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Event Volunteer Role
Lead Robot Inspector
The Lead Robot Inspector (LRI) ensures all teams’ robots meet safety and build rules before competing. LRIs lead the inspection team, support teams with technical issues, and serve as the final decision-makers for inspection disputes. LRIs lead the inspection team, support teams with technical issues, and serve as the final decision-makers for inspection disputes.
Volunteer as a Lead Robot Inspector
The Lead Robot Inspector supervises robot inspections at the event and supports a team of Robot Inspectors. The LRI oversees and supports the work of Robot Inspectors to ensure robots are legal and match-ready and assists teams with technical needs to get them match-ready. This is a highly responsible, detail-oriented, and team-facing role that requires leadership, rule knowledge, and technical competence.
Minimum Age: 21 years old
- Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
Experience: Both FIRST and related field experience required
Training: Significant pre-event training required
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Supervise Robot Inspectors and guide the inspection process
- Ensure all teams complete robot inspection prior to competition
- Train and support Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers to perform inspections and weigh-ins using official checklists
- Answer technical questions and resolve inspection disputes
- Maintain consistency and fairness throughout the inspection process
- Meet with FTA, Head Referee, and event staff to address robot issues affecting gameplay
- Cannot inspect or make inspection decisions for an affiliated team
- Support teardown of inspection areas after the event
- 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 Lead Robot Inspector? Robot Inspector is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Volunteer as a Lead Robot Inspector in two distinct FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as a Lead Robot Inspector in each program.
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FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsLead Robot Inspector with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Minimum 2 years prior FIRST Robot Inspection experience required; 2 years prior team robot build experience required
- Leads the inspection team to ensure every robot complies with current season rules
- Meets regularly with FTA and Head Referee for match-impacting discussions
- Ensures all robots are inspected and reinspected after rule-affecting modifications
- Lead deliberations with Robot Inspectors regarding inspection decision issues or discrepancies; makes the final decision (in case of a dispute, collaborate with FIRST or a Global Lead Robot Inspector if needed)
- Fills out required feedback forms and engages in FIRST Slack communication
- Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisor
Role Training:
- Training includes a series of LRI-specific calls, certification exams, and reference materials.
- The following trainings are required through FIRST Training:
- Data Privacy and Protection Training
- Robot Inspection Certification
Role Resources:
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FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsLead Robot Inspector with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Minimum 2 years prior FIRST Robot Inspection experience required; 2 years prior team robot build experience required
- Leads the inspection team to ensure every robot complies with current season rules
- Meets regularly with FTA and Head Referee for match-impacting discussions
- Ensures all robots are inspected and reinspected after rule-affecting modifications
- Lead deliberations with Robot Inspectors regarding inspection decision issues or discrepancies; makes the final decision (in case of a dispute, collaborate with FIRST or a Global Lead Robot Inspector if needed)
- Fills out required feedback forms and engages in FIRST Slack communication
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Pre-event & post-event training calls
- Must pass online Robot Inspector Certification a minimum of one week prior to the event
- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Training includes a series of LRI-specific calls, certification exams, video modules, and reference materials provided via Box.com and email.
- The following trainings are required through FIRST Training:
- Data Privacy and Protection Training
- Robot Inspection Certification
Reports to:
- FIRST Staff and Global Lead Robot Inspectors
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 DetailsLead Robot Inspector at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Division Lead Robot Inspectors at Championship oversee robot inspections for one division and ensure all teams are ready before matches begin. They supervise and assign Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers, consult with Global Key Technology Volunteers, and support both inspections and elimination matches.
- Ensure at least one inspector is present during all division elimination matches
- Serve as division’s primary inspection contact for FTA and Head Referee
- Provide technical support and rule interpretation
- Must have served as an LRI at a minimum of two official FIRST Tech Challenge events in the current or previous seasons.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Required: Wednesday morning – Saturday morning
- Preferred: Tuesday afternoon for inspection area setup
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Key Technology Volunteers
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Division Lead Robot Inspectors at Championship oversee robot inspections for one division and ensure all teams are ready before matches begin. They supervise and assign Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers, consult with Global Lead Robot Inspectors, and support both inspections and elimination matches.
- Ensure at least two inspectors are present during all division elimination matches
- Serve as division’s primary inspection contact for FTA and Head Referee
- Provide technical support and rule interpretation
- Must have served as an LRI 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:
- Required: Wednesday morning – Saturday morning
- Preferred: Tuesday afternoon for inspection area setup
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Lead Robot Inspectors
Program Role Details
Lead Robot Inspector with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Minimum 2 years prior FIRST Robot Inspection experience required; 2 years prior team robot build experience required
- Leads the inspection team to ensure every robot complies with current season rules
- Meets regularly with FTA and Head Referee for match-impacting discussions
- Ensures all robots are inspected and reinspected after rule-affecting modifications
- Lead deliberations with Robot Inspectors regarding inspection decision issues or discrepancies; makes the final decision (in case of a dispute, collaborate with FIRST or a Global Lead Robot Inspector if needed)
- Fills out required feedback forms and engages in FIRST Slack communication
- Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisor
Role Training:
- Training includes a series of LRI-specific calls, certification exams, and reference materials.
- The following trainings are required through FIRST Training:
- Data Privacy and Protection Training
- Robot Inspection Certification
Role Resources:
program role details
Lead Robot Inspector with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Minimum 2 years prior FIRST Robot Inspection experience required; 2 years prior team robot build experience required
- Leads the inspection team to ensure every robot complies with current season rules
- Meets regularly with FTA and Head Referee for match-impacting discussions
- Ensures all robots are inspected and reinspected after rule-affecting modifications
- Lead deliberations with Robot Inspectors regarding inspection decision issues or discrepancies; makes the final decision (in case of a dispute, collaborate with FIRST or a Global Lead Robot Inspector if needed)
- Fills out required feedback forms and engages in FIRST Slack communication
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Pre-event & post-event training calls
- Must pass online Robot Inspector Certification a minimum of one week prior to the event
- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Training includes a series of LRI-specific calls, certification exams, video modules, and reference materials provided via Box.com and email.
- The following trainings are required through FIRST Training:
- Data Privacy and Protection Training
- Robot Inspection Certification
Reports to:
- FIRST Staff and Global Lead Robot Inspectors
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
Lead Robot Inspector at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Division Lead Robot Inspectors at Championship oversee robot inspections for one division and ensure all teams are ready before matches begin. They supervise and assign Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers, consult with Global Key Technology Volunteers, and support both inspections and elimination matches.
- Ensure at least one inspector is present during all division elimination matches
- Serve as division’s primary inspection contact for FTA and Head Referee
- Provide technical support and rule interpretation
- Must have served as an LRI at a minimum of two official FIRST Tech Challenge events in the current or previous seasons.
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Required: Wednesday morning – Saturday morning
- Preferred: Tuesday afternoon for inspection area setup
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Key Technology Volunteers
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Division Lead Robot Inspectors at Championship oversee robot inspections for one division and ensure all teams are ready before matches begin. They supervise and assign Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers, consult with Global Lead Robot Inspectors, and support both inspections and elimination matches.
- Ensure at least two inspectors are present during all division elimination matches
- Serve as division’s primary inspection contact for FTA and Head Referee
- Provide technical support and rule interpretation
- Must have served as an LRI 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:
- Required: Wednesday morning – Saturday morning
- Preferred: Tuesday afternoon for inspection area setup
- Reports to: FIRST Staff & Global Lead Robot Inspectors
Event Volunteer Roles