Webcast Operator

Volunteer as a Webcast Operator

FIRST Robotics Competition Regional & FIRST Championship Only

The Webcast Operator controls the FIRST Webcast Unit at selected events, creating a live video stream for engagement outside the arena. This volunteer works under the direction of the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) to create an exciting, cohesive experience for web spectators, and create an archive for teams to re-live the event.

Minimum Age: 18 years old (must be post-high school or equivalent)

Experience: No FIRST or Related Field Experience required

Training: Some pre-event training required

• Pre-event training provided by FIRST prior to the start of the competition season. This training will consist of a webinar with time for Q&A. 

Role Details:

• Create exciting experience for online spectators
• Switch between available video feeds to create a cohesive, exciting story
• Follow direction from FIRST Robotics Competition Support to solve technical problems related to the equipment
• FIRST experience not required, but preferred
• Basic knowledge of the competition game, rules of play, and flow of an event
• Work and interact with volunteers, team members and students, contracted and FIRST staff
• Basic technical skills (computer proficiency)
• Strong communication skills and an eye for detail
• Ability to remain focused as well as collaborate with others and work as a member of a team
• 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 training (2-3 hours online)
• Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)

Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisor

Role Resources:

• *An invitation to join the Box.com folder will be sent via email by the Trainer/FIRST.

Want to prepare to be a Webcast Operator? Field Resetter is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.

FIRST Championship:

• The Webcast Operator operates hardware provided by the Championship production company. Create an exciting, cohesive experience for web spectators, and create an archive for teams to re-live the event. Webcasting at the Championship events differs from webcasting at a Regional event since creative control is under the FIRST Championship Production Staff.
• Specific Championship training will be provided on-site.
• Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
  
  • Volunteers are needed Wednesday-Saturday. 
  • More information with times will be sent before the event.
• Reports to: FIRST Championship Production Staff