Staffing a FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Overview Staffing a FIRST Robotics Competition Regional is a joint effort between the Regional Planning Committee, the Regional Director and FIRST headquarters. The growth in FIRST teams and events continues to far outpace the growth in FIRST staff. FIRST competitions rely on volunteers to execute successful events. Only a small number of FIRST staff is available to attend each competition, with priority given to new events. The information below summarizes the positions required to run a FIRST Robotics Competition regional and the source of the personnel Positions provided by FIRST Headquarters Event Manager (Contracted) Event Assistant (Contracted) AV Tech Productions (Contracted) Technical Support (Contracted) FIRST Regional Director FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) Positions Approved and Assigned (once nominated) by FIRST Headquarters: Judge Advisor and/or Judge Manager Volunteer Coordinator Regional Planning Committee Positions Committee Chairperson Finance/Budget Coordinator Judge Advisor (and or Judge Manager OPTIONAL) Public Relations/Media Coordinator School/Team Recruitment Coordinator Sponsor Recruitment & Development Coordinator FIRST Alumni and Scholarships Coordinator Team Social Coordinator (optional) VIP Reception Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Local Kickoff Organizer FIRST LEGO League (FLL Coordinator) Key Volunteer positions recruited locally by the Volunteer Coordinator Control System Advisor Field Supervisor Game Announcer Head Referee (Requires FIRST HQ Approval and Certification) Lead Robot Inspector (Requires FIRST HQ Approval Certification) Lead Safety Advisor (Note: Typically each event will be assigned a staff member from United Laboratories for this position) Lead Safety Glasses Advisor Lead Team Queuer Master of Ceremonies Pit Administration Supervisor Scorekeeper Volunteer Registration Table Supervisor Section 6 Staffing 6-1
General Event Volunteers recruited locally by the Volunteer Coordinator, unless otherwise noted. Ambassadors* Refer to Ambassadors (Section 8) OPTIONAL Ambassador Coordinators* OPTIONAL Awards Assistants Crowd Control Emcee Assistant* OPTIONAL Field Assembly Field Disassembly Field Reset/Repair FIRST Alumni Programs Scholarship Attendant FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) Judges (Refer to Judges-Section 7) Judge Assistant Judge Room Runners (for interview rooms)* OPTIONAL Machine Shop Attendants* OPTIONAL Machine Shop Staff* OPTIONAL Machine Shop Shuttle Drivers* OPTIONAL Pit Administration Support Pit Announcer Practice Field Attendants Referees Robot Inspectors Safety Advisors Safety Glasses Attendants Spare Parts Attendants Team Load-In/Out Attendants Team Load-In/Out Manager Team Queuers Team Social Attendants* OPTIONAL VIP/Media Information Table Attendants Volunteer Lounge Monitor* OPTIONAL Volunteer Registration Table Attendants * = These positions may not be required at all events. Volunteer Coordinators should work with members of their Regional Planning Committee to identify and recruit these volunteers. Key Volunteers Key Volunteer Positions require FIRST experience, specialized skills, training, and sometimes the ability to pass a test to become certified. Recruit at least one, if not two trainee/alternate volunteers for each key position to ensure position coverage and event sustainability; the trainee/alternate will work with the key volunteer in an apprentice role. In some cases it may be necessary to recruit a key volunteer who is not local to the event. This is only feasible when a volunteer can cover his/her own travel and accommodations expense or the regional event is able to underwrite their expenses. For new (first year) events, FIRST has some funding available to assist in covering volunteer travel costs for select Key Volunteer positions if necessary. These Key Volunteer positions include, MC, Game Announcer, Head Referee, Lead Robot Inspector and Judge Advisor. Requests for this assistance must be submitted to the Volunteer Resources Department via Email as soon as possible but no later than early January. Key Volunteers should be confirmed by the deadline provided by the FIRST Volunteer Resources Program Coordinators for FRC. Volunteer Coordinators should work with members of their Regional Planning Committee to identify and recruit these volunteers. The FIRST Volunteer Section 6 Staffing 6-2
Resources Program Coordinators can assist with recruitment of key volunteers. Beginning in November Volunteer Coordinators will be expected to report to FIRST on the status of Key Volunteer recruitment for their event. Key Volunteers should sign up in the VIMS and be assigned in the VMS as soon as they are recruited. Event Volunteer Position Description Summaries and Schedules Volunteer Position Descriptions are an essential tool for recruiting event volunteers; they: Provide volunteers an accurate overview of responsibilities, commitment and skills required Describe outcome desired of the position Illustrate relationship between position and the success of the event Contribute to volunteer satisfaction by effectively matching volunteers with desired positions Contribute to a successful event through recruitment of qualified and informed volunteers The following