Playing @ Learning Home

NCaFLL Home

About Us

Contact Us

Volunteering for FLL


Volunteers are needed so that we can provide a fun opportunity for FLL teams to demonstrate the great things that they have done this season.

Each event requires many volunteers with a broad spectrum of talents to support teams, volunteers, audience members and competition demands. We cannot hold the competitions without volunteers. A variety of volunteer positions are available both technical and non-technical. Many positions are available for those with no prior experience with a robotics competitions.

Volunteer Positions :

Time Commitment
Note not all positions are needed at all of the tournaments.
      Referee
All day required
  Judge
All day required
  Timekeeper
Prefer all day
  Pit Boss & Pit Crew
Prefer all day
  Competition Floor Manager
Prefer all day
Team Queue Manager
Prefer all day
Scorekeeper
Prefer all day
DJ
Prefer all day
  Emcee
Prefer all day
Robot Inspector
Mornings
Volunteer Registration
Mornings
Team Check-In
Mornings
Media Coordinator
Event day
  VIP Coordinator
Event day
  Setup Crew
Pre-Event
  Cleanup Crew
Post-Event
  Field Reset Crew
Can be shared
  Opening/Closing Ceremony Host
Can be shared
  Information Desk
Can be shared
  Pit Announcer
Can be shared
  Judging Aide
Can be shared
  Security / Crowd Control
Can be shared
First Aid
Can be shared
  Concession Sales
Can be shared
Photographer
Can be shared
Videographer
Can be shared
Team Runner
Can be shared

 

Volunteer Position Descriptions

SECURITY/CROWD CONTROL

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Facilitate smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility; monitor audience ; provide security for team pit area

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Outgoing, friendly personality
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Ability to take charge; be assertive, but tactful
    • Ability to move about facility
    • General knowledge of facility and/or event, is preferred
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

     

    TRAINING
          None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FIELD RESET CREW / FIELD RESETTER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Reset playing field after each team match. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required, but helpful
    • Ability to reach across to center of 4 foot wide competition table
    • Physically active role; ability to stand for long periods of time and quickly move about the field
    • Can be a sibling, parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          Competition Floor Manager conducts training in morning, and provides guidance during the competition

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if field reset crew can volunteer for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

JUDGING AIDE

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Provide support to judges by keeping track of time and signaling when 15 minute judging session is over. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of judging sessions and maintaining pace of the event.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Attention to detail is critical
    • Ability to take charge; be assertive, but tactful
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time


    TRAINING
          No training required

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if volunteer can stay for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TIMEKEEPER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Keep official time for each match for robot game or time for judging sessions. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of the tournament and maintaining pace of the day.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Attention to detail is critical
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time


    TRAINING
          No training required

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if volunteer can stay for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SCOREKEEPER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Official manager of the scoring sheets and official score spreadsheet.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Attention to detail is critical
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Must be able to use Excel to enter data


    TRAINING
         Training day-of required and scoring software (spreadsheet) training is available

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if volunteer can stay for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

PIT BOSS & PIT CREW

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Provide direction, assistance, information, and support to teams in the Pit area. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL tournament experience very helpful for pit boss
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Ability to work as a member of a team
    • Ability to use radio to communicate with team queue manager
    • Adults preferred for pit boss; older teens can be part of the pit crew
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          Pit Boss provides guidance to pit crew during the competition

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if pit boss and crew can volunteer for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

COMPETITION FLOOR MANAGER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Manage competition floor area including teams entering/exiting, VIPs, referees, A/V crew, etc Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of the day and maintaining pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL tournament experience very helpful
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Ability to work as a member of a team and direct others in a tactful manner
    • Can be a parent or adult relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          Tournament Director provides guidance

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Preferred if volunteer can stay for entire competition day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

PIT ANNOUNCER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Make general announcements via use of the public address system. Work in collaboration with the Team Queuing and Pit Boss to facilitate adherence to team match schedule

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • Experience as a Pit Administration volunteer preferred
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Outgoing personality; high energy
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Clear and strong vocal ability; requires frequent announcing
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Comfortable using a microphone and addressing large crowd; vocally energetic
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          None required.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

EMCEE

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Host for the competition event. Provide team introductions and competition commentary.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL Robot Competition experience preferred
    • Outgoing personality; high energy
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Clear and strong vocal ability; requires frequent speaking over a long period of time
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Comfortable using a microphone and addressing large crowd; vocally energetic
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          Playing At Learning can provide training via a game overview prior to the event.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DJ

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Set upbeat, high-energy mood for the competition event through age-appropriate music. May need to play national anthem for opening ceremony.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Outgoing personality; high energy
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          No training required

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

OPENING/CLOSING CEREMONY HOST

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Host for the opening ceremony and/or closing ceremony.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL Experience not required
    • Outgoing personality; high energy
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Clear and strong vocal ability; requires frequent speaking over a long period of time
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Comfortable using a microphone and addressing large crowd; vocally energetic
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
          Playing At Learning can provide a script or general outline.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically morning for opening ceremony and/or late afternoon / early evening for closing ceremony.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

