Know the rules.
Play the game.

RULES FOR PROVISIONAL CLASSES  
F9A DRONE SOCCER 
Drone soccer is a class which combines radio-controlled drone flying with soccer. 
Drone soccer is a team sport in which two teams play against each other to score in their opponent’s goal ring 
with a dedicated drone ball. 
The match between the two teams is subdivided into three periods of time, each period being considered as 
a set.  
F9A.1 DRONE BALL GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 
The drone ball must be equipped with a fail-safe device, the activation of which stops the motors. 
The following are strictly forbidden: 
- Pre-programmed manoeuvring device. 
- System for automatic positioning and/or path rectification in longitude, latitude or height.  
Note: Software recovery modes such as ’Flip over after crash’ (also known as ‘Turtle mode’) or ’Crash recovery’ 
and automatic system which can be activated by the player in order to level back the drone ball after a crash 
are permitted. 
Any drone ball may be checked by the organiser at any time during the event to ensure it fits the specifications. 
F9A.1.1 Weight and size 
A spherical protective frame shall surround the drone ball. All the components of the drone ball must be placed 
inside the spherical protective frame. Nothing should protrude from this frame.  
The protective frame can be from plastic or composite materials, but not from metal.    
a) Subclass F9A-A 
The total weight of the drone ball including all equipment necessary for flight (including outer frame and 
batteries) shall not exceed 1.2 kg. 
The diameter of the protective frame at the point where the circumference is measured ( See image below) 
must be 40 cm +2 cm. So, the protective frame must fit within a 42 cm diameter circle. 
b) Subclass F9A-B 
The total weight of the drone ball including all equipment necessary for flight (including outer frame and 
batteries) shall not exceed 300 g. 
The diameter of the protective frame at the point where the circumference is measured ( See image below) 
must be 20 cm +2 cm. So, the protective frame must fit within a 22 cm diameter circle. 
For both subclasses, the frame may be flat at the bottom of the drone ball allowing the drone ball to remain 
steady on the ground. The flat section cannot be more than 2 cm high (See image below).  

 
Any individual open surface of the frame must be 150 cm 2 maximum. 
Note: The above requirement is to the drone with an inadequate protective framework surrounding it. Although 
a lighter drone ball can offer better flying performance, a too light protective frame can adversely affect the 
game due to the damage of the drone ball resulting from collisions with other drone balls. 
F9A.1.2 Motorisation 
Only electric motors are allowed. 
The drone ball may be equipped with a maximum of four electric motors. 
Battery pack allowed up to 6S for F9A-A subclass, and 4S for F9A-B subclass. 
The voltage for each cell must not exceed 4.25 V when fully charged. This means a maximum voltage of 8.5 
V for a 2S battery pack, 12.75 V for a 3S, 17 V for a 4S, and 25.5 volts for a 6S.  
The voltage measurement of the battery pack may be performed before the beginning of each set.  
F9A.1.3 Propellers 
Maximum diameter:  
- 6 inches (15.2 cm) for F9A-A subclass. 
- 3 inches (7.6 cm) for F9A-B subclass. 
Metal propellers are forbidden. 
F9A.1.4 Radio control (RC) equipment 
Every 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology RC equipment may be used.  
In order to limit risk of potential problems with unwanted interference during a match, the event director may 
define restrictions for use of RC systems equipment outside the playing field.  
In case of use of non -authorised RC equipment, penalty going up to disqualification from the event of the 
concerned team may arise. 
F9A.1.5 LED light devices 
In order the drone balls of each team could be clearly recognised during the match, red colour will be assigned 
to a team and blue colour to the other team. So, a LED strip must be installed on each drone ball, so it may 
be clearly visible from any angle. 
 