position descriptions are for general information only. Please refer to the FRC Event Volunteer Positions page for complete descriptions of each position. The schedule information provided below is a sample; specific days and times will vary by event. Volunteer Position Volunteer Position Description Schedule Ambassador: Ambassadors interact with teams and serve as role models for team students and mentors. They educate and engage VIP guests to ensure their continued motivation, passion, and commitment to FIRST. Ambassador Coordinator: Assign as Needed: Awards Assistant: Control System Advisor: The Ambassador Coordinator assists the Regional Director in facilitating the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Coordinator welcomes Ambassadors and facilitates a meet and greet between the Ambassadors; explains the program and distributes materials; sends Ambassadors on tour of the Pit area with team members; and facilitates a lessons learned when they return to the Ambassador area. Volunteer will provide assistance in various areas as determined by the Volunteer Coordinator. This volunteer position frequently helps with last minute tasks identified by event staff and Key Volunteers. They fill specific volunteer positions for No-Show volunteers who were assigned prior to the event. Awards Assistants report to the Event Assistant and are responsible for the unpacking, cleaning, marking, organizing and distribution of the various awards, trophies and medallions awarded at Event Ceremonies. The volunteers should plan for a minimum of three hours before the ceremonies to begin this process. The Awards Assistants will need to set up the medallion stands and assist with medallion distribution to the team members receiving medallions. The FIRST Control System Advisor is a volunteer who 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 As Necessary Section 6 Staffing 6-3
Crowd Control: Field Assembly: Field Repair/Reset: Field Supervisor: FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA): Game Announcer: Head Referee: Inspection Manager (Optional) Please check with your LRI if they would like an Inspection Manager assigned knowledge and interpersonal skills, and has the ability to affect the quality of the event. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. Crowd Control volunteers will facilitate smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility, monitor the audience, and keep walkways and aisles clear and the crowd flowing. Effective crowd control is critical to a safe and well-run event. Field Assembly volunteers assist with assembly and/or disassembly of the competition playing field and practice field. Volunteers repair and reset the playing field after each team match. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event (Include in full position description). The Field Supervisor participates in field construction and maintenance and directs activity on the field to ensure smooth execution of the matches. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. He/she works in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. The FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant is a volunteer who helps keep the FRC field and event running smoothly. Works in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. The Game Announcer works as part of a team with the Master of Ceremonies to energize the teams and spectators generate and maintain interest, enthusiasm and excitement throughout the matches. Announces play-byplay commentary for each match. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. Key volunteer position, significantly impacts the success of the event. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. This position requires pre-event testing and certification through FIRST. The Head Referee is responsible for training, directing and supervising all Referees. Oversees all scoring processes and procedures. Has final authority for decisions regarding team scores. The Head Referee plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. *FIRST Headquarters and Chief Referee will provide pre-event training for this position. Manages the paperwork and details associated with the inspection process, and tracks the progress of all teams at the event through inspection. Performs robot weight and size checks as necessary, and helps sequence teams through the process. Ensures team inspection status is current and prominently displayed. Provides support to the Lead Robot Inspector in prioritizing team inspections based on match schedule. Identifies issues and potential bottlenecks. Provides estimates for inspection completion Set-up Day Breakdown Day Set-up Day Breakdown Day Set-up Day Breakdown Day Section 6 Staffing 6-4
