Chapitre 1 : Referee Foundations
Lesson 2: Event and Match Structure
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the basic structure of a VEX V5 Robotics Competition event.
- Identify the basic structure of a VEX V5 Robotics Competition match.
- Describe the role of referees before, during, and after a match.
Understanding the structure of an event helps referees support match flow, communicate with volunteers, evaluate scoring at the right times, and keep the field moving from setup through reset.
VEX V5 Robotics Competition Event Structure
A VEX V5 Robotics Competition event usually includes several connected parts in addition to Head-to-Head Matches. Each of these elements is explained in the table below with a description of what happens and how referees support that part of the event. Each event may have slight variations, so be sure to check with the Event Partner for event-specific procedures.
| Events | Description | Referee Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Team Check-In and Inspection | Teams arrive, check in, and complete robot inspection to confirm that their robots meet the rules and are ready to compete. | While other inspectors may manage this process, Head Referees should be ready to assist and help answer rule questions related to robot legality. |
| Driver Meeting | Teams and event staff review key expectations before match play begins. | Head Referees often lead this meeting and can use this time to highlight important rules, points of emphasis, event-specific procedures, and recent official Q&A clarifications. |
| Qualification Matches | Teams compete in scheduled matches with assigned Alliance partners. | Referees support match flow, observe gameplay, evaluate scoring, and help apply procedures consistently from match to match. Scorekeeper Referees focus on scoring and observations, while the Head Referee makes final gameplay rulings. |
| Robot Skills Matches | Teams may compete in Skills Matches to earn scores separate from Head-to-Head Match rankings. | Scorekeeper Referees often support Robot Skills fields by confirming setup, monitoring match procedures, recording scores, and handling Skills Stop Time procedures when applicable. Robot Skills Matches will be covered in Chapter 3. |
| Alliance Selection | Teams form Alliances for Elimination Matches based on event rankings and selection procedures. | Head Referees often help run the Alliance Selection process, ensuring that selections are conducted according to tournament procedures and helping teams understand the process. Other referees may assist with event flow as directed by the Event Partner or Head Referee. |
| Elimination Matches | Alliances compete in bracketed matches to determine the tournament champion. | Referees should continue applying the same scoring procedures, communication expectations, and rule standards used during Qualification Matches. |
| Awards | The event concludes with judged and performance awards. | Referees are not responsible for judged awards, but may be asked by the Event Partner to help with event wrap-up or award presentation. |
While most of an event day will be centered around match play, referees have other responsibilities as well. The Head Referee will lead the Driver Meeting and Alliance Selection process, in collaboration with the Event Partner and other volunteers.
- Driver Meeting - The Driver Meeting is a time at the start of the event, to let teams know about expectations for and the organization of the event as a whole group. Head Referees lead the meeting and should be prepared with a brief agenda of what to cover. Some examples include:
- The agenda for the day or event (timing for practice fields opening, when Alliance Selection will be held, etc.)
- Additional logistics that may need to be shared (location of the bathrooms, where food can/cannot be consumed onsite, etc.)
- Any recent updates to the Game Manual or Q&A that will be points of emphasis during Matches
- To see an example of a pre-recorded Driver’s Meeting from the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championships, watch this video.
- Alliance Selection - After Qualification Matches, teams move into the Alliance Selection phase of a tournament. Here they can choose an alliance partner for the Elimination Matches. Head Referees often lead Alliance Selection and keep the draft-style process running smoothly and efficiently. Watch this video to learn about the selection process.
VEX V5 Robotics Competition Match Structure
In a standard Head-to-Head Match, two alliances compete against each other: one red alliance and one blue alliance. Each alliance is made up of two teams.
A match includes two main periods over a 2-minute timeframe:
- Autonomous Period: The first 15 seconds of the match are dedicated to robots completing game tasks autonomously using code developed by the team.
- Driver Controlled Period: The remaining 1 minute and 45 seconds of the match where Drive Team members control their robots from the Alliance Station using a controller.
Some rules apply differently depending on the period of the match. For example, Drive Team members cannot control or interact with robots during the Autonomous Period (a later lesson will cover these rules in more detail). All referees should understand the timing and purpose of each match period so they can watch for scoring actions, field conditions, and possible rule concerns. Scorekeeper Referees use this information to support accurate scoring and share relevant observations. Head Referees use this information when making final rulings and resolving gameplay questions.
Before a Match
Before the match begins, the referee team confirms that the field and robots are ready. This may include checking that:
- The field is set correctly
- Robots are in legal starting positions
- Drive Team members are in the correct Alliance Station
- Controllers are plugged into the field control system
- Teams are ready to begin the match
Scorekeeper Referees may help check setup, observe robot and field readiness, and alert the Head Referee to possible concerns. The Head Referee is responsible for resolving questions about legal starting positions, Preloads, field setup concerns, or whether a match should begin.
The goal before a match is to be both efficient and accurate. Referees should help keep matches moving while still allowing necessary checks to be completed.
During a Match
During the match, all referees observe gameplay from their assigned positions. Scorekeeper Referees watch for scoring actions, field conditions, and possible rule concerns that may need to be brought to the Head Referee’s attention.
The Head Referee observes gameplay and makes rule enforcement decisions. This includes watching for scoring actions, robot interactions, safety concerns, and possible rule violations. The Head Referee may communicate with Teams during the match when needed. Clear verbal warnings and counts help teams understand when possible violations are happening and may help teams take action before further escalation occurs.
Good referee communication during a match helps the full team stay aware of what is happening on the field without creating confusion for teams.
After a Match
After the match ends Scorekeeper Referees evaluate scoring statuses and record match results once confirmed with teams. Match scores are based on the final position of game objects and robots when they have come to rest five seconds after the time stops. The Head Referee resolves close scoring questions, reviews possible violations, and makes final gameplay rulings.
If a ruling or scoring question depends on the final position of robots or scoring objects, the field should not be reset until the question has been resolved. If the question does not depend on the state of the field, teams may be asked to move their robots aside so reset and the following match can begin. Once a team leaves the field, they cannot appeal or question match results with the Head Referee. They must remain at the field until issues are resolved.
Once scoring and rulings are complete, the referee team gives the all-clear for teams to retrieve their robots and for field reset volunteers to prepare for the next match.