Introduction
Judging is an important part of Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) programs. Through the judging process, students have opportunities to practice both written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrate the values espoused in our Code of Conduct and Student-Centered policies. Some awards may also qualify teams to higher levels of competition.
The purpose of this document is to provide the following:
- Policies and procedures for the judging process
- Criteria and descriptions for awards
- Descriptions of the roles of judges, judge advisors, and event Partners
- Additional tools and materials to conduct the judging process
This document applies to all events that include judged awards for the RECF Drone Competitions. The goal is to help improve the judging experience for teams, volunteers, and event organizers, as well as increase consistency of the judging process across event regions.
Questions can be asked in the Judging Q&A at games.recf.org. (coming soon)
Key Terms, Definitions, and Links
Alliance Matches – Matches in which teams are partnered and share a score. Alliance match results contribute to team rankings and determine which teams advance to elimination matches. See the game manual for ranking methodology.
Competition Notebook - A document submitted by a team evaluated by judges using a rubric.
Competition Control (C² ) - Competition software used to run and score matches, determine award winners, and generate event reports.
Developing - An evaluation state for competition notebooks that contains limited detail.
Event partner (EP) – The Tournament Coordinator who manages event volunteers, the venue, materials, and other event needs. The EP serves as the liaison between RECF, volunteers, and attendees.
Elimination Matches – Matches held after alliance matches to determine the alliance champion.
Fully Developed - An evaluation state for a competition notebook that includes detailed drawings, testing, results, and solutions to challenges.
Individual Recognition Awards – Awards given to an individual rather than a team, such as “Volunteer of the Year.”
Judge – A person who interacts with teams and helps determine judged award winners.
Judge Advisor – The coordinator of judges at an event who organizes volunteers, guides deliberations, and enters award results into C².
Judged Awards – Awards that are determined by judges at an event based on standardized criteria and descriptions. An example would be the “Communications Mission” award.
Performance Awards –Awards based solely on a team’s on-field performance, such as the “Teamwork Mission Champion” Award.
Qualifying Award - An award that qualifies a team to advance to a higher level of competition, such as a Regional Championship. See the RECF Qualifying Criteria for award precedence.
Qualifying Event – An event that meets the requirements in the qualifying criteria. Certain performance and judged award winners may qualify for the next level of competition.
RECF – Acronym for Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, which oversees the competition aspects of the RECF Competition Programs.
Regional Support Manager (RSM) - An RECF staff member who oversees team and event support for a region. Find your region’s RSM contact information in “RECF Support Contacts.”
Solo Autonomous Match - A match in which a student-programmed drone operates entirely autonomously to complete tasks and earn points. Teams may have multiple attempts as defined in the game manual.
Solo Piloting Match - A match in which a student flies a drone through a course to complete tasks and earn points. Teams may have multiple attempts as defined in the game manual.
Team Interview – An interview in which students explain their team’s game strategy, safety plans, and programming skills to judges. Information shared and judge notes help inform award nominations and deliberations.
Key Links
- RECF Code of Conduct
- RECF Student-Centered Policy
- ADC Game Manual, Q&A, and Resources
- ADC Pro Game Manual, Q&A, and Resources
- Judge Advisor / Judge Training & Certification Course
Updates & Changelog
This document may be updated during the season. Any significant changes will be listed below.