Judge: Judge Advisor: Judge Assistant: Lead Robot Inspector: Lead Safety Advisor: to Lead Robot Inspector and other key personnel at the event. Provides recommendations on physical flow of teams through the inspection station. Works under the direction of the Lead Robot Inspector. Judges are often sponsors of the event. Judges are responsible for selecting team award recipients through conducting team award interviews. Judges serve as role models for the students and ambassadors for FIRST. Their mission is to inspire the kids to be interested in STEM careers. Judges receive training from their Judge Advisor pre-event and must be available for all days of the competition. Judges receive a FIRST HQ Judge Handbook electronically from the Judge Advisor prior to the event. This position requires pre-event training and certification through FIRST. The Judge Advisor is nominated by the Regional Director. To be considered for this position, the individual must have two years of prior judging experience. Once nominated, the Director of the FIRST Robotics Competition must approve the nominee. Prior to becoming a Judge Advisor, the candidate must attend a Judge Advisor training session held in January, conducted by FIRST HQ and FRC Chief Judge Advisors. Existing Judge Advisors must attend this training once every two years in order to remain certified. All Judge Advisors are approved and assigned by FIRST Headquarters. The Judge Assistant is responsible for assisting the Judge Advisor throughout the event, providing computer support (word processing), and performing other duties as assigned. The Judge Assistant will be provided with a checklist of activities. The Judge Assistant is not a judge, does not interview teams or participate in the awards recipient selection process. The Judge Assistant is responsible for setting up the Judge Room on Thursday and breaking it down on Saturday. Interview Room Runner (optional): The Interview Room Runner would ensure all teams/students scheduled for their award interview (Chairman s and/or Dean s List) are present and waiting in line to be interviewed; and if not, would retrieve the team or student from the Pits. This position requires pre-event testing and certification through FIRST. The Lead Robot Inspector will oversee and perform mandatory robot inspections and weigh-in processes to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. The Lead Robot Inspector is also responsible for training, supervising and directing the Robot Inspectors and making final decisions regarding inspection decision disputes. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. **Assigned by Underwriter s Laboratories (UL) for U.S. events and Bruce Powers for Canada events** This position is filled at each event by UL or Bruce Power employees. The Lead Safety Advisor works with a team of Safety Advisors to increase the awareness of safety among Section 6 Staffing 6-5
Lead Safety Glasses Advisor: Lead Team Queuer: Machine Shop Attendant: Machine Shop Shuttle Driver: Machine Shop Staff: Master of Ceremonies: all FIRST participants. The Lead Safety Advisor is responsible for providing training of the Safety Advisors in team coaching, mentoring and evaluation during the competition. Safety Advisors ensure that teams understand, comply with, and practice the fundamentals of safety to ensure the safety of all event participants. The Safety Advisors select one team to win the Industrial Safety Award at the conclusion of the event. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. This individual organizes and manages the dispensing of safety glasses at tables set up by the Pit entrances. The Lead Safety Glasses Attendant ensures each table is staffed, especially at critical times, and that volunteers get their meals/breaks. The Lead Safety Glasses Attendant must keep the tables well stocked with safety glasses at all times. She/he works closely with Volunteer Registration and with vendors, if present. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. The Lead Team Queuer is responsible for robot traffic between the Pit and the playing field. This individual trains Team Queuing volunteers to stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. This position plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. Process work orders for the Machine Shop Staff. Work in a fast-paced environment with students, mentors and staff. General knowledge of robotics and parts a plus. *The need for shuttle/shuttle drivers will be determined by location of machine shop and its proximity to the event. Transport team members from venue site to Machine Shop and back to venue site. Transportation by Machine Shop Shuttle is restricted to/from Machine Shop. Communicate with the Pit Administration Supervisor regarding transport requests and status of transport location. The Regional Planning Committee is responsible for providing a utility van or a passenger van with a removable back seat. Assist teams with robot repair and modifications. The Master of Ceremonies (a.k.a. MC or Emcee) is the individual primarily responsible for setting the tone of the competition. He/she creates and sustains an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event, is the most visible presence at the event; embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the consummate FIRST ambassador. The Emcee works as a team with the Game Announcer to produce a wellorganized, thrilling event. The Emcee ensures the smooth flow of match play, and maintains the pace of the event. This is a Key Volunteer Position that significantly impacts the quality of the competition. *FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. Master of Assists the Master of Ceremonies with collecting and Section 6 Staffing 6-6
