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Event Volunteer Role
FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant
The FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) plays a critical support role on the field, assisting the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) with technical operations, troubleshooting, and maintaining match flow. This high-responsibility role is essential for ensuring smooth, safe, and fair gameplay.
Volunteer as a FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant
FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) volunteers support the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) by helping monitor field status, robot communications, diagnostics, and event pacing. They act as backup for the FTA as needed and play an essential part in identifying and resolving technical issues. The FTAA ensures continuity in field operations when the FTA is assisting teams and may help with safety and communication management.
Minimum Age: 18 years old (must be post-high school or equivalent)
- Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
Experience: Either FIRST or related field experience required
Training: Some pre-event training required
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Monitor robot wireless connections and field equipment
- Use diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot robot issues
- Provide technical support to teams during match setup or when technical problems arise
- Act as backup to the FTA, maintaining field operations in their absence
- Assist with field electronics, scoring systems, and software as directed
- Collaborate with Field Supervisors, Referees, CSAs, and Queuers to support match flow
- Review game rules and FTAA-specific documentation pre-event
- Implement FIRST safety standards and help manage safety for the event. Ensure volunteer and participant safety.
- Volunteers should focus on the role they are filling at that event. This includes:
- Helping avoid the appearance of bias by not cheering for one specific team when wearing official event apparel (volunteer shirt or FIRST/Partner staff clothing). Instead, we encourage volunteers to cheer for all teams equally.
- Refrain from accessing sensitive event areas unless they are necessary to fulfill your volunteer role for this event. This can include playing field access, scoring table and judging rooms.
- Wearing volunteer specific apparel (e.g. FTA shirt, Robot Inspector hat, etc) when filling that specific role.
- Sign and comply with Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement if applicable
- Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook
Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisor
Want to prepare to be a FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant? Field Resetter is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Currently a FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant and looking for a challenge? FIRST Technical Advisor might be a great role for you!
Volunteer as a FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant in two distinct FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as a FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant in each program.
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FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsFIRST Technical Advisor Assistant with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Supports the FTA on the field during match play
- Assists with match setup, troubleshooting, and resolving issues on scoring and control systems
- Maintains continuity of field operations when the FTA steps away
- May be asked to act on behalf of the FTA in their absence, excluding decision-making authority
Role Training:
- Completion of required FIRST training prior to event
Role Resources:
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FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsFIRST Technical Advisor Assistant with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Familiarity or willingness to become familiar with one or more of the following roles/areas strongly preferred: robot control system, field management system, field electronics and diagnostic tools.
- Supports the FTA during field setup and matches
- Monitors robot communications and wireless integrity
- Troubleshoots issues on the field alongside the CSA
- Must be ready to lead field operations if the FTA is temporarily unavailable
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Pre-event Training calls
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 4 full day commitment (Regionals and District Championships)
Role Training:
- Required pre-event training provided via Box.com
- Includes pre-recorded materials, live calls, and documentation
Resource Links:
- *An invitation to join the Box.com folder will be sent via email by the Trainer/FIRST.
- FIRST Robotics Competition Game Manual & Related Materials
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FIRST Championship
Championship Role DetailsFIRST Technical Advisor Assistant at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- no additional requirements
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- The FTAA role is only available at Championship on the Practice Fields. They support two full-size practice fields and adjacent wooden playground practice areas. They collaborate with FTAs and Field Supervisors to ensure safe robot operation, assist with troubleshooting during tethered and wireless testing, and supervise the practice field when FTAs are not present.
- Experience: Must have served as an FTAA at a minimum of two official FIRST Robotics Competition events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one occurring in the current season
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Wednesday morning through Friday evening
- Assists with teardown Friday evening
- Optional: Monday & Tuesday Field Assembly
- Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisors, FIRST Staff, and Global Field Supervisors
Program Role Details
FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Supports the FTA on the field during match play
- Assists with match setup, troubleshooting, and resolving issues on scoring and control systems
- Maintains continuity of field operations when the FTA steps away
- May be asked to act on behalf of the FTA in their absence, excluding decision-making authority
Role Training:
- Completion of required FIRST training prior to event
Role Resources:
program role details
FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Familiarity or willingness to become familiar with one or more of the following roles/areas strongly preferred: robot control system, field management system, field electronics and diagnostic tools.
- Supports the FTA during field setup and matches
- Monitors robot communications and wireless integrity
- Troubleshoots issues on the field alongside the CSA
- Must be ready to lead field operations if the FTA is temporarily unavailable
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Pre-event Training calls
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 4 full day commitment (Regionals and District Championships)
Role Training:
- Required pre-event training provided via Box.com
- Includes pre-recorded materials, live calls, and documentation
Resource Links:
- *An invitation to join the Box.com folder will be sent via email by the Trainer/FIRST.
- FIRST Robotics Competition Game Manual & Related Materials
Championship Role Details
FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- no additional requirements
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- The FTAA role is only available at Championship on the Practice Fields. They support two full-size practice fields and adjacent wooden playground practice areas. They collaborate with FTAs and Field Supervisors to ensure safe robot operation, assist with troubleshooting during tethered and wireless testing, and supervise the practice field when FTAs are not present.
- Experience: Must have served as an FTAA at a minimum of two official FIRST Robotics Competition events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one occurring in the current season
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Wednesday morning through Friday evening
- Assists with teardown Friday evening
- Optional: Monday & Tuesday Field Assembly
- Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisors, FIRST Staff, and Global Field Supervisors
Event Volunteer Roles