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VRC Head Referee Training & Certification Course

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.

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Unit 1: VRC Referee Attributes and Responsibilities

Introduction

This certification course is designed to teach volunteer VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) referees the nuances of the VRC game rules and how VRC 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 VRC 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 VRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
  • List the minimum qualifications for VRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
  • Associate responsibilities with Head Referees and/or Scorekeeping Referees

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VRC Referee Attributes and Responsibilities

VRC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees work together at VRC events 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 VRC Referee Guide now, and stop when you get to the section titled “Referee Task List.” 

  • Read about the two types of VRC 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 VRC 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.

Unit 2: VRC Over Under Terms and Field Setup

Introduction

This unit introduces the 2023-24 VRC game, called Over Under, and provides general and game-specific definitions for competitions that run using the Over Under rules.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Over Under game field and object layout
  • Define general terms for VRC games
  • Recognize the differences between match types and their autonomous and driver-controlled periods
  • Classify rule violations as major or minor violations
  • Determine whether a violation is match affecting or not
  • Define key terms for VRC Over Under

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VRC Over Under Terms and Field Layout

VEX Robotics Competition Over Under is played on a 12’x12’ square field, set up as illustrated below.

In Head-to-Head Matches, two (2) Alliances—one (1) “red” and one (1) “blue,” composed of two (2) Teams each—compete in Matches consisting of a fifteen-second (0:15) Autonomous Period followed by a one minute and forty-five-second (1:45) Driver Controlled Period.

The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring Triballs in Goals and by Elevating at the end of the Match. Alliances can also earn Autonomous Win Points for completing a specific set of tasks during the Autonomous Period, and an Autonomous Bonus for scoring the most points during the Autonomous Period.

Teams may also compete in Robot Skills Matches, where one (1) Robot tries to score as many points as possible.

Read the first four segments of Section 2—"The Game," "Field Overview," "General Definitions," & "Game-Specific Definitions"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you get to the segment titled “Scoring.”

  • Learn about the field and game objects in VRC Over Under and their locations on the field
  • Read the general definitions that apply to most VRC games regardless of the season, including the variety of Match types
  • Review how a Head Referee determines when a Violation is Match Affecting and what the penalties for rule Violations should be
  • Learn the terms specific to VRC Over Under 

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 3: VRC Over Under Scoring

Introduction

This unit describes how and when teams and alliances can earn points in VRC Over Under.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:

  • Evaluate whether a Triball is scored in a Goal or Offensive Zone
  • Identify the Elevation Tier achieved by each Robot
  • Determine whether a team or alliance has earned an autonomous win point and/or autonomous bonus
  • Calculate points earned by a team or alliance during a match
  • Score and submit a match electronically or on paper

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VRC Over Under Scoring

Alliances and Teams earn points in VRC Over Under by Scoring Triballs in Goals and Offensive Zones, Elevating, and winning the Autonomous Bonus. Each of these ways to score has specific criteria that must be met for points to be awarded.

Read the next segment of Section 2—"Scoring"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you reach the segment titled “Safety Rules.”

  • Learn the point value assigned to each scoring method in Over Under
  • Review the criteria for points to be earned for each of the scoring methods in Over Under
  • Read about how an Alliance earns the Autonomous Bonus or an Autonomous Win Point in a Match

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 VRC Match Score” now.

  • Learn how to score and submit a match score electronically or on paper
  • Discover how to record edge cases like No-Shows, Disqualifications, and Autonomous Periods where both Alliances break a rule that should result in the other Alliance earning the bonus 

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 4: VRC Safety and General Rules

Introduction

This unit introduces the safety rules for VRC events, and reviews the general rules that apply to most or all VRC 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
  • Recognize general interactions that are permitted and disallowed during the autonomous and driver-controlled periods
  • Compare and contrast expected robot interactions with destructive robot interactions
  • Determine which robot gets the “benefit of the doubt” in a complex robot interaction
  • Apply the correct penalties when a team forces an opponent into a possible violation
  • Describe how a VRC Referee recognizes Holding during a match, and when Holding becomes a rule violation

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VRC Safety and General Rules

The VRC rules for safety and general gameplay 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.

