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FIRST Robotics Competition Championship Volunteers Apr. 17 2023| 0 KB

Content Type: FIRST Robotics Competition
Program: FIRST Robotics Competition
Tags: Championship, Event Preparation, Volunteer
(5)

 

This page is intended to provide volunteers who have been assigned to a role at FIRST Championship information. Volunteers can also reference the Championship Volunteer Role Descriptions for FIRST Robotics Competition for an overview of their specific role responsibilities.

 

Register to Volunteer 

 

If you have not applied to be a volunteer or have not been assigned yet, please wait to receive your assignment information. Please note that FIRST does accept Walk-On Volunteers for roles as needed. Volunteers interested can go to the registration desk to sign up to be a Walk-On Volunteer. 

FIRST Robotics Competition Championship Volunteer Specifics

Volunteers can also view the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship webpage for details being shared with teams. Volunteers can reference the FIRST Robotics Competition Public Schedule for exact timing for this season and schedules will also be available on the FIRST Championship website and in the Championship App. Please note that masks are optional at the event and we appreciate you respecting each other's decisions. 

Volunteers can reference the FIRST Robotics Competition Public Schedule but please see below for report times by role as well as other details pertinent to that role. Please note that fields may run late so exact end times may vary.

Field Volunteers

  • Field assignments will be sent the weekend before the Championship event. If you have a preference, let us know but we cannot guarantee assignments.
Emcees & Game Announcers
  • The following hours are the report times for Emcees & Game Announcers. A more detailed schedule with field assignments be sent to assigned Emcees & Game Announcers:
    • Wednesday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (optional)
    • Thursday: 8:15 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Field Supervisors & Field Resetters
  • Field Resetters should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator and Field Supervisor. Field Supervisors are asked to check in with their Volunteer Coordinator each day. 
  • The following hours are the report times for Field Resetters & Field Supervisors: 
    • Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • ​ A Field Supervisor Meeting will be held on the Hopper Field at 2:30pm. Field Supervisors should report to the meeting and then their assigned field. 
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Fields picked to help with Einstein will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM
Lead Queuers & Queuers
  • Queuers should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator & Lead Queuers. Lead Queuers are asked to check in with their Volunteer Coordinator each day. 
  • The following hours are the report times for Lead Queuers and Queuers:
    • Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM 
      • A Lead Queuer Meeting will be held on the Hopper Field at 2:00 PM. Lead Queuers should report to the meeting and then their assigned field.
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:45 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Lead Queuers will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM
Official Scorers
  • Official Scorers should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator and Head Referee.
  • Official Scorers must attend either the Wednesday or Thursday Training session. 
  • The following hours are the report times for Official Scorers:
    • (optional) Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM 
      • ​An Official Scorer Training will take place near the Archimedes Field at 3:30 PM.
    • Thursday: 7:30 AM* - 6:00 PM
      • ​​An Official Scorer Training will take place near the Archimedes Field at 7:30 AM.
      • * - if you attend the Wednesday training, the report time is 8:00 AM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Fields picked to help with Einstein will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM
Referees
  • Referees should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator and Head Referee.
  • Referees are welcome to bring their own Referee Shirt if they wish. Otherwise, one will be provided for use while at the event. 
  • The following hours are the report times for Referees:
    • Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
      • A Referee Training will take place in Room 381A from 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Referees picked to help with Einstein will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM
Scorekeepers
  • Scorekeepers should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator.
  • The following hours are the report times for Scorekeepers
    • Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • A Scorekeeper meeting will be held on the Johnson Field at 3:30 PM. 
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Fields picked to help with Einstein will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM
Webcast Operators
  • Webcast Operators should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator.
  • The following hours are the report times for Webcast Operators:
    • Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
      • A Webcast Operator meeting will be held on Galileo Field at 2:00 PM.
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:45 AM - 12:30 PM  
      • Webcast Operators picked to help with Einstein will be asked to stay until the end of the event ~6:00pm