Specifications for the LED strip: 
- Minimum 40 individual LED elements for the 40 cm drone balls (F9A -A), and minimum 16 LEDs for the 20 
cm drone balls (F9A-B). 
- LED strip fixed on the circumference of the main frame which supports the motors,  
- Capability to easily switch before the match to the colour assigned to the team concerned.  
An additional LED light unit with a minimum of 6 LEDs will be installed on the rear part of each drone ball with 
capability to rapidly switch the colour.   
The colour will be different for each drone ball to allow each active player to identify the position of his/her 
drone ball, and to permit differentiation of the different active players of the team. 
Each team may choose their colours subject the colours are clearly distinguishable from one another, and not 
to consider the colour, red or blue, assigned to the team concerned. However, the colour for the drone ball of 
the Striker (scorer drone ball) will be blue for the red team, and red for the blue team. 
F9A.1.6 Scorer drone ball (Striker) 
In order to increase recognition of the drone ball of the Striker (scorer drone ball) of each team, the organiser 
may request the Striker of each team to attach to the bottom of their drone ball a ribbon or thin material “flag” 
that will hang from the bottom. 
F9A.2 PLAYING FIELD   
Drone soccer event may be organised indoor or outdoor. 
The playing field is mainly composed of a flying zone and two players' areas (one for each team). 
F9A.2.1 Surface  
There are no precise specifications regarding the surface of an outdoor playing field, or the floor of an indoor 
arena or gymnasium. 
The surface of an outdoor playing field must be sufficiently flat. In addition, an excessively hard surface, such 
as asphalt or concrete, should be avoided for the flying zone in order to minimize risk of damage to the drone 
ball when it touches the ground. 
In case the surface of the flying zone is covered with a soft additional material, the organiser will take care a 
drone ball cannot sink in the coverage more than about one centimetre in order to avoid take-off problem. The 
organiser will also check that the 'spring effect' of the coverage will be limited. 
F9A.2.2 Flying zone - Protection cage  
The flying zone shall be a rectangle marked by continuous lines. 
The flying zone must be protected with a cage. During the sets of a match, nobody may be inside the protection 
cage. 
The following size for the flying zone and height of the protection cage are recommended:  
- Subclass F9A-A: 14 meters for the longer side (A) and 7 meters for the shorter one (B) - 5 meters height 
(H) for the cage. 
- Subclass F9A-B: 6 meters for the longer side (A) and 3 meters for the shorter one (B) - 3 meters height (H) 
for the cage. 
If a different size is considered for the flying zone, the longer side of the flying zone must be twice the shorter 
one. 
The flying zone is divided in two sides marked by a continuous centre line which joins the midpoints of the two 
longer sides. The centre of the flying zone (middle of the centre line) will be also marked.  

Two areas for start and take-off of the drone balls (one for each team) will be marked inside the flying zone by 
continuous lines. Those areas will be positioned in the middle part of the baselines (shorter sides of the flying 
zone). 
The length of the start area will be defined by taking in   consideration the diameter of the drone balls for the 
subclass concerned, and the number of active players defined. 
The width of the start area will be about 1.5 m for the subclass F9A-A, and no more than 1 m for the subclass 
F9A-B. 
The location and size of the two start areas will be identical. 
All marks on the ground shall be clearly visible using a colour distinguishable from the ground surface colour.  
There shall be no obstacle(s) on the flying zone which may hinder the game.  
Hard parts of the protection cage must be covered with a shock absorbing material to protect the drone balls.  
When more than one playing field is used in a tournament, the size of the different playing fields and 
dimensions of the protection cage will be identical.  
 
 
 
F9A.2.3 Players area  
The players areas (one for each team) will be located outside the protection cage on its shorter sides as 
defined on the following image. 
The location and size of the two players area on each side will be identical. 

