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Event Volunteer Role
FIRST Technical Advisor
The FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) is a highly visible, leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth technical operation of the competition field. FTAs support teams, resolve field and robot control issues, and work with other volunteers and staff to ensure a safe and successful event.
Volunteer as a FIRST Technical Advisor
FTAs oversee the technical aspects of the playing field and serve as the primary escalation point for field-related issues during an event. FTAs ensure field safety and functionality, mediate issues, and support both team experience and volunteer operations.. The role requires significant technical knowledge, leadership, and communication skills.
Minimum Age: 18 years old, preferred 21+ for FIRST Robotics Competition (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: Both FIRST or related field experience required
Training: Significant pre-event training required
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Coordinating the efforts of numerous event staff and volunteers, and providing expert opinions, input, and troubleshooting when necessary.
- Effectively communicating with FIRST and/or local partners before, during, and after events to identify issues requiring further resolution, report on successes and challenges, and ensure team experience issues are resolved.
- Mediating and de-escalating conflicts that may arise between event participants, volunteers, and/or staff members.
- Ensuring events provide exceptional team experiences and meet or exceed minimum standards for safety by implementing guidance provided by FIRST and event staff.
- Ensuring the venue, AV, and competition field (including practice fields) are built, functioning properly, maintained, and safely operated throughout the event. Overseeing troubleshooting, teardown, and load-out, including mechanical, electrical, and field-related components, in collaboration with Event Management, AV Staff, Venue Staff, the Field Supervisor, and FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant(s) (FTAAs).
- Supporting teams with technical setup and diagnostics and acting as an escalation point for technical and game-related issues, including collaboration with the Lead Robot Inspector (LRI), FTAA(s), and Control System Advisors (CSAs) to help teams effectively troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.
- Working with the Head Referee, Scorekeeper(s), Lead Queuer, and Field Supervisor to ensure the event is carried out effectively, fairly, and efficiently, including smooth queuing and field reset processes.
- Acting as a major point of escalation, team advocate, and volunteer mentor while supporting collaboration between field and event operations to maintain safety, efficiency, and quality.
- Participating in mandatory training sessions and providing feedback to FIRST.
- 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: Varied by program (see below)
Want to prepare to be a FIRST Technical Advisor? Field Resetter is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Volunteer as a FIRST Technical Advisor in two distinct FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as a FIRST Technical Advisor in each program.
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FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsFIRST Technical Advisor with FIRST Tech Challenge
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Significant pre-event training required
- Event Time Commitments
- FTAs are expected to be present at events whenever the event is open to teams and/or public - typically, this means FTAs are among the first volunteers to arrive and among the last to leave each event day
Role Training:
- FTC FTAs complete the FIRST training module prior to serving
- Includes live and/or recorded training sessions, live and/or recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications and one-on-one support. Training continues throughout the season via regular calls and documentation updates.
Reports to: FTAs work in partnership with FIRST staff, Event Director and Program Delivery Partners (PDPs) to deliver a high-quality event experience to teams. FTAs collaborate closely with event staff, the FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA), other key volunteers, FIRST staff, Event Directors and PDPs to ensure a successful event. FTAs may also consult with the Global Technology Volunteers or FIRST staff on aspects related to their role responsibilities.
Role Resources:
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FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsFIRST Technical Advisor with FIRST Robotics Competition
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Required attendance at FTA training every year, and participation in training and update calls as required
- Minimum commitment of 2 official “regular season” events per season
- Exceptions may be considered by FIRST
- Event Time Commitments:
- FTAs are expected to be present at events whenever the event is open to teams and/or public - typically, this means FTAs are among the first volunteers to arrive and among the last to leave each event day
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Districts) - setup + 2 competition days
- Minimum 4 full day commitment (Regionals and District Championships) - setup + 3 competition days
Nomination:
- FIRST Technical Advisors are nominated by current FTAs, Program Delivery Partners, Volunteer Coordinators, or FIRST staff. FIRST approves nominations and extends invitations to FTA nominees based on the needs of the program and candidate readiness as determined by experience and peer feedback in related roles.
- In most cases, FTA candidates can expect to be placed in a training and trial role that provides candidates with opportunities to participate in some or all aspects of the FTA role under the supervision of experienced FTAs acting in a training role. FTA candidacy does not guarantee selection into the FTA role. Responsible for all technical aspects of the event: field hardware/software, robot connections, FMS functionality
Experience:
- Required:
- Demonstrated exceptional communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent time management and coordination skills, and ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Strong desire to spend long hours providing the best possible experience for all event participants and teams, and desire to be the first volunteer in and last volunteer out at events
- Demonstrated previous experience with at least one of the following, and willingness to familiarize with and learn about all of the following:
- FIRST Robotics Competition Robot Control System
- FIRST Field Management System (FMS)
- FIRST Robotics Competition field mechanical or electrical components
- FIRST event and volunteer management
- FIRST Robotics Competition Game and Event, and Safety rules
- Preferred:
- Previous experience in other FIRST event roles, especially in multiple different technical (FTAA, CSA, etc) and/or non-technical (Field Reset, VC, Judge, etc) roles
- Previous experience as a student or mentor of a FIRST Robotics Competition team
Role Training:
- Provided by FIRST or designated District FTA training lead(s) prior to the start of competition season. Includes live and/or recorded training sessions at FIRST or designated district location, live and/or recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications and one-on-one support. Training continues throughout the season via regular calls and updates.
Reports to:
- FTAs work in partnership with FIRST staff and Program Delivery Partners (PDPs) to deliver a high-quality event experience to teams. FTAs collaborate closely with event staff, the FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA), other key volunteers, FIRST staff, and PDPs to ensure a successful event. FTAs may also consult with the Co-Global FTAs or FIRST staff on aspects related to their role responsibilities.
