Introduction
The Flight Team Meeting (also called the Opening Ceremony or Welcome Meeting) is where we review important information about the event and venue.
All teams, coaches, referees, judges, and parents should attend.
General Event Information
Welcome and introduction of key volunteers (Event Partner and Head Referee)
Restroom locations, concessions, venue rules, and safety information
Emergency and evacuation procedures
Testing area location (for post-crash checks, motor replacement, etc.)
Where to submit Competition Logbooks
Review of today’s schedule (start/stop times, breaks, special activities)
Skills Fields closing time
Reminder: The RECF Ready App can be used to follow schedules and rankings
Rule Reminders
Rule <G4> Each Student can only belong to one Team
Each student may only compete on one team.
Students may hold multiple roles on their assigned team but may not participate in any capacity (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Coder, Visual Observer, Interview, etc.) for another team.
Coaches are responsible for ensuring students compete only under their assigned team letter.
Rule <G1> and the Code of Conduct
Be respectful, professional, and follow the rules.
Disrespectful or uncivil behavior toward volunteers, staff, or other teams may result in match disqualification or removal from the event. Judges also consider conduct and ethics when determining awards.
This applies to everyone associated with a team, including spectators.
Only Flight Team members may discuss scoring or rulings with referees. Adults may not intervene. <T3>
Student-Centered Program
- Aerial Drone Competition is a student-centered program.
- Adults may assist Students in urgent situations, but Adults may never program or repair a drone without Students on that Team being present and actively participating. <G2>
- The drone programming must represent the skill level of the team. <G4>
Teamwork Mission
Each team will play XX Qualification Matches.
If 6 or more matches are played, the lowest score will be dropped.
After qualifications, Alliance Selection will occur.
[Insert number] alliances of two teams will advance to Eliminations.
Before the Match
Complete your Pre-Flight Checklist
Charged batteries
Drone paired
Safety glasses on
Arrive at queuing on time
If your drone cannot fly, send a Flight Team member to the match
During the Match
- If the Drone has not taken off, then Students may momentarily reach into the Flight Zone to retrieve their Drone and troubleshoot. <T7>
- Stop flying when the timer hits zero. <T11>
- Remember--any scoring that happens after the timer hits zero isn't counted.<T11>
- You must be landed when the timer reaches zero to earn landing points.
- Head Referee: Review any Mission specific rules you want to highlight.
After the Match
Verify your score before leaving the Pilot Station. <T1><T3>
Scoring discussions occur only between referees and student Flight Team members. <T3>
Referees do not review photo or video recordings when making rulings. <T3>
Autonomous Flight Skills Mission
3-minute matches
3 attempts per competition
Tasks may be completed in any order
Unlimited resets
Programming may be modified between resets
If you interact with the drone, controller, or coding device while your drone is running code, you must either:
Reset the drone at the starting position, or
End the match
- Head Referee: Review any Mission specific rules you want to highlight.
Piloting Skills Mission
60-second matches
3 attempts per competition
Complete all required steps in order
- Remember if you want to repeat the flight path make sure you fly over the top of the blue arch then the red arch and then you may start the flight path again.
- Head Referee: Review any Mission specific rules you want to highlight.
Allow for Questions
Allow approximately 5 minutes for questions.
Asking questions in an open forum ensures all teams receive the same information and promotes consistency and fairness.
Closing
Thank you for being here today.
If you have additional questions, please see the Event Partner or Head Referee.
Qualification matches begin at XX time.
Let’s get ready to fly!