FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Roles

Use the info sheets below to learn more about what volunteer role is best for you! Don’t worry if you’re still not sure after reviewing the information. After signing our interest form you’ll be contacted by a volunteer committee member to discuss your options and get started!

Click here to Fill Out Our Volunteer Contact Form

Accommodations Coordinator

  • Description:
    • Gather accommodation requests from coaches/ mentors, families, volunteers, and spectators and work with the event planning committee and other volunteers to provide accommodation at events.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST event experience required.
    • Ability to work and interact with volunteers, team members, spectators, contracted staff and FIRST staff.
    • Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Control System Advisor (CSA)

  • Description:
    • Help teams with robot control system related issues. Works in collaboration with the FIRST technical advisor (FTA) and robot inspectors, who may direct teams experiencing issues on the field or in the pits to the CSA for help.
    • This position requires a high-level of technical knowledge and people skills and can affect the quality of the event.
    • Provides in-depth technical support to help teams troubleshoot and resolve robot and control system issues.
    • Experienced with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi direct networking.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • In-depth knowledge of the FIRST Tech Challenge Android based control system and diagnostic tools.
    • High level of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND post High School or Equivalent 

Crowd Control Volunteer

  • Description:
    • Facilitates smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility and monitors audience activity.
    • Keep aisles, hallways, and team traffic pathways clear in the pit and near the playing field.
    • Limit team, volunteer, and public access to the field.
    • Monitor access to designated spaces.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 15 years old, 18+ preferred

Dean's List Interviewer

  • Description:
    • Responsible for interviewing the Dean’s List Semi-Finalist(s) and writes notes for each student. 6-to-10-minute interview that will happen either remotely or at an event (interviews will not take place at a regional championship tournament). Those regions will require the interviewer to interview the student remotely.
    • Interviewers spend time reviewing the student’s nomination before the interview takes place.
  • Reports To:
    • Judge Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Dean's List Reviewer

  • Description:
    • Responsible for reviewing Dean’s List nominations and interviewer notes to decide which 2 – 4 students from a region will move to the next level of Dean’s List Finalist.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience
    • BlueVolt Training Course
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Disc Jockey

  • Description:
    • Plays high-energy, appropriate music throughout the competition. Working 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.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 15 Years Old, 18+ Preferred

Emcee

  • Description:
    • Primary individual responsible for setting the tone of the competition and creating and sustaining an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event.
    • Most visible presence at the event; embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the consummate FIRST ambassador.
    • Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • Hosts the opening and awards ceremonies.
    • Provide spectators and teams with an overview of the game and the basic rules throughout the event.
    • Announce teams taking part in matches.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND Post High School or equivalent

Event Director

  • Description:
    • Plan and deliver FIRST Tech Challenge events, following the requirements in the agreement between the Program Delivery Partner (PDP) and the Event Director, or between the PDP and FIRST.
    • Works with the PDP to secure event venues for the season’s events.
    • Creates event schedule, including judging schedules and match schedules. Creates floor plan and event layout for event day. Sets up load-in/load-out schedule.
    • Works with the Volunteer Coordinator to identify staffing needs for the entire event.
    • Serves as the principal liaison with the facility manager.
    • Coordinates food, t-shirts, etc. for events.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience.
    • High level of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Event Photographer

  • Description:
    • Responsible for photographing and documenting the event via digital images.
    • Possess and bring camera equipment (not cell phones).
    • The event will not be responsible for nor provide equipment.
    • Work with Event Planning Committee and/or Event Leadership to develop a shot list.
    • Pictures should include teams, robots, and volunteers. Share pictures with Event Leadership within 2 weeks of the event.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old

Field Inspector

  • Description:
    • Ensure that every robot can successfully connect and compete in a match. The Field Inspector must also go through the field inspection checklist which includes verifying settings on the team’s Android device and to remind the teams to stay on time for each match. 
    • Verify the team’s driver station and robot controller have the correct software and operating system.
    • Verify the driver station and robot controller’s settings are comply with the rules in the Game Manual Part 1.
    • Conduct practice matches to ensure the drivers station connects with the robot controller.
    • Help the team to be successful.
    • Be fair and apply the same level of thoroughness to every team.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • Familiarity with the FIRST Tech Challenge control system;
    • Experience with devices using the Android operating system.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND Post High School or Equivalent

