FLL VOLUNTEER

It’s way more than building robots.

FIRST LEGO League teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8) research a real-world problem such as trash, food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO Spike Prime robotics kit, then compete on a table-top playing field.

It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination and innovating, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice Core Values.

Each team’s season typically concludes with a capstone tournament.

NorCal tournaments have between 12 to 48 teams and are planned to last approximately 8 to 12 hours on a Saturday or Sunday.

Qualifier Tournaments are in November.
Championship Tournaments are scheduled between December – March.
Spring League tournaments are generally scheduled between February – April.

Why volunteer ?

• Make a difference in the lives of young people
• Help kids discover the fun in science and technology
• Help young people apply real-world math and science concepts
• Network with like-minded professionals
• Help celebrate science and technology

What roles are needed most?

Tournament Roles

• Judge – Robot Design Judges interview teams about the design process including mechanical, programming and strategy.  Project Judges  evaluate  teams about their project which will provide an innovative solution to a problem identified within the annual theme. General / Core Values Judges looks at teamwork, core values, collaboration and overall team structure.  All Judges will work in a panel of 2 or 3 judges to assign awards to teams and help hand out awards and High 5’s.
• Judge Advisor – Facilitates the overall judging process.
• Game Referee / Head Referee – Responsible for reading and enforcing the game rules and scoring each match. Works as a team under the direction of the Head Referee.
• Master of Ceremony / Emcee – Sets the tone of the event and is responsible for the Welcome and Closing ceremonies.
• Game Announcer – Working with the Emcee, the game announcer helps with team introductions, game play commentary and reporting scores.
• Photographer – Takes pictures of each team and helps to capture the overall event.

Qualifier Role Descriptions

• Planning Committee – Work as part of a team for planning a tournament. Contact us if interested!
• Host a Lunch & Learn at your workplace – Learn more about the FIRST programs and ways to be involved!  Interest form

When & Where are the Northern California FLL Tournaments?

For the upcoming season, we will have 20 to 25 events.   Our qualifier season is the first 3 weekends of November throughout Northern California.  We also have Spring League events starting in February – March.

How to volunteer

1. Create a volunteer profile in the FIRST website  – instructions
2. Once an event is posted, you can apply to volunteer at an event.  [Playing At Learning Events NorCal FLL Explore Calendar]
3. Once you apply for an event and you have passed your background screening through Verified Volunteers, the event’s Volunteer Coordinator will assign you to a specific role and communicate the details including any training requirements.
4. Please read and become familiar with the FIRST Youth Protection Program and FIRST Standards of Conduct.

Additional General Volunteer Resources

Want more info about volunteering / Available to help?