As the 2024-25 Rapid Relay season got underway, gainingSTEAM offered two Head Referee training sessions to help coaches and parents prepare to officiate VEX IQ competitions across Nebraska.
Training Sessions
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Mary Our Queen Cafeteria |
| November 23, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Mary Our Queen Cafeteria |
Why Head Referee Certification Matters
All official VEX IQ events that qualify teams for a Championship event are required to have a Certified Head Referee. The Head Referee ensures consistent, fair, and high-quality officiating — which directly affects the experience of every team at an event.
While the in-person training was not mandatory, it was designed to help anyone interested in:
- Learning the role and responsibilities of a Head Referee
- Understanding how VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) tournaments are organized
- Preparing to take the official online certification course
The online Head Referee Training & Certification Course was also available for self-paced study and is the path to becoming a Certified Head Referee recognized across VIQRC events.
About gainingSTEAM
This training was one of the first events hosted under the gainingSTEAM name — a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and growing the robotics community in Nebraska. gainingSTEAM provides equipment, advice, and administrative oversight for VEX IQ teams and tournaments across the state.
Coaches were encouraged to share the training opportunity with any potential volunteers in their network.