Field Supervisor

  • Description:
    • Takes part in field set-up and maintenance, directs activity on the field to ensure smooth execution of the matches. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • Field setup in collaboration with the technical advisor and event director.
    • Direct field resetters. Helps direct queuer volunteers to ensure teams are arriving to the field on time.
    • Help keep matches running on time.
    • Collaborate with the emcee and event director to watch and adjust game pace, as needed.
    • Watch and record team interactions, team behavior, and behavior that is questionable.
  • Reports To:
    • Event Director
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience as a FIRST technical advisor and/or as a referee is required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Field Resetter

  • Description:
    • Responsible for resetting the playing field after each match.
    • Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event.
    • Reset field after each match. Check the field for debris after match, remove.
    • Check field for damage; report damage to Head Referee.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience strongly preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 13 Years Old

FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA)

  • Description:
    • Work with Field Supervisor to keep the areas in and around the robot playing fields running smoothly. Concentrates on the technical issues (robots, scoring software, etc.) and the Field Supervisor is responsible for operational activities (team queuing, playing field reset, etc.).
    • Pre-match and post-match robot triage.
    • Providing as needed support to teams during match set-up.
    • Explaining technical issues that may have affected match play to referees and students. Providing help for the scoring system.
    • All the field supervisor’s responsibilities if the FTA and field supervisor positions are combined.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor *
    • If Combined, See reports to of Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience, strong technical knowledge, and in-depth knowledge of the
      FIRST Tech Challenge Android based control system and diagnostic tools as well as experience with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct networking.
    • Common Mechanical Design Systems;
    • Familiarity with the FIRST Tech Challenge Live Scoring System;
    • Ability to use deductive reasoning to solve technical problems; and Ability to repair damage to the playing fields.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND post High School or equivalent

FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA)

  • Description:
    • Provide support to the FTA in the playing area during the competition, to complete tasks as assigned by the FTA, and to act as the FTA if and when the FTA needs to leave the playing area to handle a robot problem, although any major decisions will be made by the FTA.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience, strong technical knowledge, and in-depth knowledge of the
      FIRST Tech Challenge Android based control system;
    • Common Mechanical Design Systems;
    • Familiarity with the FIRST Tech Challenge Live Scoring System;
    • Experience with devices running the Android operating system.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND post High School ro Equivalent

Floater

  • Description:
    • The volunteer floaters provide help in various areas at an event as needed.
    • Frequently help with last-minute tasks identified by event staff.
    • Fill volunteer positions for volunteers who were assigned a specific position before the event but could not attend the event.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience strongly preferred, but not required.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • Dependent on Role Assignment

FTC Scoring Event Administrator

  • Description:
    • The FTC Scoring Event Administrator (formerly Event Administrator) is a role that assists or acts as a substitute for the PDP level of access to the FTC scoring system for a specific event.
    • Adding sponsors/teams to events.
    • Managing event schedule, including opening/closing ceremonies, and assigning judges and the judge advisor in FTC Scoring, as needed.
    • Add and distribute links for virtual judging sessions.
    • Transfer event data to the scorekeeper/scoring laptop.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

FTC Scoring League Administrator

  • Description:
    • The FTC Scoring League Administrator role exists to assist the PDP with specific league’s administrative tasks within the FTC Scoring System. These tasks can include:
    • Adding teams to a league.
    • Adding teams to league events.
    • Add and edit sponsors and event details.
    • Transfer league event data to the scorekeeper/scoring laptop.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred.
    • An FTC Scoring Event Administrator would be an ideal FTC Scoring League Administrator, but it is not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 years Old

Game Announcer

  • Description:
    • The game announcer’s role is to work together with the emcee to:
    • Introduce teams.
    • Provide play-by-play commentary.
    • Report the scores.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 15 Years Old

Head Referee

  • Description:
    • Refereeing a FIRST competition is different from a traditional sporting event in that the referees help the competitors to avoid breaking the rules of the game.
    • Referees watch matches, identify rule violations, and “call” them.
    • Head referees play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • The referees work under the direction of the Head Referee and may be needed to take part in deliberations about contested referee calls by teams.
  • Reports To:
    • Event Director
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience as a referee.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • Must be at least 23 years of age or 21 with HQ approval.

Game Announcer

  • Description:
    • The primary role of a judge is to interview teams, and to decide which teams deserve an award based on team interviews, the robot, match play, and the engineering portfolio.
    • Judges are paired in groups of two to three to interview a set number of teams before the competition begins as well as interviews in the pit area.
    • Interview and watch teams in the judging rooms, the pit, and on the playing field.
    • Take part on judge panel to decide team award recipients.
  • Reports To:
    • Judge Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    •  FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent allowed to serve in this role with HQ approval, 21 preferred.

