Introduction

Referees play a critical role in every VEX IQ Robotics Competition event. They help ensure that matches run safely, fairly, and consistently, and that the game is played as intended by the Game Design Committee.

Refereeing is a team effort. Scorekeeper Referees and Head Referees work together to support accurate scoring, consistent rule enforcement, clear communication, and smooth event flow at the Field. 

• Scorekeeper Referees evaluate and record scores, observe match play, communicate with field staff, and bring possible rule concerns to the Head Referee. 
• Head Referees are responsible for final gameplay rulings, rule interpretations, confirming scores, and decisions about violations or penalties.

Each role matters. Accurate scoring helps teams trust the results of each match. Consistent rule enforcement helps teams compete under the same expectations, whether they are at a local league event or the VEX Robotics World Championship. Clear communication between referees, teams, and other event volunteers helps create a positive experience for everyone involved.

This course is designed to help you:

• Understand the responsibilities of Scorekeeper Referees and Head Referees.
• Apply the scoring rules for the 2026–2027 VEX IQ Robotics Competition Level Up with confidence.
• Support safe, fair, consistent, and well-run matches.
• Prepare for the referee role that matches your event responsibilities.

The Spirit of the Competition

The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is built around a simple idea: students come first. For many students you'll see at an event, their competition team is their very first experience with robotics, coding, engineering, or STEM — and that first experience matters. It can shape whether they see themselves as someone who builds, codes, problem-solves, and belongs in this community.

Everything about VEX IQ Robotics Competitions is designed with that in mind. Matches are played collaboratively, with two teams working toward a shared score rather than competing head-to-head. Robot Skills Matches are optional, so students can choose how and when to challenge themselves. The whole structure is meant to celebrate effort, growth, and success, and to make competing feel encouraging rather than intimidating.

As a referee, you are part of that experience. The way you carry yourself at the Field — calm, fair, clear, and supportive — becomes part of how students remember their day. A confident, well-sourced ruling helps teams trust the results; a patient explanation helps a young student learn something instead of feeling discouraged. As the Game Manual notes, communication and conflict resolution are life skills students are practicing, and the Field is one place they get to practice them.

This isn't about bending rules or scores. It's about remembering why the rules exist: to give every team a fair, consistent, and positive experience. When you keep students' learning and wellbeing above any single match or score, you're officiating the way the game was designed to be played. The chapters ahead cover the specifics — this mindset is the foundation underneath all of them.
 

The Structure of this Course

The course is divided into two certification pathways. Chapters 1–3 cover referee foundations, Teamwork Match scoring, and Robot Skills scoring. These chapters are intended for all referees. After completing Chapters 1–3, you will complete the Scorekeeper Referee Certification exam. Upon receiving a certificate, Scorekeeper Referees can be finished with the course.

Chapters 4–8 build on that foundation with content specific to Head Referees, including match starts, loading and possession, robot inspection, event preparation, and more. After completing these chapters, you will complete the Head Referee Certification exam and earn an additional certificate.

Whether you are volunteering as a Scorekeeper Referee, serving as a Head Referee for the first time, or returning with years of experience, it is important to stay current with official rules, game updates, and expectations for event operations. Once earned, your certificate(s) can be shared with Event Partners to show that you are prepared and certified for the referee role you are serving.

The course is self-paced and should be completed in the order presented, since each chapter builds on concepts introduced earlier in the course. Check Your Understanding questions are included throughout the lessons to help you monitor your progress and review key concepts before moving on. Chapter exams must be completed before each certification exam is unlocked.

Thank you for volunteering your time, energy, attention, and judgment in this important role. VEX Robotics Competition events would not be possible without dedicated referees who are willing to support teams and help events run successfully.

The time to complete this chapter is approximately 30 minutes.

In This Chapter

This chapter introduces the foundations of VEX IQ Robotics Competition refereeing. You will learn the responsibilities of Scorekeeper Referees and Head Referees, how these roles work with other event volunteers, and how referees support each phase of a match.