Read the next two segments of Section 2—"Safety Rules" and "General Game Rules"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you get to the segment titled “Specific Game Rules.”

  • Review the safety rules that apply to teams and robots, and learn that robots may be disabled if their operations are deemed unsafe by the Head Referee (rules <S1> through <S4>)
  • Recognize that everything teams do in VRC is expected to be Student-centered, and that all behavior should be respectful and professional (rules <G1>, <G2>, and <G4>)
  • Read about the requirements for robots and teams before and during matches (rules <G5> through <G8>, and <G10>) including what’s allowed in an Alliance Station
  • Learn about the actions and interactions that are allowed during specific game periods (rules <G9>, <G11>, and <G12>)
  • Recognize that some defensive strategies—such as Holding—are allowed in limited forms in VRC gameplay, but destructive strategies—such as intentional tipping or entanglement—are always prohibited (rules <G13> through <G17>)

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 5: VRC Over Under Specific Game Rules

Introduction

This unit introduces the specific rules that govern gameplay in VRC Over Under matches. 

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:

  • List the requirements for a robot at the beginning of an Over Under match
  • Summarize the rules for expansion in Over Under
  • Describe what happens to a Triball that leaves the field during match play
  • Recall what happens to preloads if a robot is not present for a match
  • Explain the penalties associated with causing an opponent to become entangled with a net
  • Describe correct use of Over Under match load Triballs
  • Determine whether a robot has committed a major or minor violation of the possession limit based on its actions
  • Explain when a Robot can and cannot break the plane of their opponent’s Goal
  • Identify field and game objects that cannot be contacted by robots during the autonomous period
  • List the actions that are prohibited during the final 30 seconds of the Match

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VRC Over Under Specific Game Rules

The specific game rules for VRC Over Under provide requirements and limitations on how a Robot can interact with Field Elements and game objects. Because each season’s game is different, rules in this section of the Game Manual change significantly from season to season.

Read the final segment of Section 2—"Specific Game Rules"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 3: The Robot.

  • Review the list of requirements for Robot starting positions (rule <SG1>)
  • Discover the limits on horizontal and vertical expansion during a Match (rule <SG2>)
  • Learn what happens when a Triball leaves the field, and when a penalty might be appropriate (rule <SG3>)
  • Read the options for use of Preloads (rule <SG4>)
  • Learn the required response to a Robot that becomes Entangled in a net (rule <SG5>)
  • Recognize the right and wrong ways to introduce Match Loads (rule <SG6>)
  • Learn how Teams can avoid Major Violations of the Possession limit (rule <SG7>)
  • Discover when a Robot is permitted to break the plane of their opponent’s Goal (rule <SG8>)
  • Find out which Field Elements and game objects are off-limits during the Autonomous Period (rule <SG9> & <SG10)
  • Review the actions that are prohibited during the final 30 seconds of a non-Skills Match (rule <SG11>)

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 6: VRC Over Under 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
  • Recall 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
  • Describe unsafe Robot mechanisms and behaviors that are not allowed in VRC Over Under
  • Identify the correct tool to determine whether a Robot meets Robot size requirements
  • Recognize the basic materials allowed in construction of Over Under Robots
  • Explain why the Robot power button must be accessible during a Match 
  • Determine whether a Robot’s license plates are appropriate for a specific Match
  • Calculate whether a Robot is within the overall power limit

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VRC Over Under 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 VRC Over Under. VRC 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 VRC also provides an additional layer of constraints that Teams must analyze and work within to “beat” the game and 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"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 4: The Tournament.

  • Read about the role of Lead Inspector and how their responsibilities overlap with those of the Head Referee
  • 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 (rule <R3>)
  • Review the list of mechanisms and components that are disallowed for safety (rule <R5>)
  • Review the Robot size limits, learn how to decide when a Robot is oversized, and Discover which specific tool should be used for official size rulings (rule <R4>)
  • Read the rules that govern allowable materials & quantities
  • Learn the limits on power from motors (rule <R12>)
  • Note the list of legal pneumatic components, and review the linked Pneumatics Summary document (rule <R7i>)
  • Learn about Robot license plates, and which plates should and should not be visible during a Match (rule <R9>)
  • Read that Teams who intentionally or knowingly circumvent or violate rules to gain an advantage may be in Violation of rule <G1> (rule <R27>) 

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 7: VRC Tournament Rules

Introduction

This unit explores the roles, definitions, and processes of a VRC 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
  • Identify which Teams have the right to place their Robots last
  • List the effects of a Disqualification on a Team or Alliance
  • Summarize the Alliance Selection process
  • Recall the mechanics of an Elimination bracket, and which Matches are played as Best of 3 vs Best of 1
  • Describe the requirements and tolerances for Match fields and field elements

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VRC Tournament Rules

VRC 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 Lesson because of their pertinence to referees during a tournament.

