VOLUNTEER

The Audio/Visual (A/V) Attendant assists with lighting, sound, and any projections shown during the event. May be asked to help manage the live stream to create an exciting, cohesive experience for web spectators, and create an archive for teams to re-live the event.

Plays high-energy, appropriate music throughout the competition. Works with the emcee and technical director to coordinate music and the awards ceremony. -Monitors the energy of the crowd.  -Increases or decreases musical selections based on crowd enthusiasm.  

Event Photographer volunteers photograph and document the event via digital images. Photographs should be professional in nature, and not include selfies or inappropriate behavior or language. The photographs should be provided to the Event Leadership within 2 weeks of conclusion of the event so that teams, volunteers, and Event Leadership can utilize the pictures.

Field Assembly and Disassembly volunteers assist with assembly of the playing field and the practice field on event set-up day, and/or disassembly on event break-down day. Volunteers are not required to do both assembly and disassembly. Tools and hardware are provided, and volunteers are not required to bring any additional materials with them to the event.

Field Resetter volunteers repair and reset the playing field after each team match. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently. This position is normally very physically active.

The Inspection Manager for FIRST Robotics Competition manages the paperwork and details associated with the inspection process and tracks the progress of all teams at the event through inspection. Provides support to the Lead Robot Inspector in prioritizing team inspections based on match schedule. Identifies issues and potential bottlenecks. Provides recommendations on physical flow of teams through the inspection station.

Judges select team award recipients with the help of a Judge Advisor through interaction with teams. They review team information and serve as role models for the students. Judges have the ability to positively impact the quality of event and have an opportunity to coach students on career paths.

There are separate volunteer roles within the system called “Judge – FIRST Impact Award” and “Judge – Dean’s List Award”. These volunteers focus on those specific awards but much of this role description still applies to those roles.

The Judge Advisor Assistant (JAA) role assists the Judge Advisor (JA) throughout the event. Collaborates with event management staff to ensure the judges are meeting the competition schedule and oversees the food and drinks delivered to the judge room. The JAA does not interview teams or participate in the awards selection process.

The Load-In/Out Crew for FIRST Robotics Competition is critical to the safety of teams, volunteers, and the public during load-in/out processes. This is a physically active position that requires facilitating smooth team traffic flow throughout the facility when the teams are transporting their materials, including their robots, in and out of the event venue at the start and end of an event. 

A volunteer does not need to fulfill both roles of Load-In Crew and Load-Out Crew; instead, they could fill either position independent of the other.

Machine Shop Staff volunteers for FIRST Robotics Competition assist teams with robot repair and modifications. Some volunteers may help with processing orders while others may use machines and tools to make requested modifications. This role requires a significant level of responsibility and provides the opportunity to utilize and further develop coaching skills and mechanical knowledge. This is an active role, not sedentary.

The Pit Administrator role provides direction, assistance, information, and support to teams and guests in the Pit. Volunteers in this role may be asked to make general announcements via the public-address (PA) system in the Pit area but this varies by event. This is a physically active, fast-paced role.

The Practice Field Attendant schedules and monitors practice field and equipment usage throughout the event. This volunteer is also responsible for keeping the practice field clean and free of debris, protecting practice field electronics, and reporting any malfunctions or damage to the field directly to the Field Supervisor / FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA).

The Queuer role plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. The Queuer is responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field and restricting access tothe field for unauthorized individuals. This is a physically active role.

The Quiet Room Attendant for FIRST Robotics Competition oversees the Quiet Room and helps to ensure that individuals using the room respect the nature of the space. The volunteer in this position will monitor the Quiet Room, supervise activities, answer questions, and provide gentle reminders of the purpose of this space. The Quiet Room is a place for individuals to step away from the excitement and pressure of a FIRST event to decompress in silence.

Safety Attendant volunteers for FIRST Robotics Competition work together under the Safety Manager to help keep the event safe. Some volunteers may help by greeting visitors and handing out safety glasses at Safety Glass Stations. Others may help with pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility, monitoring the audience, and keeping walkways and aisles clear.

Maintain an adequate supply of safety glasses at Safety Glass Station, alert the Safety Manager when more glasses, supplies, or volunteers are needed. Maintain a high level of safety as stated in the FIRST Safety Manual and FIRST Game & Event Rules Manual. 

The Spare Parts Attendant for FIRST Robotics Competition manages the distribution and loaning of spare materials to teams.

Captures the competition on film and/or video for archival and future publicity.