Updated August 13, 2025
Overview
This section outlines the roles and responsibilities of Judges, the Judge Advisor, and the Event Partner to ensure a consistent judging process at all Aerial Drone Competition Qualifying Events. These events are led by adult Event Partners and rely on trained volunteers to fairly evaluate teams.
Teams showcase drone piloting, programming, safety, and communication skills through Competition Logbooks, interviews, and mission performance (Teamwork, Piloting, and Autonomous Flight). All work must be completed by students with minimal adult assistance; students must make decisions, perform tasks, and demonstrate learning to qualify for Judged Awards.
Judges should present a professional appearance, including appropriate attire and comfortable footwear, and avoid clothing or items that suggest a conflict of interest with any team.
Managing Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when a Judge has a relationship with a team or organization that could compromise—or appear to compromise—fairness. Event Partners should recruit Judges and Judge Advisors with minimal or no conflicts.
If a conflict cannot be avoided, Judges must disclose it to the Event Partner and Judge Advisor and must not advocate for or against those teams, participate in their interviews, or evaluate their logbooks.
Judging Roles
Judge Advisor
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Must complete current-season Judge Advisor/Judge Training & Certification before the event.
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Must have minimal or no conflicts of interest.
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Organizes and oversees judging, facilitates deliberations, and delivers award decisions to the Event Partner.
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Must be at least 20 years old (exceptions require RSM approval).
Judge
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Certification encouraged for Qualifying Events; required for Regional Championships.
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Evaluate teams for Judged Awards; must work in pairs when interacting with students.
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Must be at least 18 years old (ages 16–17 may judge at Middle School-only events if paired with an adult, following Youth Protection guidelines).
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Exceptions require RSM approval.
Event Partner
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Oversees all event planning and operations, supporting the Judge Advisor and Judges.
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Must be an adult (18+) and not a student team member.
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Cannot serve as Judge Advisor or assign Judged Awards at their own event.
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Works with the Judge Advisor to create the judging schedule and ensure adequate staffing (recommended: two Judges per 8–10 teams).
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Where possible, recruit Judges with technology or drone/aviation backgrounds from local STEM companies, sponsors, colleges, or alumni.
Continue to the next section, Guide to Judging Part 4: Event Preparation and Execution