Ceremonies Assistant (Optional) Please check with the MC if they would like an Assistant Pit Administration Supervisor: Pit Admin. Support: Pit Announcer: Practice Field Attendant: Referee: Robot Inspector: Safety Advisor: organizing the team flags field-side throughout the event. The ideal candidate is energetic, organized, focused, and has plenty of stamina. Must be able to take direction, work with others, and assist the Emcee and field crew with trying to keep match cycles on schedule. The candidate must be able to commit to this position for both days of competition. The Pit Administration Supervisor is responsible for setting up the Pit area, training the volunteers, and managing all activities in the Pit including coordination of Pit Administration Table, team interface, and collaborating with Emergency Medical Technicians. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position. These individuals assist the Pit Administration Supervisor and will provide direction, assistance, information, and support to teams in the Pit. The Pit Announcer s primary duty is to call teams to the queuing area, and make general announcements via use of the public address system. They work in collaboration with the Team Queuing volunteers to facilitate adherence to team match schedule. Schedule teams on the practice field. Must be organized and have the ability to maintain time schedules, and have knowledge of the game. Clean practice fields after matches. Opportunity to interact with students. These folks monitor field use to discourage teams from monopolizing the area when others are waiting to use it. This position requires pre-event testing and certification through FIRST. Referees observe team matches, identify rule violations, and call them. They calculate the official score of the matches and participate in deliberations regarding contested calls. Referees work under the direction of the Head Referee. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. This position requires pre-event testing and certification through FIRST. Robot Inspectors perform mandatory robot inspections and weigh-ins to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. They determine inspection outcome decisions (pass/fail). Robot Inspectors may perform random inspections. They work under the direction of the Lead Robot Inspector. The Lead Robot Inspector will provide any additional training to the Robot Inspectors at the Volunteer Orientation and Dinner. ***UL to provide one (1) Safety Advisor (in addition to the Lead) at every event in the U.S.*** Safety Advisors are involved in ongoing safety assessment during the entire event. The Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model to emphasize 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 from the Lead Safety Advisor UL at each event. Safety Glasses Safety Glasses Attendants hand out safety glasses during Section 6 Staffing 6-7
Attendant: FIRST Alumni Programs Scholarship Attendant: Scorekeeper / Field Power Controller: Spare Parts Attendant: Team Load-In/Out Attendant Team Load-In/Out Manager Team Queuing: the event in the pit area. Ensure all teams, volunteers and spectators are wearing safety glasses at all times while in the Pits. Maintain adequate supply of safety glasses at the safety glasses locations, alert the Lead Safety Glasses Attendant when more glasses or volunteers are needed. Maintain a high level of safety as stated in the FIRST Safety Procedures. The Scholarship Attendant will be in charge of setting up and managing the designated scholarship table using materials supplied by FIRST. They will also staff the table, speak with teams/mentors in the pit area to inform them of the scholarship table and answer basic Scholarship Program questions. All information can be found at www.usfirst.org/scholarships The Scorekeeper/Field Power Controller manages and operates the scoring and field control systems, inputs scores into the system from the Head Referee, prints reports as needed and uploads data onto the FIRST website as required. This individual plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. FIRST Headquarters will provide preevent training for this position. This volunteer team consists of a minimum of two individuals who are responsible for managing distribution of replacement kit of parts materials to teams and lending Innovation FIRST control system parts. Robot Inspectors or FIRST alumni are highly recommended as volunteers to fill this position as they have prior knowledge of parts allowed and provided. Instructions for handling this position are packed in the replacement parts crate. The Team Load-In/Out Attendant volunteer position is a physically active position that requires facilitating smooth team traffic flow throughout the facility when the teams are transporting their materials, including their robots, in and out of the event venue at the start and end of an event. A single volunteer does not need to fulfill both roles of Team Load-In Attendant and Team Load-Out Attendant; instead, he or she could fill either one independent of the other. This volunteer role is critical to the safety of teams, volunteers and the public, during these processes. The Team Load-In/Out Manager volunteer position oversees and trains the Team Load-In/Out Attendants. This volunteer must be present for the team load-in day and team load-out day. The goal for this position is to quickly, clearly, and safely guide teams to their designated pit locations upon arrival to the event site, and then to guide them out at the end of the event. Team Queuing volunteers are responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field. Team Queuers will stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. The Lead Team Queuer will provide training during the Volunteer Orientation and Dinner. Section 6 Staffing 6-8
