The role of young referees at RomeCup 2025
At the RomeCup 2025, where autonomous robots overcome obstacles, kick balls and save lives in emergency simulations, there are watchful eyes observing every detail. These are the eyes of the young referees, key figures who ensure not only that the matches are played fairly, but also that there is an atmosphere of respect, trust and shared learning.
Their task goes far beyond enforcing the rules: ‘Being a referee for me... every year is the first time,’ says Davide Belli, now in his third season in the Soccer Open and Soccer Lightweight categories. ‘I always try to give my best to ensure that the kids express their full potential.’
The RomeCup is not just a competition, but a transformative experience, even for those wearing the referee's jersey. Emanuele Coletta, a former player and now a referee in the Soccer category, confirms: ‘It was like that as a player, and it's even more so as a referee. It's fantastic to see the enthusiasm I had in the kids and to be able to give it back, helping out when things don't work out.’
Francesca Formaggio, 23, a trainer for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, has been a referee in the Explorer category for three editions. For her, being on the pitch is a privileged opportunity to observe the commitment and growth of the participants: ‘It's great to see the passion, the competitive spirit, and being among them is always very enjoyable.’
On his first experience as a referee, Giorgio Anzelini, 41, emphasises how formative this opportunity has been: ‘I hope I helped the kids improve and work better as a team. It was also an important moment for me, in terms of personal growth.’
Angie Albitres, 21, also a first-time referee in the Explorer category, had an amazing experience: ‘I really enjoyed seeing the kids compete with such passion and desire to improve every day. It was very nice and inspiring. I hope that those who followed us will also be inspired to participate next year.’
The RomeCup 2025 competitions range from rescue in simulated scenarios (Rescue Line) to environmental exploration (Explorer), robot football (Soccer) and artistic performances (On Stage). One of the most fascinating challenges is the Robotic Arm Challenge, dedicated to intelligent and collaborative robotic arms. Riccardo Accatino was there to observe the ingenuity and creativity of the students: ‘An arm that senses muscle movements, friendly designs... it's incredible what these kids can do.’
Finally, Valeria Bonagura, 27, a PhD student in Autonomous Systems, refereed the Explorer category, explaining the robots' task in detail: ‘They have to follow marked routes, enter rooms and simulate rescue operations independently. It's an exercise in problem solving and environmental intelligence.’
The common thread linking all these testimonies is the same: a gaze that accompanies, encourages and supports. The referees of RomeCup 2025 are silent mentors, guardians of the spirit of the event. Thanks to them, the challenge becomes growth, the rules become opportunities, and every obstacle is a chance to improve.
