David Sanfilippo is a former California State University director who has held the role of referee alongside John Remar since World Championship IV.
Much like fellow referees, his role within the show consists of ensuring a competing team are abiding by the rules, counting down immobile robots, calling a pause in the fight if unsticks are necessary between bots, and calling the end of the fight if it has been decided by knockout.
David Sanfilippo calls the fight as End Game beats Tombstone by KO.
He is known for his intense but clear tone during fights, and distinct instruction when a bot is deemed immobile. David Sanfilippo has been present ever since the 2019 competition.
Outside BattleBots[]
David Sanfilippo testing a brand new mobility scooter after presenting them to CSU in October 2015.
A graduate of San Jose State University, David Sanfilippo held the role of Director of Disabled Student Services at California State University, Long Beach for four decades between 1978 and 2018. He assisted over 10,000 students with various disabilities to graduate university until his retirement. Notable advancements made to the university under his tenure included the installation of ramps for the commencement ceremony to allow for students in wheelchairs to access the stage, as well as improving accessibility to the university itself with regards to renovating classrooms and the parking lot. Affectionately known as Dangerous Dave within the university's athletics department, he also worked with students suffering traumatic injuries outside of sport.
- "Dave was a pioneer for how a model university should not only embrace the disabled but provide the necessary tools and support to help ensure their success."
- — Dave Sanfilippo is introduced to BattleBots fans ahead of the 2019 season by fellow referee John Remar
A notable example is former NFL wide receiver Mark Seay, who worked with David Sanfilippo to recover from the mental trauma of suffering major injuries from a drive-by shooting during his time at CSU in 1988. Despite being told he would never play the sport again, he returned to college football before signing professional contract and even played at Super Bowl XXIX with San Diego Chargers.
In 2012, he began writing a book titled "Where I Sit", documenting his experiences of over 40 years holding that role, and the inspiration he feels from students with disabilities overcoming obstacles.