Team Social Attendants: VIP / Media Registration and Information Table Attendant: Volunteer Registration Table Assistant Volunteer Registration Table Supervisor: Volunteer Lounge Monitor: If the Regional is going to have a Team Social, this position will work with the Team Social Coordinator to recruit, train, and supervise the Team Social Attendant volunteers. Team Social Attendants will attend the Team Social and oversee the event to ensure a safe and secure environment for an enjoyable event for attendees. Team Social Attendants will report to the Team Social Coordinator and remain at the Team Social until all teams have departed. *There may be separate volunteer positions and tables for VIP and media; to be determined by Planning Committee. Responsibilities of each position would be similar. The VIP/Media Registration and Information Table Attendant assist the VIP Reception Coordinator and Media/PR Coordinator with VIP/Media Registration and Information Table operations. This individual facilitates VIP and media so that they have a positive experience at the event. Learn the process in which check in and registration will be performed at the assigned event. Manage the check in and registration activities at the Volunteer Registration table. Provide direction, assistance, and information to event volunteers and attendees. Ensure the successful implementation of the event volunteer registration process. Train, supervise, and direct the Volunteer Registration Table Assistant(s) to ensure accurate implementation of the registration process. Ensure all necessary forms and documents are downloaded before the start of the event. This is a crowd control position. The volunteer will sit by the Volunteer Lounge during meal times, allow only event volunteers to enter for each meal, and count the number of people going in to eat. Set-up Day Breakdown Day Set-up Day Breakdown Day Section 6 Staffing 6-9
FIRST Volunteer Information and Matching System (VIMS) and FIRST Volunteer Management System (VMS) The Volunteer Information and Matching System (VIMS) is the system volunteers use to apply to volunteer at an event. Individuals interested in volunteering are directed to VIMS via the FIRST website, www.usfirst.org/vims. They create a personal profile that includes their contact information and interest in specific event positions. The Volunteer Coordinator, FIRST Regional Director, and FIRST headquarter staff have access to information about volunteers that have applied to their event through the Volunteer Management System (VMS). Access to VMS is granted by FIRST Headquarters. The Volunteer Coordinator contacts the individuals that applied to the event to review opportunities and determine position assignment based on event needs, volunteer preferences, and volunteer experience. The Volunteer Resources Department at FIRST headquarters is available to provide guidance to Regional Directors and Volunteer Coordinators regarding VMS use. Volunteer Training and Resources FIRST Website for Volunteer Resources The FIRST website includes a wealth of information regarding FIRST programs. It is a very helpful resource for teams, Regional Planning Committees, event volunteers and individuals wanting general knowledge about FIRST. There are sections dedicated to FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Place, About FIRST, and For Volunteers. The Volunteer section under Community describes the various ways an individual can become involved as a FIRST volunteer: o Team Mentor o Event Volunteer o Coach There are direct links to: o The FIRST Volunteer Information and Matching System (VIMS) which facilitates the volunteer registration process o Mentor and Coach Resources o Volunteer Resources and training o FIRST Senior Mentor and AmeriCorps VISTA Program information Volunteer Training Training is essential for volunteers to competently perform their responsibilities, which contributes to the success of an event. The Volunteer Coordinator, with support from the Regional Planning Committee, Regional Director and event Key Volunteers, has primary responsibility for planning and conducting training for General Event Volunteers. The Judge Advisor, with support from the Regional Planning Committee, has primary responsibility for planning and conducting training for the Event Judges. FIRST headquarters provides training for Key Volunteers. Training information for Key Volunteers will be posted on the Volunteer Training section of our website. See the current FIRST Robotics Competition Volunteer Coordinator s Manual for more information. Volunteer Dinner Meeting For Regional Events that have a Volunteer Dinner Meeting/Orientation: The Volunteer Coordinator in collaboration with the Event Manager, the Regional Planning Committee Chair, and other members of the Regional Planning Committee plan and conduct this meeting. The meeting is most often held the Wednesday night prior to the start of the event. Attendance is critical in order to effectively staff an Section 6 Staffing 6-10
