Welcome coaches, event partners, and community members. Your Drone Competition Support team will post updates here for important information throughout the season. Bookmark this page for quick and easy references of community updates.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Drone Regional Support Manager (RSM). You can find your RSM here or email drones@recf.org.
December 3, 2024
Register for your qualifying competition today
Check RobotEvents and be sure to
- Register your team(s) on RobotEvents.com: Deadline is December 13th.
- Plan your season schedule: Decide which competition(s) you will attend and register your teams to compete in those competitions on RobotEvents. There are more than 125 Qualifying Competitions listed in RobotEvents. Have you decided which event(s) your team will compete in? Be sure to register for each competition.
Questions about rules? See our Q&A
Did you know that our Q&A is an extension of the Competition Manual? The Q&A is a place for our community to ask questions and get clarification on rules. Below is an example:
See all the questions here.
Review training resources
- Competition Manual, Printable Resources, Training and Certifications
- Robolink’s Getting Started Course, Robolink’s Pilot Quiz, and the FAA TRUST Safety Test
- Coach Training and Certification Course
Firmware Update for CoDrone EDU
CoDrone EDU is always improving, so it's important to update the firmware for both the drone and the controller. Click here to start updating your done and controller's firmware.
New Feature
- Motor Stall Prevention — If the drone detects a problem with one of the motors (like it’s stuck or acting strangely) during takeoff, it will automatically stop trying to fly.
Bug Fixes
- Takeoff improvement — The firmware has been improved to reduce the frequency of an error with the height sensor during takeoff.
- Flight Count Issue Resolved — Previously, resetting the drone’s settings would also reset the flight time. This has been corrected so your flight time remains accurate.
Earn an invitation to your Regional Championship by competing in our Online Challenges
Expand your opportunity to participate in additional challenges outside of the competition. Top entries may receive an invitation to their Regional Championship!
- Drone Careers
- International Robotics Honor Society
- STEM Advocacy Challenge
Invitations to Championships
The Aerial Drone Competition Support team will be assigning spots to all qualifying events this month and invitations will begin going out to teams that qualify. Be sure to check to see which awards will qualify you to your Regional Championship. Learn more about qualifying spots here.
Check RobotEvents.com to see when YOUR Regional Championship is.
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November 25, 2024
After the holiday break, Mission 2025: Gravity will be in full swing. Is your team ready?
Here are 5 steps to ensure your team will be ready to compete this season.
- Register your team(s) on RobotEvents.com: Deadline is December 13th.
- Plan your season schedule: Decide which competition(s) you will attend and register your teams to compete in those competitions on RobotEvents.
- Review the resources in the REC Library article: Competition Manual, Printable Resources, Training and Certifications.
- Have all team members complete Robolink’s Getting Started Course, Robolink’s Pilot
Quiz, and the FAA TRUST Safety Test. - Coaches should complete the Coach Training and Certification Course.
Questions? Check out our Online Resources or reach out to your Regional Support Manager. We are here to help!
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October 29, 2024
Online Training and Certifications are Now Available
Self paced courses now available for:
All Event Partners, Head Referees and Judge Advisors are required to complete the certification for any event that occurs after December 1, 2024. We highly recommend the training and certifications for all Coaches, Event Partners, Referees and Judges.
FAA Guest Speaker - Ed Cormier, New England Region STEM Coordinator
Join us as Ed Cormier shares about the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST): What is it and why should students and coaches take it? He will also share information about the FAA STEM Outreach Program and teach us how to connect with local organizations and utilize resources they have available.
Register for this Webinar - November 12, 2024 at 4pm Central Time.
Deadlines
- Deadline to Register teams is December 13, 2024.
- Deadline to select a date to host a Local Qualifying Event is December 1, 2024.
Open Office Hours for November
Each Thursday from 5pm - 7pm Central Time, a member of the Drone Support Team will be available on an open video chat to answer questions about upcoming competitions. We invite Event Partners, Referees, Judges, Volunteers, and Coaches to join us.
Remember, you can always reach out to your Regional Support Manager directly with any questions you may have about the Aerial Drone Competition.
Robolink Announces New Firmware for CoDrone EDU and Controller
New Feature
- Motor Stall Prevention — If the drone detects a problem with one of the motors (like it’s stuck or acting strangely) during takeoff, it will automatically stop trying to fly.
Bug Fixes
- Takeoff improvement — The firmware has been improved to reduce the frequency of an error with the height sensor during takeoff.
