, and post-Match responsibilities with the correct VIQRC Referee role
- Apply refereeing best practices during an event
- Predict dates of important updates to the Rapid Relay game manual
- Locate and use the Official VIQRC Q&A system
VIQRC Referee Tasks and Best Practices
Every VIQRC Head Referee will develop their own refereeing style and techniques as they get comfortable in the role. Incorporating best practices from other experienced referees creates consistency and continuity across a Robotics season, from local events all the way to the VEX World Championships. By the time a Team qualifies for and competes at Worlds, referees and Teams around the world should be playing by a shared set of predictable rules.
Read the remainder of the VIQRC Referee Guide now, beginning with “Referee Task List,” to tie everything you’ve learned together.
- Review the responsibilities of a Head Referee before each Match
- Recall what referees should watch for during a Match
- Read through the list of post-Match tasks
- Discover best practices and tips shared by experienced referees
And finally, return to the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual and read Section 1 now.
- Read about the philosophy and intent of the rules, and their focus on student exploration
- Note the schedule of planned updates to the Game Manual over the season
- Learn the location and importance of the official VIQRC Question & Answer system
That’s it! You’re now ready to take the final Unit Quiz and proceed on to the final exam for this course. Thank you for taking the time to read and understand the Head Referee training materials and the Rapid Relay Game Manual. If you need to refer back to the content referenced in this course during the season, it’s all available in the VIQRC Rapid Relay game manual and the referee section of the RECF Library. The time you have invested will help make VIQRC Rapid Relay events run more smoothly and be more enjoyable for all participants!
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VIQRC Head Referee Final Exam
Congratulations! You've reached the end of the course, and are ready to assess your knowledge in the final exam. Click this link to proceed to the final exam. To translate this exam into a language other than English, use the translation options built into your browser. Note that to fill the role of a VIQRC Head Referee at a Qualifying Event, you must be at least 16 years old and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or better (at least 38 of 47 questions answered correctly).
If you meet the following criteria, you will be given access to post questions in the official VIQRC Rapid Relay Q&A on RobotEvents. Permissions are generally assigned within two weeks of the date that you pass the final exam.
- Must be at least 16 years old at the time you pass the certification exam
- Must pass the final exam with a score of at least 80% (38 of 47 questions)
- Must have a user account on RobotEvents.com
- Must provide the email address associated with the RobotEvents.com account when prompted on the final exam
Certificates are emailed approximately once per week, and will be sent to the email address entered during the exam. You can confirm your status as a Certified VIQRC Rapid Relay Head Referee by contacting your REC Foundation Regional Support Manager.
Need to reach us about a course or certification? Email us at volunteercerts@recf.org.