Recognised Worldwide
Drone soccer became an official FAI air sport (Class F9A) in 2019, and NDSL follows the same core structure used at FAI-sanctioned events and national federations around the world — including the FAI World Drone Soccer Championship. Applying an internationally recognised standard means NDSL pilots are training and competing under the same fundamentals they'd meet at continental or world-level competition.
What this means for players and parents: the rules below reflect FAI sporting code principles for drone soccer, adapted with youth-appropriate safety margins for pilots aged 12–18. Local match-day officials may issue supplementary guidance for specific venues or combines.
Match Format & Scoring
Match Structure
A match is divided into three sets. Each set lasts three minutes, with short breaks between sets for repairs and battery swaps. The team that wins the most sets wins the match.
- A set is won by scoring more goals than the opponent within the three minutes.
- The first team to win two sets wins the match.
- A tied set is settled by a penalty shoot-out; if still tied, sudden death follows — first goal wins.
Scoring a Goal
Only the designated Striker may score, and only by flying completely through the opponent's goal ring in the forward direction.
- The drone must fully cross the goal ring to count.
- Goals are disallowed if the Striker is offside or the ring isn't fully crossed.
- Match officials confirm every goal before it's recorded.
The Flying Zone
Matches take place inside a fully enclosed, netted flying zone with a marked pilot's area on each side. Nobody is permitted inside the cage while a set is in progress.
- Two goal rings are positioned at opposite ends of the flying zone.
- Team sides are decided by coin toss before the match and held for all three sets.
- Pilots fly from their designated area only, outside the netting.
Equipment Standard
Every drone soccer ball flies inside a protective spherical cage and carries team-colour lighting so referees and spectators can identify each side at a glance.
- Drones must include a fail-safe that cuts power if control is lost.
- Each pilot controls exactly one drone at a time.
- Equipment is checked before matches for cage integrity and battery safety.
Player Positions
Each side fields active pilots in defined roles. Only one pilot per team is designated to score in a given set, while the rest fly in support and defence.
| Position | Role on the Pitch |
|---|---|
| Striker | The only pilot who may score, by flying their drone through the opponent's goal ring. Identified with a marker flag for easy officiating. |
| Forward | Supports the Striker, clears a path toward goal, and can step into the Striker role if needed under match rules. |
| Center | Links attack and defence, contesting space in the middle of the flying zone. |
| Sweeper | Defensive pilot who covers gaps and intercepts opposing attackers before they reach goal. |
| Keeper | Guards the home goal ring, positioned to block the opponent's Striker from scoring. |
Fouls & Fair Play
Standard Infractions
- Deliberate ramming or collision with an opposing drone
- Flying outside the marked flying zone or pilot's area
- Interfering with an opponent's controller or radio signal
- Delaying restart of play after a stoppage
Serious Misconduct
- Intentional dangerous flying that endangers spectators or officials
- Verbal abuse or unsportsmanlike conduct toward officials, opponents, or teammates
- Tampering with equipment to gain unfair advantage
- Any action a referee deems a serious breach of fair play
Match referees have final authority on fouls, and may award a stoppage, disallow a goal, or issue a caution or match suspension depending on severity. Repeated or serious misconduct is escalated to NDSL's disciplinary process below.
Safety Rules
Code of Conduct
NDSL is a youth league first. Every pilot, coach, volunteer, and parent who takes part is expected to uphold the same standard of respect and integrity that the sport asks of its athletes.
Pilots & Crew
- Respect teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials at all times
- Follow all safety instructions immediately and without argument
- No bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, on or off the pitch
- Compete honestly — no cheating, unfair equipment use, or match manipulation
- Report unsafe conditions or misconduct to a coach or coordinator
Adults in the League
- Put player safety and wellbeing above results, always
- Model respectful, positive communication with youth players
- Never be alone with a single minor outside of authorised settings
- Report any safeguarding concern to NDSL HQ immediately
- Uphold NDSL's values as a public representative of the league
Supporters
- Cheer for the sport, not against opponents, officials, or referees
- Stay outside the flying zone and pilot's area during matches
- No abusive language, threats, or physical confrontation at any event
- Direct concerns to a state coordinator, not directly to officials mid-match
Disciplinary Process
On-the-Spot Caution
For minor infractions, the match referee issues an immediate caution and the game continues under normal rules.
Formal Warning & Report
Repeated or more serious issues are logged in a match report and escalated to the relevant State Coordinator, with the player's coach or guardian notified.
Suspension
Serious misconduct, safety violations, or repeated breaches can result in suspension from matches or combines, pending review by NDSL HQ.
Removal From the League
For the most severe breaches — including any safeguarding violation — NDSL HQ may permanently remove an individual from the league, in line with our commitment to a safe, fair environment for every young pilot.
Questions about the rules or a concern to report?Reach NDSL HQ directly on WhatsApp and a state coordinator will follow up.
Message NDSL HQ