- Flight Count Issue Resolved — Previously, resetting the drone’s settings would also reset the flight time. This has been corrected so your flight time remains accurate.
Visit Robolink to get the firmware or to learn more.
Mission 2025: Gravity Competition Manual Has Been Updated
Version 2.0 of the manual has been released. The latest version can always be found in the REC Library.
This update includes corrections to typos, updated definitions and clarifications to existing rules. In addition, two new rules have been added:
- <D7> to expand on Drone rule violations
- <T6> to explain how finals will work when an event has divisions
Online Challenges
Expand your opportunity to participate in additional challenges outside of the competition. Top entries may receive an invitation to their Regional Championship!
- Drone Careers
- International Robotics Honor Society
- STEM Advocacy Challenge
REC Library Article Highlight
Wondering what to expect at a competition? Explore the Competition Day Basic - Coaches and Teams article and/or explore our REC Library for other topics.
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October 4, 2024
🚀 **Get Ready for an Unforgettable Competition Season!** 🚀
Now that your teams are officially registered, are you eager to dive into the excitement? We have just the thing to kickstart your journey!
🎉 **Join Our FREE Aerial Drone Competition Workshops!** 🎉
Starting Monday, October 7, and running throughout October, these workshops are your gateway to mastering the skies! Whether you’re a New Coach, JROTC Instructor, Event Partner, Head Referee, Judge, or just someone looking to soar this season, we've got you covered with essential insights and strategies tailored just for you.
👉 **Register now using this link** and secure your spot! Once you register, you'll receive joining instructions in your email and gain access to as many workshops as you'd like. It's that easy!
🌟 **Want a Head Start?**
Catch the recordings of our exhilarating Season Kickoff virtual conference on the REC Foundation YouTube Channel! Whether you missed it or want to refresh your knowledge, these sessions are packed with valuable information that will put you ahead of the game.
💡 **Need Support?**
Our dedicated Aerial Drone Competition support team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to your Regional Support Manager or email us at drones@recf.org with any questions.
### Meet Your Regional Support Managers:
- **South Central and West Regions**: Nadine Amaya - Nadine_Amaya@recf.org | 601-402-5851
- **North Central and Southeast Regions**: Shelli Brasher - Shelli_Brasher@recf.org | 901-486-9618
- **Northeast Region**: Louann Cormier - Louann_Cormier@recf.org | (202) 809-0547
🌈 **Mission 2025: Gravity!**
This is set to be our largest season yet, and we can’t wait to see you and your students take flight in the Flight Zone. Let’s make this an incredible adventure together!
**Are you ready to soar?** ✈️ Sign up, gear up, and let’s get ready for an amazing competition season!
September 26, 2024
Mission 2025: Gravity has launched and the community is excited about the missions! Teams will soon take flight at tournaments starting in October!
New In this issue:
- Competition Manual, Official Q&A and Competition Video
- Mission 2025: Season Kickoff Webinar - Recordings
- Qualifying Criteria has been Updated
- Hosting an event? It’s time to post it in RobotEvents!
Reminders:
- Team Registration Deadline - December 13, 2024
- Updated Award Names, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric
- Finding Events: Planning your Teams’ Competition Season Schedule
- Mission 2025: Season Kickoff Webinar - Recordings
Competition Manual, Official Q&A and Competition Video
You can find the links to the Mission 2025 Competition Manual and Video on the Aerial Drone Competition Webpage. Have a question about a rule? Ask it on the official Q&A at RobotEvents.com
Season Kickoff Webinars - Recordings
Did you miss the Season Kickoff Webinar? Want to revisit a segment? They are now available on the REC Foundation YouTube Channel . Topics included:
- Aerial Drone Competition: Past, Present and Future
- Overview of Mission 2025: Teamwork Mission
- Overview of Mission 2025: Autonomous Flight Mission
- Overview of Mission 2025: Piloting Skills Mission
- Championships and How to Qualify: Qualifying Criteria
- Overview of Mission 2025: Communications Mission
- CoDrone EDU: New updates and Best Practices
- Hosting an Aerial Drone Competition
Qualifying Criteria has been Updated for Mission 2025: Gravity
Teams and events must meet the criteria for qualification into an Aerial Drone Competition Regional Championship. Learn about event types, regions, qualifying event requirements and championship spot allocations on our REC Library - Qualifying Criteria Article.
