Updated May 25, 2025
There are several options to hosting an event and our Aerial Drone Competition Support Team will assist with matching the event with your available venue and resources.
The event types and layouts shared in this guide are models for best practices, but you will notice that no two events look exactly alike. The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) prioritizes a consistent experience aligned with the Competition Manual and Judging process, but you will find that implementing events can be tailored to your available resources to promote sustainability and a positive experience.
RECF events are held locally throughout the year in cities around the world, culminating in Championship Events.
Workshops
Workshops provide in-person or virtual opportunities for the Aerial Drone Competition community to build skills, promote STEM, and inspire students. Event Partners (EPs) can customize and host them year-round.
Examples include training sessions for students, educators, or volunteers, STEM camps, and other related activities. Some workshops focus on EPs or volunteers, while others are designed for students.
Scrimmages
Scrimmages are non-qualifying events designed to give teams a chance to practice coding and flying their drones in a low-pressure, supportive environment. These events may also include instructional elements or workshops to help teams build skills. While judged awards or Skills scores may be offered, they do not count toward Championship qualification. Scrimmages can follow the standard tournament format or be customized to best serve the needs of the local community.
Tournaments
Tournaments are the most common event type. Tournaments are typically one day events that feature the 4 Aerial Drone Competition Missions
- Teamwork Mission
- Flight Operations Mission
- Piloting Skills Mission
- Communication Mission
Tournaments that meet the qualifications outlined in the Qualification Criteria and the Commitment to Event Excellence may qualify teams to advance to a championship event.
Aerial Drone Competition Regional Championships
Teams must qualify for Aerial Drone Championship Events. Teams can qualify by winning specific awards at Tournaments. Specific Awards that qualify teams to Championships will be listed on that event’s event posting on RECFevents.org in the Awards tab. Teams may also qualify for a Regional Championship based on their Global Skills Rankings.
RECF Signature Events
RECF Signature Events give students the opportunity to compete at a tournament that provides a special and unique team experience. Signature Events have a level of technical expertise, production value, and overall event quality that is above and beyond that of a standard tournament; many have a compelling and immersive theme or location and attract teams from around the world. The mission of these events is to provide opportunities for teams to compete with teams from multiple regions and experience a high-level tournament experience.
Other Event Class Types
The RECF may provide additional event options to support and grow special initiatives. Registration and qualification information to these events will be shared on the event page. Examples of these special event classes are:
- JROTC National Championships
- Showcase Events