Each players area will be marked. 
During the sets of a match, only the players who are effectively flying (active players) may be in the players 
area. 
F9A.3 GOAL RINGS   
The flying zone will be equipped with two goal rings (one for each team). 
F9A.3.1 Shape and dimensions 
The goal ring will be circular 
The goal ring must be stable. The shape and dimensions of the goal rings must be identical for both teams 
competing. 
The following dimensions are recommended: 
- Subclass F9A-A: External diameter (D1) 100 cm - Internal diameter (D2) 60 cm - 20 cm maximum thickness 
(T) 
- Subclass F9A-B: External diameter (D1) 70 cm - Internal diameter (D2) 40 cm - 10 cm maximum thickness 
(T) 
 
For each subclass, when more than one playing field is used in a tournament, the goal rings of the different 
playing fields must be identical.  
F9A.3.2 Position 
The goal ring will be positioned at 1.5 m inside the baseline (shorter sides of the flying zone) for the subclass 
F9A-A, and 1 m for the subclass F9A-B at a height of 2 m from the ground to the bottom of the inner diameter 
of the goal ring. 
The goal rings must face the centre of the flying zone and be parallel to each other. They will be fixed on the 
ceiling of the protection cage taking care to ensure a secure fixation to avoid oscillation of the goal ring and 
that they may fall down.  
The location and positioning of the two goal rings will be the same in both sides of the playing field.  
F9A.3.3 Material and structure 
The material must be strong enough to minimize risk of damage or deformation that may affect the game, but 
sufficiently flexible to avoid damages on the drone balls. 
One goal ring will be red and the other one blue in order to be compliant with the colours assigned to the 
teams. It is also possible to use lighting units on the goal rings to increase their visibility. 

F9A.3.4 Goal detection sensor 
For electronic scoring, a detection sensor may be installed on each goal ring provided this does not interfere 
with the scorer drone ball crossing the goal ring. 
Note: In case of electronic scoring being used, teams shall be informed about position of the goal detection 
sensors before the match begins.  
F9A.4 PLAYERS 
F9A.4.1  Active players  
Drone soccer is played with 3 to 5 active players in both subclasses. There will be the same number of active 
players for each team at the beginning of the match. 
Note:  The number of active players must be defined by the organiser when announcement of the event is 
made.  
Every active player is flying a drone ball. One active player is designated as the Striker who is the only player 
who may score with his/her drone ball going through the opponents' goal ring. The other active players may 
act with their drone ball as a guide for the Striker and/or as a defender for their own goal. 
Any active player may only control one drone ball. So, the number of drone balls in flight for each team cannot 
be higher than the authorised number of active players. 
Substitution of an active player is only possible during a break between two sets and can only be considered 
from the players declared on the players' list for the concerned team.  
For each match, one of the active players will be appointed team captain and as spokesperson to communicate 
with the match referee, and where applicable the scoring referees. 
F9A.4.2  Players list 
The maximum number of players authorised to be registered in a team will be the number of active players 
defined by the organiser plus 2 (two) additional players. 
Note: The other participants, such as coaches, helpers or supporters will not be considered as members of 
the team. 
The player’s list for each team must be submitted before the beginning of the event as required by the 
organiser, but in any case no later than 30 minutes before the first match. 
The list may not be changed once the event begins. 
Note: Declaration of the Strikers and team captains will not be requested for submission of the player’s list, as 
they may change between sets and for each match. 
F9A.5 NUMBER OF DRONE BALLS 
Each active player may have up to 2 (two) drone balls ready for a match. The spare drone ball cannot carry 
the battery pack when it is not used for flight. 
The player may only change the drone ball or the battery pack during the break between two sets.  
F9A.6 PRACTICE FLIGHTS 
Practice sessions may be organised. The event director has the responsibility to define the conditions of the 
practice sessions which must be the same for all teams.  
Flights other than those authorised by the organiser are strictly forbidden. In case of a violation of that rule, 
penalty going up to disqualification from the event of the entire team may arise. 