Are you planning on hosting an event for Mission 2025: Gravity?
We have over 70 approved events in RobotEvents across the country and are expecting another 100 to be added.
If you are planning to host (or have thought about it) please reach out ASAP to your RSM to inform them of your plans. Be sure to check out the REC Library for additional information. Teams are making their competition season plans now and want to know the dates and times of events in their area.
The deadline for posting an event is December 1st. Don’t delay - post your event today!
Reminders:
Team Registration Deadline - December 13, 2024
Did you know . . . You can renew your team registrations and/or register new teams now and pay later?
If you are waiting for school or grant funding to be approved, select pay later when checking out. Then once the funding is available, you can submit payment via PO, check or credit card. This allows our Support Team to plan ahead and identify areas that may need additional events to support your teams.
Need help registering or want to host an event of your own? Please reach out to your Drone Regional Support Manager (RSM). You can find your RSM here or email drones@recf.org.
Updated Award Names, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric
The Drone Team worked with members of our community and redesigned the Award names to more closely align with our Missions. These include:
- All-Around Champion
- Teamwork Mission Champion
- Skills Missions Champion
- Communications Mission Champion
- Coding Award
- Airmanship Award
- Judges Award
Visit the REC Library to learn more about the Award Criteria, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric.
Finding Events: Planning your Teams’ Competition Season Schedules
Be sure to check for new events on Robotevents.com every Thursday at 6:00pm EST. Newly approved events will be published on Thursdays at 6:00 pm EST. These events will open for registration on Thursdays at 6:00pm EST, at least one week after being published. We hope this helps coaches to make plans for the events their teams will attend and gives time to get POs approved, notify parents, etc.
August 27, 2024
Mission 2025 will launch Tuesday, September 10th, at 2pm Central Time. The Competition Manual and Video will go live on our REC Foundation website.
In this issue:
- Updated Award Names, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric
- Mission 2025: Season Kickoff Webinar - September 18-19, 2024
- Team Registration Deadline - December 13, 2024
- Grant Assistance
- Regional Championships
Updated Award Names, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric
The Drone Team worked with members of our community and redesigned the Award names to more closely align with our Missions. These include:
- All-Around Champion
- Teamwork Mission Champion
- Skills Missions Champion
- Communications Mission Champion
- Coding Award
- Airmanship Award
- Judges Award
Visit the REC Library to learn more about the Award Criteria, Competition Logbook Rubric and Team Interview Rubric.
Mission 2025: Season Kickoff Webinar - September 18-19, 2024
Register now for the Season Kickoff Webinar.
Wednesday, September 18th from 5:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time
- Aerial Drone Competition: Past, Present and Future
- Overview of Mission 2025: Teamwork Mission
- Overview of Mission 2025: Autonomous Flight Mission
- Overview of Mission 2025: Piloting Skills Mission
- Championships and How to Qualify: Qualifying Criteria
Thursday, September 19th from 5:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time
- Overview of Mission 2025: Communications Mission
- CoDrone EDU: New updates and Best Practices
- Hosting an Aerial Drone Competition
Team Registration Deadline - December 13, 2024
Did you know . . . You can renew your team registrations and/or register new teams now and pay later?
If you are waiting for school or grant funding to be approved, select pay later when checking out. Then once the funding is available, you can submit payment via PO, check or credit card. This allows our Support Team to plan ahead and identify areas that may need additional events to support your teams.
Need help registering or want to host an event of your own? Please reach out to your Drone Regional Support Manager (RSM). You can find your RSM here or email drones@recf.org.
Grant Assistance
As the season gets underway our partners and sponsors are offering grants to assist returning teams, new teams and event partners. These are limited in availability and do have conditional requirements. Check the RECF Grant Page for more information and/or reach out to your RSM for assistance.
Our team has also created an informal grant listing that provides links to opportunities we hear about. These are not through RECF. If you know of a grant we should add, please let us know and we can share with the community.
Regional Championships
This season our goal is to have TWO Championships in each Region, one for Middle School and one for High School teams. More details coming soon!
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August 6, 2024
Mission 2025 launches in 5 weeks!
Did you know . . . You can renew your team registrations and/or register new teams now and pay later?
If you are waiting for school or grant funding to be approved, select pay later when checking out. Then once the funding is available, you can submit payment via PO, check or credit card. This allows our Support Team to plan ahead and identify areas that may need additional events to support your teams.
