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Event Volunteer Role
Official Scorer
Official Scorers are vital to the technical and procedural success of each event, observing matches, counting game pieces, and inputting scoring achievements to ensure safe and fair gameplay.
Volunteer as an Official Scorer
Official Scorers observe matches, count game pieces, and input scoring achievements. This role is a physically active role positioned on the perimeter of the playing field. We expect all official scorers to embody and promote the core values of FIRST while monitoring match play and to promote safe practices on and around the playing field. Official Scorers always display Gracious Professionalism, even in stressful situations.
This role is not available for every program every season.
Minimum Age: 15 years old, 18+ recommended (post-high school or equivalent preferred)
Experience: No Experience Required
Training: No pre-event training required
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Contribute to a positive and fair competition environment for all participants
- Count game pieces as they are scored to help provide real time scoring during the match
- Identify and count robot scoring achievements
- Once each match is complete, the Official Scorer may be instructed do a final count to verify totals
- Adhere to FIRST safety standards
- Work in coordination with the Head Referee and Referee crew
- 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: Head Referee
Want to prepare to be an Official Scorer? Field Resetter is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Currently an Official Scorer and looking for a challenge? Referee might be a great role for you!
Volunteer as an Official Scorer in two distinct FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as an Official Scorer in each program.
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FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsOfficial Scorer with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Official Scorers should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- General knowledge of the game and rules
- Ability to focus on specific scoring elements on the field during play, as instructed during onsite training by the Head Referee
- Wear safety glasses and volunteer/Referee shirt (if provided) when in the arena
- Communicate scoring achievements with Referee crew members
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- This is a full day commitment. Official scorers should plan to be onsite before matches start for training and stay through the end of playoff matches unless otherwise directly instructed by the event Volunteer Coordinator.
Role Training:
- Pre-event training optional – refer to the FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources
- On-site training and supervision provided by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
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FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsOfficial Scorer with FIRST Robotics Competition
This role is not available for FIRST Robotics Competition events in the 2027 season. -
FIRST Championship
Championship Role DetailsOfficial Scorer at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Official Scorers for the Championship events must be an Official Scorer at a minimum of one official FIRST Tech Challenge event during the current competition season.
- Training: Volunteers must attend training at the event hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday afternoon – Saturday morning afternoon
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
Program Role Details
Official Scorer with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Official Scorers should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- General knowledge of the game and rules
- Ability to focus on specific scoring elements on the field during play, as instructed during onsite training by the Head Referee
- Wear safety glasses and volunteer/Referee shirt (if provided) when in the arena
- Communicate scoring achievements with Referee crew members
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- This is a full day commitment. Official scorers should plan to be onsite before matches start for training and stay through the end of playoff matches unless otherwise directly instructed by the event Volunteer Coordinator.
Role Training:
- Pre-event training optional – refer to the FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources
- On-site training and supervision provided by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
program role details
Official Scorer with FIRST Robotics Competition
This role is not available for FIRST Robotics Competition events in the 2027 season.
Championship Role Details
Official Scorer at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Official Scorers for the Championship events must be an Official Scorer at a minimum of one official FIRST Tech Challenge event during the current competition season.
- Training: Volunteers must attend training at the event hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday afternoon – Saturday morning afternoon
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
Event Volunteer Roles