F9A.7 FORMAT OF THE EVENT 
The organiser defines the format of the event. The format must be announced early as possible and no later 
than one month before the event. 
There are two main formats that may be considered: 
- Group stage followed by knockout and final stages. 
- Successive rounds. 
Note: The event may be a single match, a competition or contest, a tournament, etc. 
F9A.7.1 Format with group stage followed by knockout and final stages 
The event begins with a group stage followed by a knockout stage (round of 16, and/or quarter -finals, semi-
finals), and then by the final stage with the play-off for the third place and the final. 
In the group stage, every team plays a match against every other team in the group.  
Note: It is recommended to consider 3 to 5 teams for each group taking care of a similar number of teams for 
all groups wherever possible. 
The groups will be determined with a blind draw. 
F9A.7.1.1 Group stage ranking 
For each match, points will be awarded as follows: 
- 3 points for a win.  
- 1 point for each team in case of a tie between the two teams.  
- 0 point for a defeat. 
In each group, the two highest placed teams will be selected for the first knockout stage round.  
The ranking of each team in their group will be determined with the following criteria: 
- Total number of points obtained in all matches of the group. 
- Goals difference in all matches of the group. 
- Greatest number of goals scored in all matches of the group. 
If, on the basis of the above criteria, there is still a tie for the first or the second place in the group, a penalty 
shootout will be organised to break the tie between the concerned teams.  
F9A.7.1.2 Knockout stage 
The knockout stages are done with direct elimination of the teams who have lost their matches.  
F9A.7.1.3 Scenarios for illustration  
See below two examples of scenarios, one corresponding to a scenario for 24 teams and the other to a 
scenario for 16 teams. 
a) Scenario for 24 teams 
- Group stage: 8 groups (A to H) with 3 teams in each group. Each team plays 2 matches which means 
3 matches for each group and so a total of 24 matches for the group stage.  
- First knockout stage round (round of 16) - 8 matches (16 teams)   
. Winner A & Runner-up B = 1 
. Winner B & Runner-up A = 2 
. Winner C & Runner-up D = 3 

. Winner D & Runner-up C = 4 
. Winner E & Runner-up F = 5 
. Winner F & Runner-up E = 6 
. Winner G and Runner-up H = 7 
. Winner H and Runner-up G = 8 
- Second knockout stage round (quarter-finals) - 4 matches (8 teams) 
. Winner 1 & Winner 3 = A 
. Winner 2 & Winner 4 = B 
. Winner 5 & Winner 7 = C 
. Winner 6 & Winner 8 = D 
- Third knockout stage round (semi-finals) - 2 matches (4 teams) 
. Winner A & Winner C 
. Winner B & Winner D 
- Play-off for third place - 2 teams & 1 match: Semi-finals losers. 
- Final - 2 teams & 1 match: Semi-finals winners. 
40 matches in total: 24 for the group stage, 14 for knockout stage and 2 for the final stage.  
b) Scenario for 16 teams 
- Group stage: 4 groups (A to D) with 4 teams in each group. Each team plays 3 matches which means 
6 matches for each group and so a total of 24 matches for the group stage.  
- First knockout stage (quarter-finals) - 4 matches (8 teams)   
. Winner A & Runner-up B = 1 
. Winner B & Runner-up A = 2 
. Winner C & Runner-up D = 3 
. Winner D & Runner-up C = 4 
- Second knockout stage (semi-finals) - 2 matches (4 teams) 
. Winner 1 & Winner 3 
. Winner 2 & Winner 4 
- Play-off for third place - 2 teams & 1 match: Losers of the semi-finals. 
- Final - 2 teams & 1 match: Winners of the semi-finals. 
32 matches in total: 24 for the group stage, 6 for knockout stage and 2 for the final stage.  
F9A.7.2 Format with successive rounds 
This format may be run with direct elimination or with double elimination.  
Note: In this format, a lower total of matches is played compared to the other format, which means less time 
is necessary to run the event for a given total number of teams. 
A blind draw will be done for each round. Wherever possible, it is recommended to avoid a same pair of teams 
in two different rounds. 