Pit Volunteers 

  • Division assignments will be sent the weekend before the Championship event. If you have a preference, let us know but we cannot guarantee assignments.
Control System Advisors (CSA)
  • CSAs should report to the NI Booth in the Robot Service Center and check in each day with the Lead CSA. 
  • CSAs should bring their hat if they have one. Otherwise, one will be provided on site.
  • The following hours are the report times for CSAs:
    • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Machine Shop Attendants & Spare Parts Attendants
  • Machine Shop Attendants & Spare Parts Attendants should report to their assigned Pit Location (Hall A or E) in the back by the loading docks (look for the hanging signs). 
  • The following hours are the report times for Machine Shop Attendants:
    • Wednesday: 9:45 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Practice Field Volunteers
  • Practice Field Volunteers should report to their assigned Practice Field and check in each day with the Practice Field FTAs, Practice Field Lead Queuer or Practice Field Field Supervisors. 
  • The following hours are the report times for the Practice Field:
    • Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: Closed
  • Please note that the Practice Field does not close during lunch but all volunteers will be given an opportunity to eat by rotating volunteers.
Robot Inspectors, Inspection Managers, and Lead Robot Inspectors
  • Robot Inspectors should report to their assigned Inspection Station and check in each day with their Inspection Manager and Lead Robot Inspector.
  • Robot Inspectors should bring their hat if they have one. Otherwise, one will be provided on site.
  • The following hours are the report times:
    • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
      • An LRI Meeting will be held between the Galileo & Hopper Fields at 9:00 AM.
      • An Inspection Manager Meeting will be held at the Daly Inspection Station at 9:00 AM.
      • A Robot Inspector Meeting will be held between the Galileo & Hopper Fields at 9:30 AM. Robot Inspectors should report to the meeting and then their assigned division. 
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Judges 

  • The following hours are the report times:
    • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Saturday: Saturday is optional and volunteers may watch the playoffs and final matches if they wish. For those that are able to stay on Saturday, awards will be passed out during the playoff matches. 
  • If you have a Judge Polo, please bring it. Otherwise, volunteers will be provided one on site.
  • Judges should report to their assigned division room (352 D&E + 362 A-F).
  • If you have not already done so this season, please complete the required General Judge Training within the FIRST Dashboard. To complete testing:
    • Login to the FIRST Dashboard
    • Navigate to the Volunteer Registration Tab
    • Click the Roles Missing Certification tab and click on “Review Outstanding Tasks”, then click the Resolve button. This will bring you directly to the training site. Alternately, you may also click on the Trainings/Certification button.
    • From there, you will be able to access the required trainings (General Judge Training)

Other Volunteer Roles

 

Load-In/ Out  Crew
  • Load-In / Out Crew should report to the Ship Desk at the back of Hall C and check in with the FIRST Robotics Competition Logistics Specialist. 
  • The report times for the Load-In Crew is:
    • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • The report times for the Load-Out Crew is:
    • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Radio Room Volunteers
  • Radio Room Volunteers should report to the Radio Room (Ticker Office Located in front side of Hall A) and ask for Nick from SEI. 
  • The following hours are the report times for Radio Room Volunteers. If you were assigned a different shift (1/2 day shift) please report at your assigned time.
    • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Quiet Room Attendants
  • The Quiet Room is located on the third floor in 382C
  • The following hours are the report times for Quiet Room Attendants. If you were assigned a different shift (1/2 day shift) please report at your assigned time.
    • Wednesday: 12:45 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Thursday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Saturday: 7:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Special Ops
  • Special Ops volunteers should report to the following locations and check in with Brendan Radabaugh, the Special Ops Volunteer Coordinator, at their assigned times.
    • Wednesday: Team Check In Desk
    • Thursday - Saturday: Central Registration

Frequently Asked Questions 

What should I do if my plans change, and I can no longer volunteer?

Email us as soon as possible so we can make a contingency plan. It’s okay to let us know than you can no longer volunteer. We would prefer to know so we can properly staff the event.

I don’t like the assignment that I received; can I switch?

It depends, please reach out to us so we can discuss options.

I don’t like the field / division assignment that I received; can I switch?

Please show up to the field / division in which you were assigned. If you would like to make a switch, talk to your Volunteer Coordinator on site when you arrive. Swaps will be handled on site starting Wednesday mid-day for Pits and Thursday mid-day for fields so we can ensure all divisions are staffed.

Can I fill more than one role? How does that work? (e.g. Robot Inspector/ Judging)

Yes, you can, and we would love if you did! Some roles are easier to accommodate but please connect with us for details.

What will I get when I check in on site?

Volunteers will be provided a name badge, a volunteer shirt, and gift.

