At Code4rena, we’re always looking for ways to streamline the competitive auditing process. Amendments for efficiency? We’re in. A “Scout” is one role that’s implemented to do just that. Focused on scoping, Scouts assist in the pre-competition preparation that makes everything that comes after possible.
What is a Code4rena Scout?
As mentioned above, a Scout focuses on scoping and pre-competition intel. In this context, scoping determines an appropriate competition length and/or reward pool size. There are many factors taken into consideration at this stage, including but not limited to: total number of sLoC, library dependencies, external calls, timelocks and more. All the elements serve to indicate what parameters a competition should have, in terms of duration and pool size.
Scouts confirm the scope of competitions before they’re live, and then report on the code and the state of the repo to provide useful high-level information for Wardens considering competing in the competition. Scouts also provide feedback to the competition sponsors and C4 staff on scoping accuracy and repo preparedness.
For their efforts, Scouts receive a flat fee of $500 USDC per competition.
What are a Scout’s objectives?
Typically, Scouts begin by reviewing the proposed code and repo before the competition has started. This ensures that the competition is scoped correctly, and the repo is suitable. After this point, a Scout provides feedback to Sponsors and the C4 team on scoping accuracy and preparedness. Any concerns are flagged, and the Scout is encouraged to supply technical guidance regarding any scoping issues or necessary adjustments. The Scout is also in charge of monitoring the Sponsor’s public code repo for any changes that could constitute a violation of C4’s code freeze requirement during the competition.
On becoming a Scout
Right now, Scouts are hand-picked by the C4 team as it’s a highly sensitive role. We’re looking at the possibility of opening up applications, but not in the near future.
Got questions?
As always, feel free to reach out to the C4 team in Discord.