REFEREE

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Referees observe team matches, identify rule violations, and "score" them. They fill out the official scorecard of the matches and participate in deliberations regarding contested calls. Work under the direction of the Head Referee. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. Must sign a Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form prior to volunteering at event.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required, but very helpful
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play
    • Outgoing personality; high energy
    • Strong communication, diplomacy skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Very good attention to detail
    • Ability to see all parts of competition table
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Strong assessment skills
    • Adult not associated with 2008 competing FLL team member(s)


    TRAINING
         Head Referee and Playing At Learning conducts training prior to the event; Head Referee provides guidance during the competition.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day. Strongly prefer referees that can volunteer for more than one event in order to leverage training, knowledge and skills. Referees that are interested in volunteering for the championship event should have experience from scrimmages and qualifying tournaments.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

JUDGE

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Judges interview teams for a specific area such as Robot Design, Team Work or Project Presentation. They fill out evaluations and participate in deliberations to determine the award winners. Work under the direction of the Judge Advisor (also called Head Judge). Must sign a Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form prior to start of service.

    There are three Judging Areas:
    1) Robot Design: A panel of judges interviews teams about the technical hurdles the team faced in their overall robot design, including the attachments and software programs developed for the robot.

    2) Teamwork: Teamwork is judged on a team's ability to be enthusiastic, show partnership, respect for their teammates, support and encouragement for other teams. The FLL Core Values are an important aspect.

    3) Project Presentation: Teams will present their project to a panel of judges. The project will have 3 components: a) Identify a climate issues, analyze climate data and find a community with a similar issue, b) Create an innovative solution, c) Share the research and solution.


    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required, but helpful particularly for Robot Design
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Knowledge in specific judging area is helpful
    • Strong communication, diplomacy skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Good attention to detai
    • Ability to provide critical evaluations in a positive manner
    • Strong assessment skills - the judging rubric is provided
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adult not associated with any 2008 FLL team member(s)


    TRAINING
         Judge Advisor and Playing At Learning conducts training prior to the event; Judge Advisor provides guidance during the competition. Self-paced training materials are available and expected to be reviewed prior to tournament.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day. Strongly prefer judges that can volunteer for more than one event in order to leverage training, knowledge and skills.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ROBOT INSPECTOR

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Perform mandatory robot inspections to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. Determine inspection outcome decisions (pass/fail).

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required; LEGO Mindstorms knowledge strongly preferred
    • Mechanical aptitude helpful, basic knowledge of electronics is helpful
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Strong assessment skills


    TRAINING
         Training provided morning of event - assumes knowledge of basic LEGO electrical and mechanical parts

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically mornings only.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

COMPETITION QUEUE MANAGER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Responsible for managing team traffic to and from the competition floor. Stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL tournament experience very helpful
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Basic knowledge of the game and match process
    • Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time
    • Ability to use radio to communicate with pit boss
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         Competition Floor Manager and Tournament director provide guidance during the competition

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MEDIA COORDINATOR

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Assist the Tournament Director with Media coordination. Facilitate positive media experience at the event.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required, but helpful
    • Should have VIP hosting or PR experience
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Positive, outgoing personality
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to move about the facility
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         Guidance provided by Tournament Director at event.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum event day. Prefer if pre-event media publicity help can be offered

     

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

VIP COORDINATOR

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Assist the Tournament Director with VIP coordination. Facilitate positive VIP experience at the event.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required, but helpful
    • Should have VIP hosting or PR experience
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Positive, outgoing personality
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to move about the facility
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         Guidance provided by Tournament Director at event.

    TIME COMMITMENT
          Commitment: Minimum event day. Prefer if pre-event media publicity help can be offered

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TEAM CHECK-IN

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Manage all activities at the Team Check-In Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to teams and coaches. Welcome teams to the tournament and help collect and hand out registration materials

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Attention to detail
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically morning only

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Manage all activities at the Volunteer Registration Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to event volunteers.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Strong organizational skills & good attention to details
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically mornings, may need all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    FIRST AID

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Provide TLC and medical care as needed.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • EMT or Nurse preferred
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Self-directed individual
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    CONCESSION SALES

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Participate in selling food, raffle tickets, Tshirts, videos and pins to attendees.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • Attention to detail & good at record keeping
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    PHOTOGRAPHER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Help capture the tournament to help document and provide future publicity oppportunities.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • Self-directed individual
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    VIDEOGRAPHER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Help capture the tournament to help document and provide future publicity oppportunities

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • Self-directed individual
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    SETUP CREW

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Support teams and tournament by helping to setup pit area, competition floor and judging rooms

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically a few hours the day before the event or morning of a small event

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    CLEANUP CREW

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Support teams and tournament by helping to cleanup pit area, competition floor and judging rooms

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically a few hours after the event

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    TEAM RUNNER

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Support teams by escorting them to / from judging sessions and competition rounds.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    INFORMATION DESK

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Manage all activities at the Information Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to attendees.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FLL experience not required
    • Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
    • General knowledge of facility and event layout
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Attention to detail
    • Self-directed individual
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day

Educational Enrichment Through Play
© 2004, Playing@Learning, All Rights Reserved

Last Updated: 11/23/2008 11:15 AM