Can I volunteer just one day or only in the mornings

It depends what role you are looking to fill. For all field roles, we prefer volunteers to be available Thursday – Saturday (and preferably also Wednesday afternoon). Some pit roles and other volunteer roles may allow you to volunteer for half a day or a full day. Please email us for more information.

Why did my friend get assigned already and I didn’t?

First, confirm that you have completed the Youth Protection Screening. If you have, we prioritize assignments for volunteers who are available 3 or 4 days before assigning volunteers who have limited availability. Thank you for being patient as we work through assignments.

General FIRST Championship Volunteer Information

Volunteers can reference the Volunteer Event Guide for general volunteer information applicable to all programs. The slides and recording from the Volunteer Orientation are posted on the FIRST Championship webpage.​

Badging, On-Site Registration, and Hotels

Badging is open for assigned volunteers. Please reach out to volunteersystems@firstinspires.org if you did not receive the direct email. 

 

Volunteer Registration 

You should receive an email (from: FIRSTregistration@streampoint.com) with a bar code for expediting check-in the week of FIRST Championship. Please print this (or have available on your phone) and bring with you to shorten the check-in time for you and the folks behind you in line. If you did not receive an email with the bar code, email volunteersystems@firstinspires.org and they will resend it. To check-in as a volunteer, please go to the Central Registration in the lobby of the 1st floor and you will need to go to the far-right end of the registration desk (look for the Volunteer Registration sign) to receive your badge, volunteer gift, and shirt. You must have a Photo ID to register. There will be lines, so come early and see the below chart for hours it will be open:

Date:

Open:

Close:

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

6:00 AM

8:00 PM

Thursday, April 20, 2023

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Friday, April 21, 2023

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Saturday, April 22, 2023

7:00 AM

2:00 PM
Do I still have to register to attend if I am not using the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?

Yes, all attendees have to use the badging system to register for the event. All attendees are required to have a badge while on site. Badging is included in the hotel email. Please complete this prior to arriving to expedite badging on site. If you did not receive the email and are already assigned, please email volunteersystems@firstinspires.org so they can resend. 

Do I have to stay at a hotel that is part of the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?

No, the hotel program is provided as an option for both volunteers and teams.

When will I receive information on registering and reserving a hotel?

The hotel program is now closed. Please call hotels in the area to find a hotel if you have not already booked. 

Parking 

The GRB Convention Center has limited Volunteer parking available at no cost for volunteers for 2023 due to construction. The Volunteer parking is located at the GRB Convention Center loading dock off Chartres. Drivers should enter the loading dock gates by taking a left into the open gate across from Walker St. off Chartres.

Volunteer Parking passes will be emailed to volunteers by Volunteer Coordinators. Parking is first come, first served.

Please note the following: 

  • From Monday to Saturday, the lot will be open from 5:30 AM and close at 10 PM, overnight parking is not permitted.
  • There is no code to enter the lot.
  • There is no security, park at your own risk.
  • Your Volunteer Coordinator will email you a parking pass which is required to access the lot. Please print it in advance and make sure it is visible on your car’s dashboard. 
  • You may park in any available open spot in the lot. 
  • Other than parking permission the pass is also important so that volunteer can circumvent the lanes being utilized by teams for the load in and load.   
  • Do not park along the loading docks. 
  • Buses and Trailers are not permitted in this parking lot.

Alternate parking is available in other locations around the GRB and in the downtown area. Here are a few options should the lot be full. Prices are subject to change. More information on the Houston Downtown parking webpage.

  • Toyota Tundra Garage $10/day
  • 111 San Jacinto St $18/day
  • Houston Center Garage One $25/day
  • Avenida Central Garage (Discovery Green) $25/day
  • 4 Houston Center East Garage $22/day
  • Four Seasons Hotel Garage $25/day
  • 5 Houston Center Garage $25/day
  • Avenida South Garage $32/day

Meals and Breaks

  • Meals will be provided to volunteers for the following option. Please select meals you will be eating when you register to help us with planning number of meals:
    • Monday - Lunch
    • Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
    • Wednesday - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
    • Thursday - Breakfast and Lunch
    • Friday - Breakfast and Lunch
    • Saturday - Breakfast and Lunch
    • Thursday Evening and Saturday Afternoon, there are optional events (Innovation Faire Night & Volunteer Appreciation Celebration) with food provided
  • Please note that information on Dietary Restrictions must be entered when you complete registration as part of badging for the event.
  • Some snacks are provided however accommodations can be made for dietary considerations.

