Event Info arrow Volunteering

UCF - VOLUNTEER SIGN-IN PROCESS

  • Please enter the Arena from either Gate A first level or Gate B second level.
  • Volunteer sign-in is located at the Volunteer Registration Desk lower level of the Arena on the South Side of the basketball court near the elevator.
  • All volunteers are asked to sign-in upon arrival to confirm position assignment
  • Crew T-shirt is provided to each volunteer along with name badge and lanyard. These are required to be worn on position at all times. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required attire.
  • Volunteer must complete and have on file a FIRST Consent and Release form prior to beginning shift.
  • Breakfast and lunch will be available for volunteers. There are also drinks and snacks available during breaks. The volunteer lounge/eating area is located on the third floor of the Arena in the Sky Box area. Accessible via outside stairs near Gate A or by elevator.
  • Volunteers are not permitted Food and Drinks in or around the Field Area or Pit area while on position. Please consume food and drinks on breaks outside these areas or preferably in the volunteer lounge on 3rd floor, sky box.
  • Breaks are coordinated through the volunteer registration desk by the Volunteer Coordinator or registration desk assistants to be sure positions are covered at all times.
  • Parking pass should be displayed in your car window. Parking Lots to be used are North Parking Garage (free) and East Parking Garage (levels 4 & 5 only, $5 fee)
  • Click here for pit layout and UCF parking
  • Parking Pass should be obtained from Volunteer Coordinator via email or at volunteer registration desk at sign-in.


VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteer Overview:

Volunteers are one of the most critical elements of hosting a successful regional Competition. Each FIRST Robotics Competition event depends on a large number of volunteers with a broad spectrum of talents to support operating needs and competition demands.

Although FIRST provides staff members to maintain vital event areas during the competition event, regional volunteers are needed to round-out the staffing efforts. The Regional Planning Committee is seeking volunteers to help the committee make each year’s event better. Volunteers can be a mentor or coach, organize an event or program, or help out at a competition

Dress Code:

Volunteers will receive a complimentary FIRST T-shirt (provided by FIRST) to be worn on-site at all times when they are volunteering. The dress code is casual: the volunteer T-shirt, blue jeans, and comfortable shoes. The volunteer T-shirts will be available on-site when volunteers first arrive to work the event or may be distributed at the Volunteer orientation dinner.

Volunteer Name Badges:

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for providing legible name badges for each of the volunteers (including FIRST JUDGES) to wear. These badges should be computer generated, clip-on/pin back style, rather than hand written or self-adhesive style. Volunteer name badges should be available at the Volunteer Check-in Table from Thursday morning through Saturday. FIRST Judge badges should be given to the Judge Coordinator on Thursday morning for placement in the judges' room.

Volunteer Orientation/Dinner Meeting

FIRST requires that ALL volunteers attend an on-site Wednesday night orientation/dinner meeting. Please note that even people who have volunteered for FIRST in previous years need to attend. Typically, this meeting is scheduled for a 6:00 pm start time and should last around 1 1/2 hours. This meeting gives the volunteers an opportunity to meet FIRST staff members, event managers, and receive a guided tour of the Competition site and their assigned task area. Responsibilities and procedures for the event and assigned areas are reviewed. It is also an opportune time for the volunteers to ask questions regarding event logistics and their roles. It also helps to build a bond between the volunteers and the FIRST staff. The Volunteer Coordinator in conjunction with FIRST staff leads the meeting. This meeting is mandatory to all volunteers, even if they have previously volunteered for a FIRST event. Keep in mind that Thursday (team check-in, practice rounds), Friday and Saturday (show days) are event days and it is extremely difficult to train volunteers on the fly during the Competition. For this reason recruitment of volunteers who can work all three event days is preferred.

Thursday Night Referee Orientation/Dinner Meeting:

FIRST requires any volunteers who are referees to attend an on-site orientation/dinner meeting on Thursday evening. Typically, the meeting is scheduled for a 6:00pm start time and should last around 2 hours. The meeting gives the referees an opportunity to meet the Head Referee and FIRST staff members, review the playing field and their responsibilities, and ask questions. This meeting is mandatory for all referees and is led by the Head Referee appointed by FIRST. Referee manuals will be provided in February. Please distribute to the referees so they may read the rules and scoring procedures in advance of the Competition.

