Drone soccer follows official rules established by regional organizations such as the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and the U.S. Drone Soccer Association to ensure fair and safe play:
● Competition Structure: A match consists of three 3-minute rounds, including maintenance breaks, for a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. The team with the most points at the end of each round wins. In the event of a tie, a sudden-death overtime period is played.
● Scoring Rules: Only the forward can score by flying their drone completely through the opposing team's goal ring. Any goal scored by flying offside or failing to completely cross the goal will be disqualified.
● Offside Rule: If a forward fails to immediately return to their own half after passing the opponent's goal, or if their drone loses control and remains in the opponent's territory, they are considered offside and must return to their own territory to regroup.
● Safety and Conduct: Reckless flying, intentional collisions, or interference with others (such as radio interference) are strictly prohibited. Teams must ensure their equipment is in good condition and that pilots maintain awareness of the field conditions. Violations will be penalized, and serious violations may result in disqualification.
● Equipment Standards: Participating drones must be equipped with crash barriers, loss-of-control protection devices, and identifiable LED lights in the team's colors. The leading drone must be identified by a dedicated light or flag.
