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Volunteering for FTC


Volunteers are needed so that we can provide a fun opportunity for FTC 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 :

Note not all positions are needed at all of the tournaments.
Time Commitment
Specialty Roles that require training and/or certification:
      Referee
All day required
  Judge
All day required
  Field Control System
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
   
General Roles that require no pre-training:     
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

    • FIRST or FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC experience not required, but helpful
    • Able to step over field walls and reach / bend
    • 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FIELD CONTROL SOFTWARE

    POSITION SUMMARY
          Manage official start and end of matches. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of the tournament and maintaining pace of the day. Works under the direction of the Field Technical Advisor and Head Referee

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FTC experience not required
    • Attention to detail is critical
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adult only
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FTC team member


    TRAINING
          Training available and willingness to become familiar with the software ahead of the tournament day

    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

    • FTC experience not required
    • Attention to detail is critical
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time
    • Adult only
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FTC team member


    TRAINING
         Training required and willingness to become familiar with the scoring software ahead of tournament

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

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

PIT ADMIN & 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

    • FTC tournament experience very helpful for pit admin
    • 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 admin; older teens can be part of the pit crew
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FTC team member


    TRAINING
          Pit Admin provides guidance to pit crew during the competition

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

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

    • FTC and FIRST 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 FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC team member


    TRAINING
          Training is available from FIRST and 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. Play national anthem for opening ceremony.

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FTC experience not required
    • 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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
    • Prefer adult not associated with any current year FTC team member(s), parents, coach, team sponsor or similar


    TRAINING
         FIRST provides training and Head Referee will follow up with updates to the 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 areas such as Robot Design, Community Outreach, Team Work or Engineering Design Notebook. 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.


    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

    • FTC experience not required, but helpful for 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 detail
    • 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 must not be associated with any current year FTC team member(s), parents, coach, team sponsor or similar


    TRAINING
         FIRST provides required training materials ; 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.     Judges that are interested in volunteering for the championship event should have experience from the November and December qualifying tournaments.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

    • FTC experience not required
    • Mechanical aptitude helpful, basic knowledge of electronics is helpful
    • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
    • Ability to collaborate with others
    • Strong assessment skills
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FTC team member


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

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

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

    • FTC 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 admin and floor manager if site requires this
    • Can be a parent or relative of current FTC 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

    • FIRST and FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC 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 FTC 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 FTC 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 FTC 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
    • Able to take directions from lead setup people
    • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FTC 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
    • Able to take directions from lead cleanup people
    • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FTC 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 FTC 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

    • FTC 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 FTC team member


    TRAINING
         None required

    TIME COMMITMENT
         Commitment: Minimum one event - typically all day


 

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Last Updated: 10/22/2010 10:41 PM