Volunteer Café 

The Volunteer Café is where volunteers can get meals on the days they volunteer. FIRST is charged for each meal that a volunteer registers for regardless of whether you come to the Café for that meal. Therefore, it is incredibly important to only register for those meals you plan to eat. Please update your meals by end of day April 11th. To update, go back into your event registration (email sent from: FIRSTregistration@streampoint.com) and change your meal selections by clicking “Edit Registration.” Any edits made after April 11th we will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee.

Meal numbers are pulled from the system each day. Please note you can also input dietary restrictions and please reference the Volunteer Event Guide for how the process will work on site. The Volunteer Café is in Room 370. Meals are provided to volunteers on the day of their shift. Here are the hours it is open for each meal: 


Date 

Mon - April 17

Tues- April 18

Wed - April 19

Thurs - April 20

Fri - April 21

Sat - April 22

Breakfast 

Café Closed

6:00 – 9:00 AM

6:00 – 9:00 AM

6:00 – 9:00 AM

6:00 – 9:00 AM

6:00 – 9:00 AM

Lunch 

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

11:00 AM –
2:00 PM

Dinner 

Café Closed

5:00 – 8:00 PM

5:00 – 8:00 PM

Café Closed; Innovation Faire 5-9 PM

Café Closed

Café Closed; Volunteer Appreciation Celebration 1:30 – 5 PM

 

Snacks

Snacks will be made available to volunteers at 9 AM and 2 PM Tuesday – Saturday. Snacks will be located in the FIRST Robotics Competition Pit Admin areas as well as the Volunteer Café. 

When do I get breaks?

There is no set break schedule but if you need a short break, please let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know so they can accommodate. Lunch breaks are provided each day and are roughly an hour and half (pending any field delays).

What is the Innovation Faire Night?

Along with FIRST Leadership, Staff, and Sponsors, volunteers are invited to the Innovation Faire Night on Thursday April 20th, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Volunteers will have an opportunity to explore the Innovation Faire while enjoying snacks. Please register for this when you register for your badging to help ensure we provide the correct amount of food.

What is the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration?

The Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is an event occurring on Saturday, April 22nd starting at 1:30pm in the Volunteer Cafe. Volunteers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the Championship Finale from the comfort of the volunteer cafe while enjoying snacks and celebrating the conclusion of their hard work at another successful Championship. Please register for this when you register for your badging to help ensure we provide the correct amount of food.

What if I need to go to a meeting or attend a conference or the Dean’s List Lunch?

If any of these apply, please let us know so that we can make a note and ensure that there is coverage. On site, we ask you to also let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know prior to leaving.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable Closed Toed Shoes
  • Water bottle (optional)  
    • please note that water refill stations are only located on the 3rd floor but there will be drinks available within the FIRST Robotics Competition area
  • Safety Glasses (if you do not have any, some will be provided for volunteers)
  • Portable Phone Charger (optional)
  • Tiara for Tiara Friday (optional)

Accessibility 

  • FIRST is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and as such, FIRST makes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities that request accommodation. If a volunteer needs an accommodation for an event, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator prior to the event so they can help ensure an accommodation is available and that the role is the right fit. Accommodations are determined reasonable given they do not create an undue hardship or cause safety concerns.
  • ADA Seating - ADA accessible seating is available for all fields. There will be space for the person in need plus a friend. If a student is the one in need, we ask that at least 1 adult sits in the reserved area. Please see a volunteer for directions to seating.
  • Gender Neutral Bathrooms - Gender neutral bathrooms will be available as shown in the layouts on the FIRST Championship website.
  • Prayer Rooms - There will be two prayer rooms available for anyone wishing to observe religious practice onsite during event hours. Prayer rooms are located on the 2nd level of the Marriott Marquis Houston in Montgomery rooms A&B. The Marriott Marquis Houston is attached to the George R. Brown Convention Center and can be accessed from the level 2 sky bridge located north of Mezzanine A.  
  • Quiet Room - A Quiet Room will be available for those participants who need a quiet space to de-stress and take a break from the business of the competition. The room is located on the 3rd floor in 382C and hours are posted in the the FIRST Robotics Competition Public Schedule. 

Other Questions? Contact Us