event and ensuring a positive volunteer experience. Volunteers are provided an event orientation and general event volunteer training is conducted. Various volunteer forms are completed and collected during the meeting; Volunteer Service Pins, volunteer t-shirts and name badges may be distributed. Regional events that hold a Volunteer Dinner Meeting/Orientation should invite all volunteers and strongly encourage them to attend. Volunteer Guidelines and Requirements Volunteer Screening FIRST is committed to ensuring the safety of all young people who participate in its volunteer led programs. To that end, FIRST has adopted policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within FIRST programs. This policy focuses on volunteer selection and screening. FIRST is a national organization. The accuracy of the information we receive through our background checks ensures that we exclude those with the highest potential for harm to our young people, and, equally important, it helps us avoid excluding a good and valuable volunteer due to mistaken identity. Screening of volunteers, who work with youth programs, is a generally accepted industry standard. The screening process that FIRST will use for volunteers who register in our Volunteer Information and Matching System (VIMS) with home addresses in the U.S. and Canada will include an official police background check. Other International events have a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FIRST; therefore, volunteers who reside in countries other than the U.S. and Canada will adhere to the applicable MOU. FIRST volunteer screening will be conducted online using a recognized screening company. For U.S. volunteers, screening will take place by Verified Volunteers, a fully accredited national provider of background screening services. Volunteers with home addresses in Canada will be screened by BackCheck, an affiliate of Verified Volunteers. There will be no cost to volunteers for this screening process. You are welcome to visit the Verified Volunteers or BackCheck website for more information. If you have any questions about our screening process, please email the FIRST Youth Protection Department at safety@usfirst.org Volunteer Minimum Age Requirement and Child Supervision The minimum age requirement of a FIRST volunteer is 13 years old. The Event Manager can accept volunteers who are under 13 years old as long as there is direct adult supervision of that volunteer by an adult who has responsibility for the child. The Partner or Regional Director reserves the right to increase the volunteer age limit for their region at their discretion. A minor must have a parent or guardian give written permission to volunteer. In addition, the FIRST Consent and Release Forms will need to be signed by a parent or guardian for any volunteer under age 18. FIRST Consent, Release and Hold Harmless Form FIRST requires that all volunteers sign a Consent, Release and Hold Harmless form prior to the start of the event. The form must be signed by a legal guardian when the child is a minor, under the age of 18. If a volunteer (or legal guardian) is unwilling to sign the Consent and Hold Harmless form, he/she will not be able to volunteer. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible to collect the signed forms and store them in the Volunteer Coordinator crate for return to FIRST. Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement Volunteers in certain positions must sign the Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement. By signing this document, the volunteer is agreeing to disclose any direct relationship they may have with a FIRST Robotics Competition team. They are also pledging that if they do have a relationship with a competing Section 6 Staffing 6-11
FIRST Robotics Competition team, they will disqualify themselves from any discussions, judging, inspecting or refereeing which involves the team they are affiliated with. Volunteer Coordinators can destroy signed Conflict of Interest Forms at the end of the event. These forms do not need to get turned into FIRST. Dress Code FIRST provides each event volunteer with a free FRC Volunteer T-Shirt and a volunteer identification (name) badge. These identify individuals as volunteers and permit them to access the volunteer lounge and venue areas restricted to the general public. Wearing the shirt and badge is often a security requirement for access to the venue. Volunteer Coordinators should only distribute the volunteer t-shirt and name badge after the volunteer registration process is complete and the walk-on policy has been explained and has been accepted by the walk-on volunteer. Volunteers must wear both their volunteer t-shirt and their name badge at all times while volunteering. Do not distribute volunteer t-shirts to anyone who is not volunteering at the event (i.e. sponsors, team mentors, VIPs, etc.). FIRST recommends that all volunteers wear comfortable shoes (i.e. sneakers) while performing their volunteer duties. Volunteer shifts often require long hours of standing or moving about the facility and comfortable shoes are a must! Also, open-toed shoes are not permitted in the Pit area at FRC events for safety reasons. Section 6 Staffing 6-12