FIRST Wisconsin Robotics District Event Volunteer Roles 

The Event Manager for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. Event Managers maintain the overall flow, schedule and management of the event. As a leadership volunteer position, there is a significant level of responsibility.

The Volunteer Coordinator (VC) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. Volunteer Coordinators, working with the Program Delivery Partner and/or Planning Committee, are responsible for recruiting, assigning, and managing volunteers at their assigned FIRST event. As a leadership volunteer position, there is a significant level of responsibility.

The Volunteer Coordinator is submitted by the Planning Committee via the Program Delivery Partner. Once submitted, the individual must be approved through FIRST and the Global Volunteer Coordinators. Once approved the candidate will be contacted and assigned by FIRST.

As a Volunteer Coordinator you agree to serve as a role model for other volunteers by adhering to FIRST standards and following FIRST direction as noted in the policies and statements below:

FIRST Privacy Policy
FIRST Youth Protection Policies
FIRST Code of Conduct
FIRST Core Values

The Control System Advisor (CSA) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. The CSA assists teams with Robot Control System-related issues. Works in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor and/or Robot Inspectors, who may direct teams experiencing issues on the field or in the pits to the CSA for assistance. This position requires a high level of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and can affect the quality of the event.

The FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) is responsible for ensuring FIRST Robotics Competition events run smoothly, safely, and in accordance with FIRST requirements, and ensuring a high-quality experience for all event participants and teams. The FTA collaborates with FIRST staff, event staff, and other event volunteers in many different areas at events. The FTA is the liaison between FIRST and the event for all things related to the field, robots and game, acts as a team advocate for all teams competing at the event, and is a major point of escalation and conflict resolution for the event.

The FTA role is a highly visible role with significant responsibility – the success of an event relies on the leadership, knowledge, and diligence of the FTA.

The Head Referee for FIRST Robotic Competition is a key volunteer position. They are in a high visibility leadership position that is responsible for training, directing, and supervising all Referees and Official Scorers (when applicable). They oversee all scoring processes and procedures, in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA). They work and interact with students, volunteers, and contracted/FIRST staff, always displaying Gracious Professionalism even in stressful situations. This physical role, positioned along the field border, has final authority for decisions regarding match scores. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, facilitating a positive and fair environment for all competitors, and maintaining the pace of the event.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service. A conflict of interest does not necessarily preclude an individual from being assigned the Head Referee role.

The Judge Advisor for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They are responsible for training the Judge Panel pre-event and leading the Judge Panel on-site. Judge Advisors do not participate in selecting awards but rather facilitate that process. This position requires a high level of organization and interpersonal skills and can affect the quality of the event.

The Judge Advisor is submitted by the Planning Committee via the Program Delivery Partner. Once submitted, the individual must be approved through FIRST and the Global Judge Advisors. Once approved the candidate will be contacted and assigned by FIRST.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.

The Safety Manager for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. This role oversees the Safety Attendants to increase the awareness of safety. Volunteers in this role will work with teams, volunteers, and spectators to ensure they understand, comply with, and practice the fundamentals of safety to ensure the safety of all FIRST event participants. The FIRST Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model that emphasizes safe behavior and coaching to correct unsafe behavior. The goal is to have a safe event and to promote safety as a holistic life skill. Safety Advisors will receive training prior to the event and maintain a high level of safety as stated in the FIRST Safety Manual and the FIRST Game & Event Rules Manual.

The Emcee for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer role. The Emcee is the individual primarily responsible for setting the tone of the competition. They create and sustain an exciting, fun atmosphere throughout the event. The Emcee ensures the smooth flow of match play, maintains the pace of the event, and can significantly impact the quality of the competition.

The Lead Robot Inspector (LRI) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. The LRI oversees and performs mandatory robot inspection and weigh-in processes to ensure compliance with the current season robot design and construction rules. They train, supervise, and direct the Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers; make final decisions regarding inspection decision disputes; provide general technical support for teams by helping to resolve issues with their robots; and ensure all teams are inspected and ready to play when matches begin.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.

Field Supervisor for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They supervise field assembly and disassembly in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA). This is a critical role in the competition as they direct activity on the field to ensure efficient execution of the matches, maintain the pace of the event, and smooth flow of match play. Field Supervisors work in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisors who provide support and advice during the event. Field Supervisors also lead the Field Resetters.

The Pit Administration Supervisor for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They manage all activities in the Pit, along with Pit area operations including coordination of the Pit Administration station, team interface, and collaborates with Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

The Lead Queuer for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They direct and supervise the Queuers, help determine team traffic flow on and off the field, and monitor flow during the competition. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. This is a physically active role.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.

The Game Announcer for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They work as part of a team with the Emcee to energize the teams and spectators to generate interest and enthusiasm throughout the matches. Game Announcers ensure the smooth flow of match play, maintain the pace of the event, and can significantly impact the quality of the competition.

The Audio/Visual (A/V) Director for FIRST Robotics Competition 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.

The FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They help keep the FIRST Robotics Competition field and event running smoothly and work in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. The position requires a high level of responsibility and can impact the quality of the event.

The Lead Robot Inspector (LRI) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. The LRI oversees and performs mandatory robot inspection and weigh-in processes to ensure compliance with the current season robot design and construction rules. They train, supervise, and direct the Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers; make final decisions regarding inspection decision disputes; provide general technical support for teams by helping to resolve issues with their robots; and ensure all teams are inspected and ready to play when matches begin.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.

The Referee for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. Referees observe matches, identify and "call" rule infractions, and participate in deliberations with other referees and the Head Referee regarding contested calls. They work under the direction of the Head Referee, and play a critical role in ensuring a positive, fair environment with a smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. This role is physically active and positioned on the perimeter of the playing field.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service. A conflict of interest does not necessarily preclude an individual from being assigned the Referee role.

The Scorekeeper for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. Scorekeepers manage and operate the Field Management System (FMS) software for scoring and field control of FIRST Robotics Competition matches. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of matches, and maintaining the pace of the event.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.