Judge Advisor (JA)

  • Description:
    • Coordinates the judging process, which includes facilitating group deliberation sessions, ensuring the award decisions are made, and the awards script is written. Sometimes the Judge Advisor trains Judges and can help in scheduling the judging interviews. The judges, judge advisor assistant, and judge match observers look to the judge advisor for training materials, schedules, and other general questions throughout the event.
    •  Facilitates judge deliberations to help the judges in deciding which teams deserve
      which awards.
    • Review expectations for the day and the schedule with the judges and judge advisor assistants.
    • Receive list of teams registered for the event and any that have received the Inspire award.
    • Secure match scores and rankings from the scorekeeper to provide data to judges throughout the event as needed
  • Reports To:
    • Event Director
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience as a judge.
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    •  Must be at least 23 years of age and be at least three (3) years removed from a team to serve in this role.

Judge Advisor Assistant (JAA)

  • Description:
    • The judge advisor assistant is not a judge, does not interview teams, or take part in awards recipient selection process. Assist judge advisor to keep judge panel on schedule and performs other duties as assigned by the judge advisor.
    • Provide clerical support, for example, type awards scripts on laptop.
    • Organize and ensure all materials and supplies needed are available, and correctly placed on tables. Breakdown of judge room at end of competition, repack FIRST materials, return materials to Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Reports To:
    • Judge Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    •  FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 years of age or older AND post high school or equivalent

Judge Match Observer

  • Description:
    • Most of the judges will be involved in the judge interviews and will not have much time to see the robots in action. Two or three judges should be asked to serve as judge match observers.
    • Watch the action on the field.
    • Collect data on the quality of the robot performance.
  • Reports To:
    • Judge Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience
    • BlueVolt training course
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent.

Lead Field Inspector

  • Description:
    • Perform mandatory field inspections to ensure that every robot can successfully connect and compete in a match.
    • Lead field Inspectors supervise the field inspectors and act as a resource to the field Inspectors performing the inspections.
    • Serves as a guide and resource to the field inspectors who are responsible for inspecting the robot controller and driver station Android devices.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience as a Field Inspector
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Lead Queuer

  • Description:
    • Lead queuers manage the flow of teams to and from the competition area. Lead queuers will
    • Work with the event director and the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) to create unrestricted paths to and from the pit area to the competition area.
    • Create and manage a safe, orderly flow of robots/teams to and from the competition will help to keep all the matches running on time.
    • Properly stage alliances in holding areas, while ensuring the proper numbers of teams are in the queue.
    • Acts as an important part of the event management team, working directly with the event director, FIRST Technical Advisor, and the queuing staff.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience as a queuer.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 years of age or older AND post high school or equivalent.

Lead Robot Inspector

  • Description:
    • Robot inspectors perform mandatory robot inspections to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. Lead robot inspectors supervise the robot inspectors and act as a resource to the robot inspectors performing the inspections.
    • Robot inspectors decide inspection result (pass/fail).
    • Serves as a guide and resource to robot inspectors who inspect the robot size, hardware, and electronics to discover if the robot is legal and ready for competition.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience as a Robot Inspector
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Lead Scorekeeper

  • Description:
    • Helps the flow of the event and provides information and match scores to the teams and to the audience.
    • The lead scorekeeper is the person responsible for making sure the scoring system is set up correctly (including displays and user tablets for other volunteers) and that match scores are entered accurately.
    • The volunteer should work closely with the FTA and head referee.
  • Reports To:
    • Field Supervisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience as a Scorekeeper
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Lead Robot Inspector

  • Description:
    • The load-in/load-out volunteers are responsible for either:
    • Setting up the event before the competition AND/OR Tearing down the event after the competition.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 13 Years Old

Pit Administrator

  • Description:
    • The pit administrator (or pit manager) is responsible for setting up the pit area, Trains the pit area volunteers. Manages all activities in the pit area including coordination of pit administration table and team interface.
    • Responsible for making sure event attendees have the information they need about the event. Provides a high level of customer service.
    • Collaborates with emergency medical technicians.
    • Could be responsible for team and volunteer registration.
  • Reports To:
    • Event Director
  • Prerequisites:
    •  Previous FIRST and event experience.
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Practice Field Attendant

  • Description:
    • The practice field attendant is responsible for supervising the practice field area, including watching team use of the field and game elements.
  • Reports To:
    • Pit Administrator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 15 Years Old

Queuer

  • Description:
    • The queuer is responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field. Stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • Escorts teams from the pit to the queuing area.
    • Stage and position teams for matches.
    • Ensures access to the field is limited to authorized individuals.
    • Maintain an uninterrupted flow of teams to the playing field.
    • Direct teams to fields, and from the field.
  • Reports To:
    • Lead Queuer
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 15 Years Old

