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FIRST Robotics Competition Championship Volunteers Apr. 13 2024| 0 KB

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

 

This page is intended to provide information to volunteers who have been assigned to a role at FIRST Championship.  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 been assigned yet, please wait to receive your assignment information. If you have not applied yet, please click the button above and register as a volunteer!

Applications to volunteer for 2024 FIRST Championship will no longer be accepted through the dashboard after April 9. Anyone who would like to volunteer and has not applied by end of day on April 9, can still volunteer as a walk-on volunteer at the event. Volunteers interested can go to the registration desk to sign up to be a Walk-On Volunteer. 

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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. 

Please see below for tentative 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: 7:40 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: 7:45 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: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:15 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
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: 7:45 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
Vivid Radio Attendants
  • Field Vivid Radio Attendants should report to their assigned field and check in each day with their Volunteer Coordinator. The following hours are the report times for Field Vivid Radio Attendants: 
    • Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM​
    • Thursday: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM 
  • Practice Field Vivid Radio Attendants should report to their assigned Practice Field and check in each day with the FTA. The following hours are the report times for Practice Field Vivid Radio Attendants: 
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM - 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: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:45 AM - 12:30 PM  

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 (please ask the Pit Volunteer Coordinator if you need one)
  • The following hours are the report times for CSAs:
    • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 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
      • Please note that on Saturday the Machine Shops & Spare Parts are only open in Hall E as the ones in Hall A close Friday night. 
Practice Field Volunteers
  • Practice Field Volunteers should report to their assigned Practice Field and check in each day with the Practice Field FTAs. 
  • The following hours are the report times for the Practice Field:
    • Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 7:00 PM
      • We encourage volunteers to eat lunch before arriving for their shift. The volunteer cafe opens at 11am for lunch. 
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:15 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:15 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 Johnson 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 the assigned division. 
    • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 6:45 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Judges, Judge Advisors, FIRST Impact Award Judges, and Judge Advisor Assistants

  • Judges
    • The following hours are the report times for Judges:
      • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:15 PM
        • an optional Judge Networking session will run from 5:15pm - 7:00pm for those interested. Food is not provided. 
      • Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
      • Saturday: Saturday is optional and judges may help pass out awards and watch the playoffs if they wish. Judges should report to the division field reserved seating by 8:15 AM. During the Einstein tournament, volunteers are asked to report to the stands or head up to the Volunteer Cafe for the Volunteer Celebration to watch the tournament.
    • If you have a Judge Polo, please bring it. Otherwise, volunteers will be provided one on site.
    • 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)
  • Judge Advisors
    • The following hours are the report times for Judges Advisors:
      • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:15 PM
        • an optional Judge Networking session will run from 5:15pm - 7:00pm for those interested. Food is not provided. 
      • Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
      • Saturday: Saturday is optional and judges may help pass out awards and watch the playoffs if they wish. During the Einstein tournament, volunteers are asked to report to the stands or head up to the Volunteer Cafe for the Volunteer Celebration to watch the tournament.
  • FIRST Impact Award Judges
    • The following hours are the report times for Judges:
      • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
        • an optional Judge Networking session will run from 5:15pm - 7:00pm for those interested. Food is not provided. 
      • Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
      • Saturday: Saturday is optional and judges may help pass out awards and watch the playoffs if they wish. During the Einstein tournament, volunteers are asked to report to the stands or head up to the Volunteer Cafe for the Volunteer Celebration to watch the tournament.
    • If you have a Judge Polo, please bring it. Otherwise, volunteers will be provided one on site.
  • Judge Advisor Assistants
    • The following hours are the report times for Judges:
      • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
        • an optional Judge Networking session will run from 5:15pm - 7:00pm for those interested. Food is not provided. 
      • Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
      • Saturday: Saturday is optional and judges may help pass out awards and watch the playoffs if they wish. During the Einstein tournament, volunteers are asked to report to the stands or head up to the Volunteer Cafe for the Volunteer Celebration to watch the tournament.

Other Volunteer Roles

 

FIRST Champs Live Volunteers
  • FIRST Champs Live Volunteers should report to the FIRST Champs Live Booth. The following hours are the report times: 
    • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Load-In/ Out Crew & Ship Desk Attendants 
  • Load-In / Out Crew & Ship Desk Attendants should report to the Hall A loading dock doors (indicated with the yellow star) and check in with the FIRST Robotics Competition Logistics Specialist. 

  • The report times for the Load-In Crew is:
    • Wednesday Shift A: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Wednesday Shift B: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • The report times for the Load-Out Crew is:
    • Saturday Shift A: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Saturday Shift B: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • The report time for Ship Desk Attendants is 6:30 AM - 4:00 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 3rd floor in 372F
  • Volunteers are assigned to half day shifts which are 7:45am - 12:30pm and 12pm - close.
  • The Quiet Room hours are:
    • Wednesday: 8 AM - 7 PM
    • Thursday: 8 AM - 6 PM
    • Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
    • Saturday: 8 AM - 6 PM 
 
Special Ops
  • Special Ops volunteers should report to the Information Booth on the first floor of the GRB and check in with the Special Ops Volunteer Coordinators at their assigned days and times.

