Your job: record the score accurately and consistently. You're part of the referee team — you don't decide penalties, you document the match results. Your accuracy protects fairness for every team.
Each match
- Watch the entire match carefully.
- After the buzzer, wait for the Head Referee's signal.
- Count the scoring objects.
- Record the score.
- Confirm with the Head Referee and your fellow scorekeeper referees.
- Show the drivers the score.
- Submit it.
The counting workflow
Field-safe signal → step forward → count once silently → count again out loud with your partner → enter the score → show the teams → wait for confirmation → submit. Always verify with another scorekeeper or the Head Referee.
The golden method
Count the same way every match. Pick a pattern — top to bottom, left to right, near to far — and never change it. Consistency prevents mistakes.
Mistakes to avoid: guessing, rushing, letting teams pressure you, talking during the count, and watching the robots instead of the field. Accuracy beats speed.
During the match, watch the scoring — not the robots
Track where objects end up, end-of-match positions, field zones, and cleared goals. Don't try to calculate mid-match — observe and remember.
The rules
You do: count and record, ask the Head Referee questions, confirm scores with the students.
You do not: call penalties, explain rules to teams, debate scoring decisions, or change match outcomes. If you're unsure → ask the Head Referee immediately.
Pro tips: stand where you can see the whole field without blocking the audience, practice during practice matches, and bring the tablet.
Age + certification note: scorekeeper referees should generally be 15 or older for VEX IQ (this guidance is evolving), and there's an official certification for the head referee / scorekeeper referee track.