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
- FIRST Safety Manual
-
FIRST Championship
Championship Role DetailsFIRST Technical Advisor at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Championship FTAs ensure a seamless and technically successful event experience. Responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties, but with added coordination complexity due to the scale of Championship. FTAs work directly with FIRST staff, Global Key Technology Volunteers, and Field Supervisors to ensure top-tier event execution.
- Must have served as an FTA at a minimum of two official FIRST Tech Challenge events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one in the current season.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- FTAs are among the first to arrive and last to leave each day
- Required: Setup + all competition days (Monday–Saturday)
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Key Technology Volunteers
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Championship FTAs ensure a seamless and technically successful event experience. Responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties, but with added coordination complexity due to the scale of Championship. FTAs work directly with FIRST staff, Global FTAs, and Field Supervisors to ensure top-tier event execution.
- Must have served as an FTA at a minimum of two official FIRST Robotics Competition events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one in the current season.
- FTAs will either be assigned a competition field or practice field but responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- FTAs are among the first to arrive and last to leave each day
- Required: Setup + all competition days (Sunday–Saturday)
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global FTAS
Program Role Details
FIRST Technical Advisor with FIRST Tech Challenge
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Significant pre-event training required
- Event Time Commitments
- FTAs are expected to be present at events whenever the event is open to teams and/or public - typically, this means FTAs are among the first volunteers to arrive and among the last to leave each event day
Role Training:
- FTC FTAs complete the FIRST training module prior to serving
- Includes live and/or recorded training sessions, live and/or recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications and one-on-one support. Training continues throughout the season via regular calls and documentation updates.
Reports to: FTAs work in partnership with FIRST staff, Event Director and Program Delivery Partners (PDPs) to deliver a high-quality event experience to teams. FTAs collaborate closely with event staff, the FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA), other key volunteers, FIRST staff, Event Directors and PDPs to ensure a successful event. FTAs may also consult with the Global Technology Volunteers or FIRST staff on aspects related to their role responsibilities.
Role Resources:
program role details
FIRST Technical Advisor with FIRST Robotics Competition
Volunteer Time Commitment:- Required attendance at FTA training every year, and participation in training and update calls as required
- Minimum commitment of 2 official “regular season” events per season
- Exceptions may be considered by FIRST
- Event Time Commitments:
- FTAs are expected to be present at events whenever the event is open to teams and/or public - typically, this means FTAs are among the first volunteers to arrive and among the last to leave each event day
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Districts) - setup + 2 competition days
- Minimum 4 full day commitment (Regionals and District Championships) - setup + 3 competition days
Nomination:
- FIRST Technical Advisors are nominated by current FTAs, Program Delivery Partners, Volunteer Coordinators, or FIRST staff. FIRST approves nominations and extends invitations to FTA nominees based on the needs of the program and candidate readiness as determined by experience and peer feedback in related roles.
- In most cases, FTA candidates can expect to be placed in a training and trial role that provides candidates with opportunities to participate in some or all aspects of the FTA role under the supervision of experienced FTAs acting in a training role. FTA candidacy does not guarantee selection into the FTA role. Responsible for all technical aspects of the event: field hardware/software, robot connections, FMS functionality
Experience:
- Required:
- Demonstrated exceptional communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent time management and coordination skills, and ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Strong desire to spend long hours providing the best possible experience for all event participants and teams, and desire to be the first volunteer in and last volunteer out at events
- Demonstrated previous experience with at least one of the following, and willingness to familiarize with and learn about all of the following:
- FIRST Robotics Competition Robot Control System
- FIRST Field Management System (FMS)
- FIRST Robotics Competition field mechanical or electrical components
- FIRST event and volunteer management
- FIRST Robotics Competition Game and Event, and Safety rules
- Preferred:
- Previous experience in other FIRST event roles, especially in multiple different technical (FTAA, CSA, etc) and/or non-technical (Field Reset, VC, Judge, etc) roles
- Previous experience as a student or mentor of a FIRST Robotics Competition team
Role Training:
- Provided by FIRST or designated District FTA training lead(s) prior to the start of competition season. Includes live and/or recorded training sessions at FIRST or designated district location, live and/or recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications and one-on-one support. Training continues throughout the season via regular calls and updates.
Reports to:
- FTAs work in partnership with FIRST staff and Program Delivery Partners (PDPs) to deliver a high-quality event experience to teams. FTAs collaborate closely with event staff, the FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA), other key volunteers, FIRST staff, and PDPs to ensure a successful event. FTAs may also consult with the Co-Global FTAs or FIRST staff on aspects related to their role responsibilities.
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
- FIRST Safety Manual
Championship Role Details
FIRST Technical Advisor at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Championship FTAs ensure a seamless and technically successful event experience. Responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties, but with added coordination complexity due to the scale of Championship. FTAs work directly with FIRST staff, Global Key Technology Volunteers, and Field Supervisors to ensure top-tier event execution.
- Must have served as an FTA at a minimum of two official FIRST Tech Challenge events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one in the current season.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- FTAs are among the first to arrive and last to leave each day
- Required: Setup + all competition days (Monday–Saturday)
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Key Technology Volunteers
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Championship FTAs ensure a seamless and technically successful event experience. Responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties, but with added coordination complexity due to the scale of Championship. FTAs work directly with FIRST staff, Global FTAs, and Field Supervisors to ensure top-tier event execution.
- Must have served as an FTA at a minimum of two official FIRST Robotics Competition events in the current or previous seasons, with at least one in the current season.
- FTAs will either be assigned a competition field or practice field but responsibilities are identical to traditional FTA duties.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- FTAs are among the first to arrive and last to leave each day
- Required: Setup + all competition days (Sunday–Saturday)
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global FTAS
Event Volunteer Roles