Read Section 4—"The Tournament"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you get to Appendix A.

  • Review the scope of the Head Referee’s authority and responsibilities (rule <T1>)
  • Learn 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 which Teams have the right to place their Robot on the field last (rule <T12>)
  • Review the mechanics of Alliance Selection and the repercussions of a declined Alliance invitation (rules <T17> & <T18>)
  • Learn the flow of Elimination Matches, including brackets, time outs, & Bo1/Bo3 (rules <T19> through <T21> and rule <T9>)
  • Read the requirements for consistency across field types at an event (rules <T22> through <T24> and rule <T11>)

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 8: VRC Over Under Robot Skills Challenge Rules

Introduction

This unit provides an overview of rules for the Robot Skills Challenge at VRC Over Under events. 

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, a referee should be able to:

  • Describe the two types of Robot Skills Challenge Match
  • List the changes to the standard field setup for Robot Skills Challenge Matches
  • Identify the legal starting positions for Robot Skills Challenge Matches
  • Indicate which of the Goals, Elevation Bars, and areas of the field a team may utilize during a Robot Skills Challenge Match
  • Summarize how scoring a Robot Skills Challenge Match differs from scoring a Qualification or Elimination Match
  • Describe how a Team can use Skills Stop Time
  • Determine whether a Team has utilized all of their opportunities for Robot Skills Challenge Matches

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VRC Over Under Robot Skills Challenge Rules

Most VRC 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 VRC events.

Read Appendix B—"Robot Skills Challenge"—of the VRC Over Under game manual now, and stop when you reach Appendix C.

  • Learn about the two varieties of Robot Skills Challenge Matches, and that most game rules are the same as in Head-to-Head Matches
  • Discover the differences in field setup between Head-to-Head and Robot Skills Challenge Matches
  • Review the rules for starting positions & Alliance Stations (rule <RSC2>)
  • Learn that in Robot Skills Challenge Matches, Teams play and score as if they are on the red Alliance (rule <RSC4>)
  • Recognize that there are no movement restrictions in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC4>)
  • Discover how Elevation points are awarded in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC5>)
  • Review how and when a Team can receive a Skills Stop Time for a Match
  • Recall that all Teams will be given the opportunity to play a specific number of each type of Robot Skills Match

Once you’re done, return here to check your understanding of what you’ve learned.

Unit 9: 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 VRC Referee role
  • Apply refereeing best practices during an event
  • Predict dates of important updates to the Over Under game manual
  • Locate and use the Official VRC Q&A system

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VRC Referee Tasks and Best Practices

Every VRC 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 VRC Referee Guide Library article now, beginning with “Referee Task List,” to tie everything you’ve learned together. 

  • Review the responsibilities of a Head Referee before each Match
  • Recall the tasks for the Autonomous and Driver Controlled Periods
  • Read through the list of post-Match tasks
  • Discover best practices and tips shared by experienced referees

And finally, return to the VRC Over Under game manual and read Section 1.

  • 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 VRC 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 Over Under Game Manual. If you need to refer back to the content referenced in this course during the season, it’s all available in the VRC Over Under game manual and the referee section of the REC Library. The time you have invested will help make VRC Over Under events run more smoothly and be more enjoyable for all participants!

VRC 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. Note that to fill the role of a VRC Head Referee at a Qualifying Event, you must be at least 20 years old and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or better (at least 36/45 questions answered correctly).

Certificates for the 2023-2024 season certification courses are in progress, and will be emailed to the address entered during the exam. The first round of certificates is expected to go out by the end of June 2023. You can confirm your status as a Certified Head Referee by contacting your REC Manager.