Referee

  • Description:
    • The referee has two main role distinctions; watching matches to call penalties and tracking the status of the match. Referees report to the Head Referee and play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • Penalties
      • Watches team matches, identifies rule violations, and “calls” them.
      • Helps the competitors to avoid breaking the rules of the game.
      • Take part in deliberations about contested calls, working directly through the head referee.
    • Scoring
      • Referees watch the status of the game and scoring elements during match play. There will be one referee assigned to the blue alliance side of the field, and the other to the red alliance side of the field. They may track the status of the field on paper or using scoresheets. Some tournaments may use live scoring, and the referee will use an application installed on either a phone or tablet to track the status of the field.
      • Watching matches helps teams to avoid rule violations.
      • “Call” rule violations when necessary; decide penalties.
      • Communicates penalties and rule violations to the penalty Referee throughout the match.
      • Take part in deliberations about contested calls.
      • Watch and promote safe practices on and around the playing field.
  • Reports To:
    • Head Referee
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous FIRST experience.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND Post High School or Equivalent

Robot Inspector

  • Description:
    • Responsible to ensure every robot follows the guidelines outlined in FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manual Part 1 and are ready to compete on the field. The inspection process involves filling out a checklist for every robot and placing a label or other unique tag on the robot after it passes inspection.
    • Go through the inspection sheet with the team.
    • Assess the team’s robot and identify anything that is not in compliance with the rules.
    • Identify potential areas of entanglement (loose cables).
    • Help the team to be successful.
    • Be fair and apply the same thoroughness to every team.
  • Reports To:
    • Lead Robot Inspector
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training course
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND post High School or Equivalent

Scorekeeper

  • Description:
    • The scorekeeper manages and operates the scoring system. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event.
    • Set up the scoring system; ensure equipment works properly.
    • Manage scoring system displays and user tablets, post-match scores to audience and teams.
    • Help with breakdown of scoring system.
  • Reports To:
    • Lead Scorekeeper
  • Prerequisites:
    • Familiarity with the FTC Scoring system preferred.
    • Previous FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND Post High School or Equivalent

Team Registration

  • Description:
    • The team registration volunteers are responsible for checking teams in at the start of the event, ensuring they have presented a complete team roster, and providing the teams with their event day registration materials. This can also be done as part of the pit administrator’s responsibilities.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience preferred, but not required.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND post High School or Equivalent

Scorekeeper

  • Description:
    • The video crew captures the competition on film and/or video for archival and futurepublicity.
  • Reports To:
    • Tournament / Event Director
  • Prerequisites:
    •  FIRST experience preferred, but not required
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old AND Post High School or Equivalent

Volunteer Coordinator

  • Description:
    • The volunteer coordinator is responsible for recruiting the necessary volunteers needed to run a successful FIRST Tech Challenge event and is the onsite point of contact for specific roles.
    • Recruits all volunteers.
    • Works with the PDP and event director during the event.
    • Primary contact for all volunteers.
    • Works closely with the PDP of FIRST Tech Challenge event planning committee.
    • Manages and inspires volunteers.
    • Assigns volunteers in VMS.
  • Reports To:
    • Program Delivery Partner
  • Prerequisites:
    • Previous experience managing and communicating with multiple volunteers.
    • FIRST experience.
    • BlueVolt training courses.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old

Volunteer Check-In

  • Description:
    • The volunteer check-in person is responsible for checking volunteers in at the start of the event, ensuring they sign consent and release forms, conflict of interest and disclosure statements, and providing the volunteers with their event day registration materials. This can also be done as part of the pit administrator’s responsibilities.
  • Reports To:
    • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Prerequisites:
    •  FIRST experience preferred, but not required
    • BlueVolt Training Course
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 18 Years Old

Wi-Fi Technical Advisor (WTA)

  • Description:
    • The Wi-Fi Technical Advisor (WTA) is the technical volunteer who helps ensure the wireless environment at an event is clean and not too noisy. The WTA is also responsible for monitoring the wireless spectrum and troubleshooting wireless issues at large and critical FIRST Tech Challenge events. Not every FIRST Tech Challenge event will require a WTA.
    • Monitors the wireless environment and looks for clues for potential malicious activity during an event.
    • Most smaller events (less than 40 robots) do not need the skills of a WTA.
  • Reports To:
    • FIRST Technical Advisor
  • Prerequisites:
    • FIRST experience.
    • High level of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
    • BlueVolt training course.
  • Minimum Age: 
    • 21 Years Old