Canada West Aerial Drone Qualifier

Welcome to the Canada West Aerial Drone Qualifier, proudly hosted by Vancouver Integem, an official RECF Event Partner.

This event is an official Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Aerial Drone Competition Qualifying Tournament for the 2026–2027 season. Teams will compete under the current RECF Aerial Drone Competition Game Manual and tournament rules.

The Canada West Aerial Drone Qualifier provides teams with the opportunity to:

• Compete in official Teamwork Missions

• Demonstrate Autonomous Flight programming skills

• Participate in the Flight Skills Challenge

• Experience a professionally organized RECF tournament

• Earn official awards and qualification opportunities in accordance with current RECF qualification criteria

This event welcomes both experienced and rookie teams from British Columbia and across Western Canada. Coaches and students are encouraged to demonstrate not only technical excellence but also teamwork, innovation, professionalism, and good sportsmanship.

Important Information:

• Maximum Capacity: 25 Teams

• Registration: Advance registration is required

• Rgistartion Fees must be paid to the Event Partner as the RECF does not accept payment for events outside of the US. Make cheques payable to:  Vancouver Integen.  Mailing address:  Vancouver Integem, 1368 W Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., V6H 1H2.

• Competition Rules: All teams must comply with the current RECF Aerial Drone Competition Game Manual

• Inspection: Every drone must pass inspection before participating

• Lunch: Lunch is not provided. Teams should bring their own lunch and water or purchase food from nearby restaurants

• Arrival Time: Teams should arrive at least 30 minutes before check‑in to complete registration and inspection

• Registration Payment: Since the RECF cannot accept payment for events outside of the U.S., please make payment to the Event Partner

Qualification spots and awards will be presented according to the official RECF 2026–2027 Qualifying Criteria. The number of qualification spots available may vary based on RECF policies and the number of participating teams. All participants are expected to follow the RECF Code of Conduct throughout the event. Any unsafe behavior may result in removal from the competition area at the discretion of the Event Partner or Head Referee.

We look forward to welcoming teams from across Western Canada for a day of exciting competition, learning, and innovation.

Tentative Schedule The schedule below is tentative and may be adjusted based on the number of participating teams and tournament operations.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Team Check-in, Competition Logbook Submission, Inspection and Pit Setup

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Team Interviews

9:00 AM Drivers Meeting and Opening Ceremony

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Qualification Teamwork Matches

9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Flight Skills Challenge and Autonomous Flight Challenge (Open)

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Lunch Break

12:45 PM – 3:30 PM Qualification Teamwork Matches Continue

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM Finals (if applicable)

4:30 PM Awards Ceremony

5:00 PM Event Concludes

All registered teams will be given the opertunity to participate in a scheduled interview with a panel of judges. Every team is offered an interview as part of the judging process; no team will be excluded unless they choose not to participate.

Judges will conduct interviews in accordance with the official RECF Guide to Judging. To ensure fairness and consistency, judges will use the required interview questions, and every team will be asked the same required questions.

During the interview, students should be prepared to discuss:

• Team organization and collaboration

• Drone design and development

• Programming strategies and autonomous flight

• Testing and iteration

• Challenges encountered throughout the season

• Lessons learned and continuous improvement

Judges may ask follow‑up questions to better understand a team’s responses while maintaining consistency with RECF judging policies. All teams will be evaluated using the official RECF judging rubrics.

Competition Log Book

Engineering Notebooks will be reviewed according to the current RECF Guide to Judging and evaluated using the official RECF Competition Logbook Rubric.

Judges may also ask Logbook related questions during the team interview, as outlined in RECF policy. Teams should ensure their log book :

• Accurately reflects their work throughout the season

• Demonstrates clear documentation practices

• Is available for review during the event

To be eligible for judged awards, teams must:

• Meet all RECF eligibility requirements

• Participate in the required team interview

• Submit an Competition Logbook (where applicable)

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and good sportsmanship throughout the event

All judging decisions are final and will follow current RECF policies.

Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia! We are excited to host teams from across Western Canada for the Canada West Aerial Drone Qualifier.

Event Venue Vancouver Integem 1368 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 1H2 Canada

By Air The nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It is approximately 20–25 minutes by car from the venue.

Parking Street parking and public parking are available near the venue. Parking availability may vary throughout the day, so please allow extra time when arriving.

Public Transit The venue is easily accessible via TransLink. Several bus routes stop within a short walking distance, and nearby SkyTrain stations provide convenient access from Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport.

Hotels Teams traveling from outside the Lower Mainland are encouraged to reserve accommodations in advance. Hotels are available throughout the Broadway Corridor, Downtown Vancouver, and near Vancouver International Airport, all within a reasonable driving distance of the venue.

Food Lunch will not be provided. Teams are welcome to bring their own lunch or purchase food from the many restaurants and cafés located within walking distance of the venue.

Nearby Amenities Within a few minutes of the venue, teams will find:

• Restaurants and cafés

• Grocery stores

• Pharmacies

• Coffee shops

• Banks and ATMs

Questions? If you require assistance with travel planning or local transportation, please contact the Event Partner. Email: info@vanintegem.tech Phone: +1 (236) 330-9020

Emergency Information The safety of all participants, coaches, volunteers, and spectators is our highest priority.

In the event of an emergency:

• Call 911 immediately for any police, fire, or medical emergency.

• Notify the Event Partner, Head Referee, or the nearest event volunteer immediately.

• Follow all instructions provided by event staff and emergency responders.

• If an evacuation is required, exit the building calmly through the nearest designated emergency exit and proceed to the designated assembly area.

First Aid Basic first aid supplies will be available at the event.

Participants who require prescription medications, including inhalers, EpiPens, or other emergency medications, are responsible for bringing and managing their own medication.

Medical Emergency If a participant becomes ill or injured during the event:

• Notify an event volunteer immediately.

• First aid will be provided within the scope of available on‑site resources.

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be contacted if necessary.

• Parents, guardians, or coaches will be notified as appropriate.

Event Contact Event Partner: Vancouver Integem Phone: +1 (236) 330‑9020 Email: info@vanintegem.tech

Venue Vancouver Integem 1368 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 1H2 Canada

Nearest Hospital Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) 899 W 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 Emergency Department – Open 24 Hours Approximately 3 minutes from the venue.

Event Updates If severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require schedule changes or event cancellation, all registered teams will be notified by email as soon as possible.

Registration fees are refundable up to 14 days prior to the event, minus any non‑refundable processing fees.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations received within 14 days of the event or for teams that do not attend without prior notice.

If your team is unable to attend, please notify the Event Partner as soon as possible. We will make every effort to accommodate changes when possible; however, refunds cannot be guaranteed after the refund deadline. Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email to the Event Partner before the refund deadline.

If the event is cancelled by the Event Partner due to unforeseen circumstances, including severe weather, venue emergencies, or other conditions beyond the Event Partner's control, registered teams will be notified as soon as possible. Refunds or credits will be provided at the discretion of the Event Partner.

The Event Partner reserves the right to modify the event schedule or format if necessary to ensure the safe and successful operation of the tournament.