Need help registering or want to host an event of your own? Please reach out to your Drone Regional Support Manager (RSM). You can find your RSM here or email drones@recf.org.
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July 30, 2024
Mission 2025 is set to launch on September 10th. Our Drone Support Team has been hard at work over the summer updating documents, creating training materials and preparing to support you in the upcoming season. The best way to learn the details of the upcoming season is to join us at the:
Mission 2025: Season Kickoff Webinar on September 18-19, 2024
Come learn about the details of Mission 2025 and tips on planning your season! During this two day Virtual Summit, our drone support team will discuss:
- Season Updates
- Overview of the Mission 2025 Teamwork, Autonomous Flight and Piloting Missions
- Updates to the Communication Mission including new award names, award rubrics and competition logbook tips
- Championship Events and how to qualify
Sessions will run from 5pm - 8:30pm Central Time. Sign up now.
Season timeline
- September 10, 2024 - Mission 2025 Competition Rules Released
- October 2024 - March 2025 - Local Qualifying Events
- December 13,2024 - Deadline for Team Registration
- April 2025 - June 2025 - Regional Championships
Prepare for Mission 2025 Launch
- Registering your team in RobotEvents
- Pre-ordering your Mission 2025 Game Elements
- Requesting to host a qualifying event
- Requesting information on starting a team
- Coaches, complete your Background Check
Background Check required for all Coaches and Event Partners
The REC Foundation’s top priority is the safety of its community. In the best interest of our students and everyone participating in our programs, we will require the Primary Coach, Secondary Coach and Event Partners to undergo a background check this season.
- Visit this article in the REC Library for step-by-step instructions on how to complete your background check.
- You can also read our Background Checks FAQ article in the REC Library article for more details.
Regional Championships
Our team is reviewing options for the Regional Championships and plan to announce dates and locations in September. Our goal is to have 2 Championships in each region, one for Middle School students and one for High School students. If you are interested in hosting a Championship Event, please contact your Regional Support Manager (RSM) today.
Qualifying Criteria has been released
Learn what criteria must be followed to be considered a qualifying event and how to qualify for a Regional Championship. Read the Qualifying Criteria.
Interested in Hosting an Event?
Did you know that hosting an event can help your organization raise funds? Event Partners can profit from event registration fees, local sponsorships and concession stands. Our drone support team is here to help, no matter what your experience level is. Fill out this interest form and we will get back to you.
Hiring Part Time Regional Support Specialist
RSS Support needed in the California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada area. This is a part time position that involves supporting new coaches and new event partners at Competitions. To learn more apply visit the RECF.org website.
Questions?
Reach out to us! We are here to help.
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June 13, 2024
- Mission 2024 Season Recap
- Prepare for Mission 2025 Launch
- End of the Season Surveys
- Regional Championship Applications
- and more
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April 16, 2024
RobotEvents.com Update
RobotEvents.com is the website the REC Foundation uses for team and event registration. As a coach, you will use this system to register your teams, register for competitions, update team and contact information, and share team demographics.
For the 2024-2025 Competition season the following updates have been made:
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The terms ‘Primary Contact’ and ‘Secondary Contact’ will become ‘Primary Coach’ and ‘Secondary Coach’.
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Designated names and email addresses of the Primary and Secondary Coaches will be linked to Sterling Volunteers (our background check provider) accounts, and must match legal and personal records.
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Generic or multi-user email addresses and names will no longer be accepted as valid entries in the Primary Coach and Secondary Coach fields. All email addresses listed in the account must belong to a single person.
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Any changes made to Primary Coach name or email information must be made by your Regional Support Manager. All other changes can be updated by the Primary Coach.
Background Checks
The REC Foundation’s top priority is the safety of its community. In the best interest of our students and everyone participating in our programs, we will require the Primary and Secondary Coaches to undergo a background check this season starting April 16, 2024.
- Background checks are required for Primary and Secondary Coaches.
- As before, background checks will be required for all Event Partners and will be valid for 2 competition seasons.
- Coaches who are also Event Partners will only be required to complete one background check that will cover both roles.
- The Primary Coach will have the ability to see the current status of the Secondary Coach’s background check.
- Coaches and Event Partners must reapply for a background check every two seasons in June.
- Visit this article in the REC Library for step-by-step instructions on how to complete your background check.
You can also read our Background Checks FAQ article in the REC Library article for more details.