Purpose
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is committed to providing high-quality, educational competition experiences that are fair, consistent, and accessible worldwide. This policy is intended to support Event Partners, educators, and organizations in growing participation while also protecting the integrity and sustainability of RECF programs.
By clearly outlining acceptable and prohibited uses of RECF competitions, websites, and competition applications, we aim to set shared expectations and avoid confusion as programs continue to grow.
Ownership and Authorized Use
All RECF competition games, manuals, formats, scoring systems, software tools, digital assets, RECFevents.org, RECF Competition Portal and event resources are the intellectual property of RECF (hereinafter, “RECF Materials”).
- RECF grants Event Partners, approved organizations, and other authorized users (collectively, “Licensees”) a limited license to use RECF Materials only in connection with officially authorized and posted RECF events.
- RECF Materials and related resources may not be modified, replicated, or reused without prior written authorization from RECF.
- Licensees may not represent unofficial activities as RECF-affiliated or RECF-aligned without express approval from RECF.
Unauthorized Competitions
Licensees may not:
- Run “off-book” or unofficial competitions using RECF Materials.
- Use modified versions of RECF Materials in a competition setting without written permission.
- Host practice events, qualifiers, showcases, or tournaments that simulate an RECF competition outside of an officially authorized event.
These requirements help ensure competitive fairness, protect students and volunteers, and maintain consistent standards across all regions.
Use of the Competition Portal and Mock Events
The RECF Competition Portal, including the Mock Events feature, is designed to support official RECF events and authorized program activities.
- Licensees may not use Mock Events to run unauthorized or unofficial competitions.
- Mock Events may not be used to bypass team registration, registration fees, or official event requirements.
- Using the Competition Portal to replicate a full competition experience without registered teams is not permitted.
RECF invests significant financial and staff resources into developing competition games, event resources, and web application systems. Team registration fees help offset these costs and ensure the continued development and sustainability of RECF programs.
Permitted Outreach and Recruitment Exceptions
RECF recognizes the importance of outreach and recruitment activities, particularly in new or developing regions.
With prior approval, Licensees may be permitted to use Mock Events for:
- Demonstrations, workshops, or expos intended to introduce new, non-participating schools to RECF programs.
- Activities whose primary goal is to encourage future team registration and participation.
These exceptions:
- Must not include schools or organizations that currently have registered teams or have participated in RECF competitions in the past.
- Must not function as a substitute for official competition participation.
- Are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and do not establish precedent for future seasons.
Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in corrective action by RECF. Depending on the nature, severity, and frequency of the violation, actions may include:
- Revocation of permission to use RECF Materials
- Removal of events from the RECF website
- Suspension or termination of an organization’s ability to host RECF events
- Removal of Event Partner status
- Removal of teams or organizations from participation in RECF programs
In certain cases, RECF may also pursue legal remedies to protect its intellectual property and enforce this policy, particularly when unauthorized use continues after notice or results in material harm to the program.
RECF will determine appropriate actions on a case-by-case basis with the goal of protecting the integrity, fairness, and sustainability of its programs.
Requesting Permission or Clarification
If you are unsure whether a planned activity is permitted under this policy, or if you would like to request authorization for a specific use case, please contact RECF in advance at Drones@recf.org.
We encourage open communication and are happy to work collaboratively to support program growth while ensuring compliance with RECF standards.
Final Note
RECF values the leadership, creativity, and dedication of its Event Partners and educators. Clear guidelines help ensure that all students benefit from a consistent, high-quality competition experience, both now and in future seasons.