VEX V5 Robotics Competition 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.

This course takes an average of 5.5 hours to complete, and represents 5.5 hours of professional development and training when completed. VEX V5 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.

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Unit 1: VEX V5 Robotics Competition Referee Attributes and Responsibilities

Introduction

This certification course is designed to teach volunteer VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC) referees the nuances of the V5RC game rules and how V5RC 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 V5RC 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 V5RC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
  • List the minimum qualifications for V5RC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees
  • Associate responsibilities with Head Referees and/or Scorekeeping Referees

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V5RC Referee Attributes and Responsibilities

V5RC Head Referees and Scorekeeper Referees work together at V5RC 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 V5RC Referee Guide now, and stop when you get to the section titled “Referee Task List.”

  • Read about the two types of V5RC 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 V5RC 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.

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 2: V5RC High Stakes Terms and Field Setup

Introduction

This unit introduces the 2024-25 V5RC game, High Stakes, and provides general and game-specific definitions for competitions that run using the High Stakes rules.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the High Stakes game field and object layout
  • Define general terms for V5RC 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 V5RC High Stakes

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V5RC High Stakes Terms and Field Setup

VEX V5 Robotics Competition High Stakes is played on a 12’x12’ square field, set up as illustrated below.

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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 Rings on Stakes, Placing Mobile Goals, and Climbing 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 three segments of Section 2—"Field Overview," "General Definitions," & "Game-Specific Definitions"—of the V5RC High Stakes game manual now, and stop when you get to the segment titled “Scoring.”

  • Learn about the field and game objects in V5RC High Stakes and their locations on the field
  • Read the general definitions that apply to most V5RC 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 V5RC High Stakes

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

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 3: V5RC High Stakes Scoring

Introduction

This unit describes how and when teams and alliances can earn points in V5RC High Stakes.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Evaluate whether a Ring is scored on a Stake, and which Rings are Top Rings
  • Identify the Climb Level achieved by each Robot
  • Evaluate whether a Mobile Goal has been Placed in a Corner
  • Determine whether a Team or Alliance has earned an Autonomous Win Point and/or Autonomous Bonus
  • Identify Robots eligible for a High Stake 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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V5RC High Stakes Scoring

Alliances and Teams earn points in V5RC High Stakes by Scoring Rings on Stakes, Placing Mobile Goals, and Climbing at the end of the Match. 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 V5RC High Stakes game manual now, and stop when you reach the segment titled “Safety Rules.”

  • Learn the point value assigned to each scoring method in High Stakes
  • Review the criteria for points to be earned for each of the scoring methods in High Stakes
  • 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 V5RC 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.

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 4: V5RC Safety and General Rules

Introduction

This unit introduces the safety rules for V5RC events, and reviews the general rules that apply to most or all V5RC 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 V5RC Referee recognizes Holding during a Match, and when Holding becomes a rule Violation

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V5RC Safety and General Rules

The V5RC 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 V5RC High Stakes 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 V5RC 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 V5RC 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.

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 5: V5RC High Stakes Specific Game Rules

Introduction

This unit introduces the specific rules that govern gameplay in V5RC High Stakes Matches.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • List the requirements for a Robot at the beginning of a High Stakes Match
  • Summarize the rules for expansion in High Stakes
  • Describe what happens to a Ring or Mobile Goal that leaves the Field during Match play
    Recall what happens to Preloads if a Robot is not present for a Match
  • Determine whether a Robot has committed a Major or Minor Violation of the Possession limit based on its actions
  • Identify field and game objects that cannot be contacted by Robots during the Autonomous Period
  • Describe the factors a Head Referee considers when contact between two Robots on the Ladder leads to Robot damage
  • Identify areas of the Field that are protected during portions of a Head-to-Head Match

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V5RC High Stakes Specific Game Rules