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. ​

Volunteer Orientation Webinar

Please join us at the FIRST Championship Volunteer Orientation webinar on Tuesday April 9 th, 2024 at 8pm ET (Link to register). This webinar covered the following content: event building layouts, volunteer registration and badging, the volunteer café schedule, FIRST volunteer events & benefits, volunteer parking, and more. There will be time included at the end for questions. ​The slides from the presentation and the recording will be posted on the Volunteer page of the FIRST Championship website after the webinar. 

Badging, On-Site Registration, and Hotels

Badging is open for assigned volunteers. Volunteers will receive an email a few days after they have been assigned inviting them to register for badging, food preferences, and hotels! If you have not received an email, please contact volunteer@firstinspires.org and they will resend it. 

 

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 volunteer@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 16, 2024

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

6:00 AM

8:00 PM

Thursday, April 18, 2024

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Friday, April 19, 2024

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Saturday, April 20, 2024

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. These emails will begin being sent to assigned volunteers in January. 

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?

Starting in January, all FIRST Championship volunteers will receive an individualized and unique link to register for the event and to book housing. The registration email will arrive a few days after they have been assigned and notified of their Championship Volunteer role. Housing through ConferenceDirect is now closed. If you still need help with rooms, please visit our travel planner partner aRes for additional hotel options.

Parking 

Free Volunteer Parking is LIMITED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.​

  • Located at the GRB Convention Center loading dock off Chartres​

  • Enter the loading dock gates by taking a left into the open gate across from Walker St. Off Chartres​

  • Volunteer Coordinators will send parking passes to assigned volunteers the week of the event​

  • PRINT PASS. Make sure it is visible on car's dashboard​

  • Trailers and buses are NOT permitted in the volunteer lot​

  • Lot open Monday-Saturday from 5:30AM-10PM​

  • There is no security - PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK

Meals and Breaks

  • Meals will be provided to volunteers during the shifts they are volunteering for. Please select meals you will be eating when you register to help us with planning number of meals. 
    • You can update your meal preferences until you check-in at the event. Please make sure this information is accurate as your volunteer schedule may have changed from your initial assignment. It is also important so FIRST can ensure food is available and ready for those who are volunteering. 
  • 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.

Date

 Monday

Tuesday

 Wednesday Thursday

Friday

 Saturday

Breakfast

 Café Closed

6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

 6:00 AM - 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 PM - 8:00 PM

 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Café Closed; 
Innovation Faire
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
 Café Closed

Café Closed;

Volunteer Appreciation Celebration 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM 
*working volunteers will eat in their areas

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. 

Snacks

Snacks will be available to volunteers at the snack shop in Volunteer Central. Bags will be provided to fill with a variety of snacks to take to your volunteer post for the day or the week. The snack shop will be open during event hours.

Innovation Faire Night

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 6-8:30 PM

Along with FIRST Leadership, Staff, and Sponsors, Championship Volunteers are invited to a special Innovation Faire Night. You will have an opportunity to explore the Innovation Faire while enjoying light snacks and appetizers. The Innovation Faire is located on the mezzanine Level Two of the convention center.

Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1:30-6 PM

FIRST will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in the Volunteer Café for Championship Event Volunteers. Sit back, relax, and watch the Championship Finale from the comfort of the Volunteer Café while you enjoy a snack and celebrate the conclusion of your hard work at another successful Championship. The Volunteer Appreciation Celebration will kick off with the Championship Finale festivities at 1:30 PM and is expected to end in the early evening.

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 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
  • Refillable Water Bottle
    • 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 strives to make 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.
  • Accessible Seating -  Accessible seating is available for all fields. If your team needs accessible seating, please indicate this when you register for badging to help us with planning. There will be space for the person in need plus up to 3 additional members from their team. Due to space constraints, most of the team will need to sit in the reserved stands behind the accessible seating. If a student is the one in need, we ask that at least 1 adult sits in the reserved area.
    • Please be aware that anyone sitting in the Accessible Seating area must wear safety glasses. Please see a volunteer for directions to seating. 
  • Gender Neutral Bathrooms - Gender neutral bathrooms will be available as shown in the layout above as well as layouts on the FIRST Championship website.
  • Nursing Room - A Nursing Room is available in Room 382A on the 3rd floor of the GRB. This amenity offers a clean and comfortable room for traveling mothers to nurse, use a breast pump or care for young children. The Nursing Room features a table and  comfortable seating. Please bring all supplies to effectively sanitize and disinfect this space before and after each use. 
  • 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 Quiet Room location is on the third floor in 372 F.
    • ​If you would like to donate items (things like playing cards, board games, stress balls, puzzles) for the room, please bring then to the Quiet Room.
    • The Quiet Room hours are:
      • Wednesday: 8 AM - 7 PM
      • Thursday: 8 AM - 6 PM
      • Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
      • Saturday: 8 AM - 6 PM 

Other Information

If you are an international volunteer and in need of a support letter to accompany your visa application, please fill out this webform with your contact information and volunteer position.

If you are a volunteer and in need of a volunteer letter to provide to your employer, please reach out to Volunteer@firstinspires.org.

Other Questions? Contact Us