Planning Committee

Volunteer as a Planning Committee Member

FIRST Robotics Competition Regionals Only

A Planning Committee member assists with many aspects of the competition including pre-event planning, setup, running the event and tear down. Lead by example; regional planning committee members are expected to demonstrate the mission, vision, and Core Values of FIRST through words and action. **The specific role responsibilities vary by event. Please reach out to your event leadership for specific responsibilities.**

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

• Prior experience as a FIRST volunteer or team member is helpful, but not required

Training: Some pre-event training required

• Data Privacy and Protection Training is required through FIRST Training.

Role Details:

• Before the Event:
  
  • Attend Planning Committee Meetings as applicable
  • Complete all pre-event tasks assigned to you by the Planning Committee
  • Become familiar with the Event Rules
  • Ensure that your contact information on the committee list is kept up-to-date
  • Register to volunteer at the event in the on-line FIRST Volunteer Management System (VMS) as soon as the system opens to registrations in October. 
• At the event:
  
  • Assist with event set-up – work with the event manager and Planning Committee lead(s) to ensure all tasks are complete on Day 0, load-in day. Tasks vary by event, but may include items such as:
    
    • Placing signage around the venue
    • Taping and labeling team pits
    • Loading-In event supplies provided by the Planning Committee
    • Assisting with Team Load-In
  • Help enforce Event Rules
  • Interact with the teams - greet them as they load-in, check-in with them throughout the event to see if there is anything the committee can do to help them and to ensure they are having a good experience
  • Interact with current and potential sponsors to secure funding for the teams and the event(s)
  • If requested,
    
    • Help make sure the correct people are where they need to be, on time, for Opening, Closing and Award Ceremonies
    • Prepare awards for Closing and Award Ceremonies
  • Assist with tear-down of the event
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) required
• Proficient use of technology preferred - email, navigation of websites, online forms, spreadsheets
• 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) only when filling that specific role.  
  • Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Time Commitment:

• Pre-event work varies by event.  
• Event time commitment role dependent.
  

Reports to: Planning Committee Lead and/or Program Delivery Partner

Resource Links:

• Event Planning Guides
• FIRST Robotics Competition Game Manual & Related Materials (Event Rules Section)