The specific game rules for V5RC High Stakes provide requirements and limitations on how a Robot can interact with Field Elements and Scoring 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 V5RC High Stakes 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 (rules <SG2> and <SG3>)
  • Learn what happens when a Scoring Object leaves the Field, and when a penalty might be appropriate (rule <SG4>)
  • Read the options for use of Preloads (rule <SG5>)
  • Learn how Teams can avoid Major Violations of the Possession limit (rule <SG6>)
  • Find out which Field Elements and game objects are off-limits during the Autonomous Period (rules <SG7> & <SG8)
  • Read the list of factors that Head Referees must consider when a destructive incident occurs between two Robots on the Ladder (rule <SG9>)
  • Discover which Field Elements are protected during the entirety and/or endgame portion of a Head-to-Head Match (rules <SG10> & <SG11>)

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

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 6: V5RC High Stakes 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 V5RC High Stakes
  • Identify the correct tool to determine whether a Robot meets Robot size requirements
  • Recognize the basic materials allowed in construction of High Stakes 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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V5RC High Stakes 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 V5RC High Stakes. V5RC 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 V5RC 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 Disqualification for an issue that is noticed during Match play.

If you have concerns about a Team’s student-centeredness, behavior, or severe/intentional 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 V5RC High Stakes 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 <R6>)
  • 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 (rules <R4> & <R5>)
  • 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 <R23>)
  • Learn about Robot license plates, and which plates should and should not be visible during a Match (rule <R10>)
  • Read that Teams who intentionally or knowingly circumvent or violate rules to gain an advantage may be in Violation of rule <G1> (rule <R28>)

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

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 7: V5RC Tournament Rules

Introduction

This unit explores the roles, definitions, and processes of a V5RC 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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V5RC Tournament Rules

V5RC 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 V5RC High Stakes game manual now, and stop when you get to Section 5.

  • 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.

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


Unit 8: V5RC High Stakes Robot Skills Challenge Rules

Introduction

This unit provides an overview of rules for the Robot Skills Challenge at V5RC High Stakes 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 Stakes a team may utilize during a Robot Skills Challenge Match
  • Describe when and how blue Rings may be Scored in a Robot Skills Challenge Match
  • Summarize how Corners affect the score in a Robot Skills Challenge Match
  • Identify points for each Scoring action in a Robot Skills Challenge 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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V5RC High Stakes Robot Skills Challenge Rules

V5RC 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 V5RC events.

Read Section 5—"Robot Skills"—of the V5RC High Stakes game manual now, and stop when you reach Section 6.

  • 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 <RSC3>)
  • Learn which Stakes a Robot may utilize in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC3>)
  • Review the limitations on use of blue Rings in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC4>)
  • Discover how Corners are used in Robot Skills Challenge Matches (rule <RSC7>)
  • Learn the ways points are awarded in Robot Skills Challenge Matches
  • Review how and when a Team can receive a Skills Stop Time for a Match
  • Learn 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.

To translate this quiz into a language other than English, open it through this link and use the translation options built into your browser.


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 V5RC Referee role
  • Apply refereeing best practices during an event
  • Predict dates of important updates to the High Stakes game manual
  • Locate and use the Official V5RC Q&A system

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V5RC Referee Tasks and Best Practices

Every V5RC 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 Robotics 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 V5RC 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 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 V5RC High Stakes 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 V5RC 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 High Stakes Game Manual. If you need to refer back to the content referenced in this course during the season, it’s all available in the V5RC High Stakes game manual and the referee section of the REC Library. The time you have invested will help make V5RC High Stakes events run more smoothly and be more enjoyable for all participants!

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V5RC 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 V5RC 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 39/48 questions answered correctly).

If you meet the following criteria, you will be given access to post questions in the official V5RC High Stakes Q&A on Robot Events. Permissions are generally assigned within 2 weeks of the date that you pass the final exam.

  • Must be at least 20 years old at the time you pass the certification exam
  • Must pass the final exam with a score of at least 80% (39 of 48 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 V5RC Head Referee by contacting your Regional Support Manager.

Need to reach us about a course or certification? Email us at volunteercerts@recf.org.