Volunteer Registration:

If you are interested in volunteering at the Florida Regional, you must register through FIRST's VIMS (Volunteer Information Management System). This will notify the Volunteer Coordinator of your interest.

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Some positions outlined below are not used every year. We can not guarantee open positions for walk-in volunteers, you may inquire at the volunteer check-in table as to the proper procedure for signing up.

Ambassador   (Details)

Interact with teams and serve as role model. Educate and engage VIP guests to ensure their continued motivation, passion, and commitment to FIRST. Ambassadors are responsible for their own travel and accommodations, expenses, and arrangements.

Ambassador Coordinator

The Ambassador Coordinator will assist the Regional Director in facilitating the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Coordinator will welcome Ambassadors and facilitate a "meet and greet" between the Ambassadors; explain program and distribute materials; send Ambassadors on tour of Pits with team members; and facilitate a "lessons learned" when the Ambassadors return to the Ambassador area.

Awards Assistants

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 for those awards receiving medallions.

Crowd Control   (Details)

Facilitate smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility; monitor audience.
The position of Crowd Control includes: Safety Glasses supervision, Pit Area traffic management, Practice field safety supervision, Team Stands traffic management, and Game Field perimeter safety supervision.

Field Assembly/Disassembly   (Details)

Assist with assembly and/or disassembly of the competition playing field. Volunteer need not do both.

Field Reset/Repair   (Details)

Repair and 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.

Field Supervisor   (Key Volunteer Position)

The Field Supervisor will participate in field construction and maintenance, direct activity on the field to ensure smooth execution of the matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. The Field Supervisor will work in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.

Floater

Volunteer will provide assistance in various areas as determined by the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers frequently help with last minute tasks identified by event staff and Key Volunteers. They fill volunteer positions for "No-Show" volunteers who were assigned a specific position prior to the event, but did not show-up.

Game Announcer   (Key Volunteer Position)

The Game Announcer will work 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. The Game Announcer will announce play-by-play commentary for each match and play 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.

Judge   (Details)

Judges are responsible for selecting team award recipients through interaction with teams. Documentation regarding team background information is provided to familiarize judges with teams. Judges serve as role models for the competitors. Judges are responsible for own travel/accommodation expenses and arrangements. Training for judges will be provided at the Thursday night judge dinner. Judges must be available for both days of the competition. FIRST Headquarters will provide a Judge Handbook to all judges electronically prior to the event.

Judge Assistant

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 in the Judge Crate at the event. The Judge Assistant is not a judge, does not interview teams, or participate in awards recipient selection process. The Judge Assistant is responsible for setting up (Thursday) and breaking down (Saturday) the Judge Room.

Judge Advisor   (This is a key volunteer position)

The Judge Advisor may be nominated by the Regional Planning Committee. To be nominated for the Judge Advisor position, the individual must have two years of prior judging experience. Once nominated, the candidate for Judge Advisor must be approved by the Lead Judge Advisory panel and the Director of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Prior to becoming a Judge Advisor, the candidate must attend Judge Advisor training session held in January and conducted by the Lead Judge Advisory panel. Existing Judge Advisors are expected to attend this training session at least once every two years in order to remain as qualified Judge Advisors. All Judge Advisors are recruited and assigned by FIRST Headquarters.

Master of Ceremonies   (Key Volunteer Position)

The Master of Ceremonies (a.k.a. MC or Emcee) is the primary individual responsible for setting the tone of the competition. The Emcee creates and sustains an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event. The Emcee is the most visible presence at the event; he or she embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the consummate FIRST ambassador. The Master of Ceremonies works with the Game Announcer as a team to ensure a well-organized and thrilling event. Together they play a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. This is a Key Volunteer Position that will significantly impact the quality of the competition. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.

Pit Administration Supervisor   (Key Volunteer Position)

The Pit Administration Supervisor is responsible for setting up the Pit area, training the volunteers, and managing all activities in the Pit a including coordination of Pit Administration Table, team interface, and collaborating with Emergency Medical Technicians. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.

Pit Administration Support   (Details)

These volunteers assist the Pit Administration Supervisor and will provide direction, assistance, information, and support to teams in the Pit.