In a situation of an odd number of teams in a round, the last team which has been drawn will not play in the 
round. This team will play twice in the following round: in the first match, and then in the last match if the 
number of teams permits it and if the team is not eliminated after the first match.  
For each match, the winning team is selected for the next round. 
For the direct elimination option, each team losing its match in the first round is eliminated, and so on for the 
following rounds. 
For the double elimination option, a team will be eliminated after losing two matches.  
F9A.8 ORGANISATION OF A MATCH 
A match is subdivided into three sets. Time allocated for each set is 3 (three) minutes.  
Another than in exceptional circumstances, the break between two sets will be limited to about two to three 
minutes, which is normally sufficient to retrieve the drone balls, change the battery pack and place them again 
on the start areas. 
Note: It is recommended to provide an electronic timer or equivalent to display the remaining playing time. This 
will be useful for the teams, the officials and the audience. 
F9A.8.1 Position of the teams on the playing field 
The match referee performs a coin toss in order to determine the position of the teams on the playing field (left 
or right side). 
The team that wins the coin toss chooses the side for their players area. The teams keep the same side for 
the entire match and so will stay in the same players area for all three sets. 
Nevertheless, if the match referee considers that an external factor, such as wind for an outdoor match, may 
significantly affect the result of the match, he/she may instruct the teams to swap sides. A team cannot 
complain or protest against such a decisio n of the match referee and cannot request a side change between 
two sets not instructed by the match referee. 
After the allocation of the players areas is decided, the captain of each team may check the goal ring in which 
the team must score. 
F9A.8.2 Start of a set  
The start of each set will be done as follows: 
- After the drone balls have been placed in their respective start areas, the match referee will request the 
two team captains if their team is ready to start. 
- When the match referee considers that the teams are ready, he/she will announce clearly 'Arm your quads'. 
- About 3 to 5 seconds after this announcement, a brief and intelligible sound signal will announce the start 
of the set. 
The match referee must stop the match and request a new start when he/she considers that:  
- the start procedure has not been done properly; 
- a player starts (drone ball leaving the ground) before the start signal. 
In case of an early start of a player, a penalty shot will be granted against the concerned team. 
F9A.8.3 End of a set  
The match referee is responsible for defining the end of the set.  
He/she will take into consideration when necessary additional time taking into account that time consumed for 
a penalty shot must not be considered as a part of the period of time of the set.  
The end of the set will be announced with a brief and intelligible sound signal.  

