Updated: Oct 17, 2025 @ 10:32 am

GETTING STARTED – for educators in NYS 

1Gather Equipment.  Drone soccer equipment/kits must meet U.S. Drone Soccer Association Ruleset specs for gameplay to participate in official USDSA events.  Older kits from previous seasons may need refreshing or updating.  Now is the time to seek out vendor suggestions on what is needed to get up and running.  Referrals & suggestions are available through CNY Drones.

2. Complete Professional Development (aka LMS) offered by Drone Sports, Inc.  Drone Sports, Inc. is a NYS Vendor.  Educators from a school/ organization that has purchased their equipment can receive a FREE code to complete the certification training.  Email: Eric@dronesports.us Subject: LMS Support.   Once notified that this overview certification has been completed, CNY Drones will be happy to provide support for your program!

3. Join the U.S. Drone Soccer Association!  Go to USDroneSoccer.org.  Sign-in at the top right hand corner.  The U.S. Drone Soccer Association will confirm that your training has been complete.  This is NOT instantaneous.  Your certification record and connection to USDSA will be checked. You then receive a welcome via email along with access to necessary coach resources. National resources include NYS Standard aligned lesson plans, AMA Membership forms & instructions on using the League Management Software at fly.dronesoccer.us (aka LeagueOS).

4. Register your team by providing information at fly.dronesoccer.us.  All team members must be entered to compete in Qualifiers and Championships.   The 2 previous steps must be taken before access is granted in this league management software.

5. Join the Academy of Model Aeronautics.    All students participating in District Championships MUST be AMA members.  We suggest signing up as a MASC – Model Aviation Student Club.  The lead educator for the club receives a free adult membership with their team.  Student memberships (age 12-18) are $15 as of 2025-26 Season Kick-Off.   Should all educators be AMA members? YES!

NY District II Support Hub  

Monthly Tech Meets & Weekly Planning Committee Access

    • For information exchange & team development
    • For technical support & ongoing community connection

Support Drive Folders

      • Essential items for starting & maintaining the District II Community
      • Includes team, competition, safety equipment info, references, photos, & slide presentations

Technical Support Staff

        • Experienced Certified Instructors from the NYS STEM & drone community
        • Typically, <24-hour response time for most issues
        • Support is available once Professional Development (LMS) is completed

Contract Services

    • On-site workshops, troubleshooting, & coaching
    • Minimum of 2 instructors per session, ensuring optimal learning
    • Proven training format for superior individual learning & concept sharing

Event Hosting

    • District II Kick-Off at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica
    • Season Tech Meets (live & virtual) at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
    • Coordination of local Qualifiers
    • Annual District II Championship at SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Support for Qualifiers & Local Events

    • Networking & promotion within District II, the Northeast & Nationally
    • Advice on coaching, scrimmaging, event coordination, & workshop creation
    • Assistance with sanctioned events & demos to growth District II

Hub Collaboration

We work with our sister AMA organization, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s University Model Aviation Student Club, linking high school students with a tech-forward college environment

DRONE SOCCER TECH

A few words about LiPo Battery Safety – from U.S. Drone Soccer…

“Battery manufacturers report that inadvertent short circuits caused by abuse during handling are the largest single source of field failures for lithium batteries. Problems associated with shorting as well as other hazardous conditions can be reduced by observing the following guidelines: 

  • Lithium batteries shall be stored and transported inside a flammables storage cabinet or fire-resistant container at all times.
  • Remove jewelry items such as rings, wristwatches, pendants, etc., that could come in contact with the battery terminals. 
  • NEVER leave packages or pallets of batteries unattended where they can be damaged by personnel or vehicles. 
  • Perform a safety inspection prior to every use. 
  • Damaged batteries shall be disposed of immediately in the nearest Safety Can.”

How to Reach CNY Drones for Support

  1. The fastest way to reach us is by phone or direct message!
    • 315-732-1001 CNY Drones Volunteer Coordinator:  Bob
  2.  Email us!   if you’d like to add technical info, photos or video

Want National Info? 

U.S. Drone Soccer Association

USDroneSocccer.org

  • 501c3 Not-For-Profit oversees the nationwide CTE program & competition ladder
  • Academy of Model Aeronautics Special Interest Group
  • FAI (World Air Sports Federation) affiliated for international play
  • Members receive access to extensive team resources & competitions