Pit Announcer   (Details)

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. The Pit Announcer works in collaboration with the Team Queuing volunteers to facilitate adherence to team match schedule.

Real Time Scoring   (Details)

Using tools provided by FIRST, the Real Time Scoring individuals are responsible for recording points scored by teams as they occur during each game match.

Referee   (Details)

Referees observe team matches, identify rule violations, and "call" them. Referees calculate the official core of the matches and participate in deliberations regarding contested calls. Referees work under the direction of the Head Referee. This is a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event.

Head Referee   (Key Volunteer Position)

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 will provide pre-event training for this position.

Lead Robot Inspector   (Details)  (Key Volunteer Position)

Oversee and perform mandatory robot inspection and weigh-in processes to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. Train, supervise, and direct the Robot Inspectors and make final decisions regarding inspection decision disputes.
*Must sign a Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form prior to start of service.

Robot Inspector   (Details)

Robot Inspectors perform mandatory robot inspections and weigh-ins to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. The Robot Inspectors determine inspection outcome decisions (pass/fail), may also perform random inspections, and work under the direction of the Lead Robot Inspector. The Lead Robot Inspector at will provide training to the Inspectors at the Volunteer Dinner Meeting.

Lead Safety Advisor     (Key Volunteer Position)

This individual will work with a team of Safety Advisors to increase the awareness of safety among all FIRST participants. This individual will work with teams to ensure they understand, comply with, and practice the fundamentals of safety to ensure the safety of all event participants. The Lead Safety Advisor will be responsible to provide training of the Safety Advisors in team coaching, mentoring and evaluation during the competition from Thursday to Saturday. The Safety Advisors will also select one team to win the Industrial Safety Award at the conclusion of the event.

Safety Advisor

Safety Advisors are involved in ongoing safety assessment during the entire event. The Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model using safety credits 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 at the event.

Scorekeeper/Field Power Controller   (Details)

The Scorekeeper/Field Power Controllers manage and operates the scoring and field control systems, input scores into the system from the Head Referee, print reports as needed and upload data onto the FIRST website as required. These individuals play 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.

Spare Parts Attendant   (Details)

This volunteer team will consist of a minimum of two individuals who will be responsible for managing distribution of spare kit of parts materials to teams and loaning Innovation First control system parts. FIRST alumni are highly recommended as volunteer sources to fill this position as they have prior knowledge of parts allowed and provided. Instructions are packed in the spare parts crate for handling this position.

Team Queuing   (Details)

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. Team Queuers play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. Training will be provided by the Lead Team Queuer during the Volunteer Dinner Meeting.

VIP/Media Registration/Information Table Attendant   (Details)

*There may be separate volunteer positions and tables for VIP and media; to be determined by Regional Planning Committee. Responsibilities of each position would be similar. The VIP/Media Registration and Information Table Attendant will assist the VIP Reception Coordinator and Media/PR Coordinator with VIP/Media Registration and Information Table operations. This individual will assist to facilitate a positive VIP and media experience at the event.

Volunteer Registration/Information Table Attendant   (Details)

The Volunteer Registration and Information Table Attendant will manage all activities at the Volunteer Information and Registration Table, and provide direction, assistance and information to event volunteers and attendees. The Volunteer Registration and Information Table Attendant works under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator.

Safety Advisor

Safety Advisors are involved in ongoing safety assessment during the entire event. The Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model using safety credits 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 (a Regional Planning Committee position) at the event.

Team Survey Volunteer

The Team Survey Volunteer will be responsible for conducting FIRST event quality control surveys with teams using PDA technology. This individual will interview all teams at regional and Championship tournaments asking pre-determined questions and entering the team responses into a PDA. This volunteer position will play a critical role in collecting information pertinent to the various components of putting on a FIRST event. Training will be provided by FIRST headquarters prior to the start of the FRC season.

Website Judge

**PRE-EVENT POSITION, not required to attend competition. Prior to the competition, Website Judges will review and score websites that are designed, built, and managed by students participating on FIRST teams. On average, each Judge will evaluate approximately 25 websites. The exact number reviewed will vary depending on the number of teams and website judges for a particular regional competition. Judging is accomplished via an on-line system. FIRST headquarters provides direction and guidance to the Website Judges.