F9A.8.4 Scoring  
A team scores a goal when the drone ball of the Striker crosses the goal ring of the opponent’s team, provided 
that: 
- the goal ring has been crossed in the direction of the opponents’ baseline, 
- and when the entire drone ball has passed through the entire opponent’s goal ring. 
The scoring referee concerned is responsible to decide if the goal may be scored. This also applied when an 
electronic scoring system is used. 
Scoring by crossing the opponent's goal ring with the drone ball of an active player who is not the Striker will 
not be recognised as a goal. There will be no penalty for doing that.  
When a team scores a goal, all active players of the concerned team must immediately return to their side of 
the flying zone, as marked by the centre line, before attempting to score again. The scoring referee concerned 
is responsible for ensuring this is done properly. In case of an infringement, a penalty shot will be granted 
against the concerned team. In addition, a following goal which will be considered by the scoring referee as 
resulting from the violation of the rule will not be validated.  
It is recommended that when a Striker scores a goal, the scoring referee concerned raises a flag until the 
scorer drone ball had returned to its side of the flying zone and becomes eligible again to score.  
A drone ball on the ground being unable to fly and so to return to its side of the flying zone will be considered 
as being excluded from the remaining of the set. 
Attempts to prevent the still active drone balls from returning to their side of the flying zone (and therefore 
delay the scoring of the next point) is permitted. 
Note: In case of a temporary loss of control on a drone ball, the concerned player must do its best to return on 
his/her half of the flying zone after recovering control  when the player considers that the drone ball becomes 
unable to fly (See F9A.8.5 Safety occurrence). 
The Striker may pass or remain in his/her own goal ring for defence purposes.  
Another player of the team may pass through his/her own goal ring subject doing so it does not block the 
opponents' team from scoring. When a player, other than the Striker, passes or stays inside his/her own goal 
ring for defence purposes, a penalty shot is granted against the concerned team. 
F9A.8.5 Safety occurrence 
When a drone ball becomes unable to fly (loss of control, damage,…) or cannot be flown in a safe condition, 
the active player concerned must activate the drone ball fail -safe and notify the match referee as soon as the 
drone ball is on the ground. The player concerned must leave the players' area. The team concerned will play 
shorthanded for the remainder of the set. 
Note: An active player can be requested by the match referee to stop flying if it is considered the drone ball no 
longer meets acceptable safety standards. It could be for example the case when the drone ball is damaged 
after a collision or after a crash, or when the battery pack is dangling. 
When this concerns the Striker, the team captain may call a time out to the match referee. The match referee 
will stop the clock and will request all players to immediately land their drone ball. After all drone balls have 
landed, the Striker must disarm his/her drone ball and then leave the players area.  
A different active player of the team concerned will be appointed Striker and his/her drone will be placed in the 
start area of the team concerned. The team captain will declare the new Striker to the match referee.  
 The appointment of a new Striker may be done only once in a set for the team concerned.  
F9A.8.6 Set and match result 
For each set, the team that scores more goals in the set wins the set. If both teams score the same number of 
goals, or neither team scores a goal, the set will end with a tie between the two teams.  

The team that wins two sets is the winner of the match. 
If situation the match ends with a tie between the two teams, the main referee must define how to proceed to 
decide the winning team when this is necessary (for example, in situation of a direct elimination round): coin 
toss, overtime period, penalty shoot-out,… This must be clearly announced before the beginning of the event.  
Overtime period: This will be run in the same way as a standard set except the first goal determines the 
winning team (sudden death/golden goal). 
Penalty shootout: This will be played in the same way as the penalty shot. A minimum number of penalty 
shots (for example 5) will be defined. Whenever possible, penalty shots must be taken by different players of 
the team. All teams will be informed of the penalty shootout procedure that will be applied before the beginning 
of the event.  
If a team withdraws from a match (or for the rest of event), the match(es) concerned will be considered as 
being lost by the team. The same applies for a team that has been disqualified from the event.  
If a match is definitively stopped before its end, the current result based on the number of sets won determines 
the winner of the match except when the match is stopped because a team receives a red card . If both teams 
are equal and when it is necessary to decide between the two teams (for example for an event with direct 
elimination rounds), the match referee organises a coin toss to determine the winner. 
If the event cannot go on to the end, the last available provisional ranking will be considered for the final 
ranking. 
F9A.8.7 Video recorder 
In case a video recorder to monitor the match is in use, this “official” video recording cannot be used by the 
match referee to make decisions or to evaluate a decision during the match.  
It may only be used by the concerned official(s) to manage a complaint or protest.  
F9A.9 PENALTIES 
All penalties (penalty shot, warning, yellow and red card) are granted by the match referee.  
Penalties expire once the match is finished and do not carry over into subsequent matches.  
F9A.9.1 Penalty shot 
A penalty shot will be granted against a team in the following situations: 
- Start of a drone ball before the start signal (SF9A.8.2 Start of a set).  
- When the player(s) do not return properly to their side of the flying zone after their team has scored a goal 
(See F9A.8.4 Scoring). 
- When an active player crosses or remains steady inside his/her team goal ring for defence purposes ( See 
F9A.8.4 Scoring). 
The penalty shot is taken by the Striker (scorer drone ball) against one defender of the opposite team. A 10 
second period is given for the penalty shot attempt after the signal of the match referee.  
The time consumed for the penalty shot will not be considered as a part of the period of time of the set.  
Penalty shots may be staged at the end of the set with remaining battery. This must be announced by the 
event director before the beginning of the event. 
F9A.9.2 Warning 
A warning may be given to a team in the following situations: 
- Non authorised person (reserve player, coach,...) in the players area during a set. 
- Minor uncivilised conduct of a player or a coach towards a referee, an opponent player or coach, or a 
spectator. 

- Delay of the start of the match or of a set caused by a team without acceptance of the match referee.  
- Simple movement of a drone ball before the start signal which will not be considered as an early start.  
- Unintentional contact during a set of a flying drone ball on a done ball which is on ground.  
- Unintentional contact during a set of a drone ball on a person. 
F9A.9.3 Yellow card 
When two warnings are given for the same reason during a match to a team, a yellow card is given to the 
team. 
In addition, a yellow card may be directly given to a team in the following situations:  
- Change of an active player during a set. 
- Major uncivilised conduct of a player or a coach towards a referee, an opponent player or coach, or a 
spectator. 
- Intentional manipulation of a drone ball during a set. 
- Intentional contact during a set of a flying drone ball on a done ball which is on ground.  
- Intentional contact during a set of a drone ball on a person. 
The active player responsible for receiving the yellow card will be ejected from the rest of the set, and the team 
concerned will continue with the remaining active players. 
When the yellow card does not concern a particular active player, the team captain decides the active player 
to be ejected from the rest of the set. 
F9A.9.4 Red card 
When two yellow cards are given during a match to a team, a red card is given to the team.  
In addition, a red card may be directly given to a team in the following situations:  
- Active player not registered on the list of the players. 
- Severe uncivilised conduct of a player or a coach towards a referee, an opponent player or coach, or a 
spectator. 
- Dangerous or hazardous behaviour or action by an active player during a set.  
The active player responsible for receiving the red card will be ejected from the rest of the match, and the team 
concerned will play with one less drone during the rest of the match. 
When the red card does not concern a particular active player, the team captain decides the active player to 
be ejected from the rest of the match. 
F9A.10 INTERRUPTION OF THE EVENT 
The event should be interrupted or the start delayed in the following circumstances:  
- For an outdoor event, due to atmospheric conditions (rain, stormy condition, …) in which it would be 
dangerous to continue to fly, or if wind is continuously stronger than 9 m/s measured at 2 m above the 
ground near in the centre of the playing zone for at least one (1) minute. 
- Any incident affecting safety or requiring access for emergency services. 
The decision is taken by the main referee in conjunction with the event director. 
The match referee has the right to interrupt a set for an external disturbance or any other justified reason. 
When an interruption occurs during a set, the set must be completely rerun when possible except if the match 
referee considers a team as directly responsible of the interruption (for example forfeit). In that situation, the 
team which is the cause of the interruption loses the set which means the other team wins it.  

The decision to stop definitively a match must be taken by the main referee. 
F9A.11  DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE EVENT 
A disqualification from the event is decided by the event director with the consent of the Jury. 
A disqualification from the event affects the concerned team for the entire event. A disqualified team is placed 
at the end of the ranking with a 'DISQ' mention. 
Disqualification from the event may be considered in the following situations:  
- Use of a drone ball or equipment that does not conform to the rules. 
- Deliberate very dangerous behaviour by an active player on another person.  
- Unsporting behaviour by a member of the team. 
F9A.12 OFFICIALS 
F9A.12.1 Event director 
The event director has a complete oversight of the event. 
He/she has the responsibility of the safety concerns and will support the main referee to ensure compliance of 
the event with rules. 
He/she is also in charge of: 
- Organising the running of the event (draws, detailed schedule, order of the matches, etc.) according to the 
event format which has been retained. 
- Nominating for each match the match referee and the scoring referees.  
- Validating the result of each match and the provisional and final rankings. 
The following responsibilities and duties of the event director are also defined in the present rules:  
- Definition of the eventual restrictions for use of RC systems equipment outside the playing field ( See 
F9A.1.4 Radio control (RC) equipment). 
- Possibility of practice flights (See F9A.6 PRACTICE FLIGHTS). 
- Disqualification from the event of a team. 
F9A.12.2  Referees 
A main referee will be appointed for the event in order to manage sportive conduct of the event in conjunction 
with the event director. 
In addition, match referees may be appointed. When match referees are not appointed, the main referee act 
as match referee. 
In any case, scoring referees will be appointed. 
F9A.12.2.1 Main referee 
The main referee has the final authority regarding application of the drone soccer rules for the event.  
Responsibilities and duties of the main referee as defined in the present rules are:  
- Before the beginning of the event, mention how it will be proceeded to decide the winning team (when this 
is necessary) in case a match ends with a tie between the two teams (See F9A.8.6 Set and match 
result). 
- Compliance of the drone balls with specification rules (See F9A.1 DRONE BALL GENERAL 
SPECIFICATIONS).  

- Interruption of the event or delay of the start if necessary (See F9A.10 INTERRUPTION OF THE 
EVENT). 
Note: Model processing may be organised before the event, where important characteristics of each model 
may be checked and the drone ball marked to signify compliance. During the event, in case of doubt, the main 
referee may request the organiser to check the characteristics of a specific drone ball. He/she may also 
consider a random spot -check following any match to check the most important characteristics of the drone 
ball. 
F9A.12.2.2 Match referee 
The match referee has the overall responsibility to lead the match seamlessly, smoothly, and fairly in 
cooperation with the scoring referees. 
He/she must also pay appropriate attention to the safety concerns during the match and take care that only 
authorised persons are present on the playing field. 
He/she will be positioned in order to have an overview of the entire playing field and to be seen by the active 
players. He/she will be equipped with a microphone or equivalent in order to be heard clearly by every active 
player on both sides of the playing field. 
Responsibilities and duties of the match referee as defined in the present rules are:  
- Choice of the position of the two teams on the playing field (See F9A.8.1 Position of the teams on the 
playing field). 
- Check before each set that the active players for both teams are on the players' list ( See F9A.4.2 
 Players list). 
- Start (See F9A.8.2 Start of a set) and end (See F9A.8.3 End of a set) of each set. 
- Break time between two sets (See F9A.8 ORGANISATION OF A MATCH). 
- Validation of goals and scores in cooperation with the scoring referees (See F9A.8.4 Scoring). 
- Request an active flyer to stop flying if it is considered the drone ball no longer meets acceptable safety 
standards (See F9A.8.5 Safety occurrence). 
- Set and match result in cooperation with the scoring referees (See F9A.8.6 Set and match result). 
- Granting of penalties (See F9A.9 PENALTIES). 
- Interruption of a set for an external disturbance or any other justified reason ( See F9A.10
 INTERRUPTION OF THE EVENT). 
- At the end of the match, record the score of each set in cooperation with the scoring referees, the final 
result of the match, the penalties which have been granted during the match and any incident which to 
notice. 
The match referee may change his/her decision if he/she considers he/she has made an error of judgment or 
after considering the advice of a scoring referee. In any case, the position of the match referee prevails.  
F9A.12.2.3 Scoring referee 
Two scoring referees should be appointed prior to each match with one on each side of the playing field match. 
Both will be positioned outside the flying zone. The scoring referees will follow the game on their side of the 
playing field to follow the scoring of the Striker concerned. 
The match referee may specify before the match to the scoring referees what he/she expects first and foremost 
from them. 
F9A.12.3 Jury 
In any International event included in the FAI Contest Calendar, a FAI Jury must be nominated according to 
Volume CIAM General Rules C.7.1 and C.7.3. 

In the other events, a Jury may be nominated to make all decisions dictated by any circumstances which may 
arise and to rule on disputes.