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FIRST Robotics Competition Championship Volunteers Apr. 14 2025| 0 KB

Content Type: FIRST Robotics Competition
Program: FIRST Robotics Competition

Tags: Championship, Event Preparation, Volunteer

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

Applications to volunteer for 2025 FIRST Championship have closed. Anyone who would like to volunteer and has not applied, can still volunteer as a walk-on volunteer at the event. Volunteers interested can go to the registration desk on site 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 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 optionally stay until the end of the event ~6:00 PM to help with Einstein. This is not required.

Referees & Official Scorers

Referees & Official Scorers 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
The following hours are the report times for Official Scorers:
- Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM (optional, but encouraged)
  - An Official Scorer Training will be held on the Archimedes Field at 4:30 PM. Official Scorers should report to the training and then their assigned field.
- Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  - An Official Scorer Training will be held on the Archimedes Field at 7:00 AM. Official Scorers should report to the training and then their assigned field.
    - Official Scorers that report to the training on Wednesday do not need to come to the Thursday training as well. Instead, they may report to their assigned field by 7:30 AM.
- Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  - Official Scorers 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

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: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  - A Webcast Operator meeting will be held on the Newton Field at 4:00 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 the Machine Shop/Spare Parts Station at the back of Hall C by the loading docks (look for the hanging signs).
The following hours are the report times for Machine Shop Attendants:
- Wednesday: 7:00 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 (either Hall A or Hall E) and check in each day with the Practice Field Volunteer Coordinator.
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.
  - Practice Field Volunteer Coordinators, FTAAs, Lead Queuers, and Field Supervisors should report at 11am to the volunteer cafe for a short meeting with our Global Field Supervisors and to have 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 at the Johnson Inspection Station at 9:00 AM.
  - An Inspection Manager Meeting will be held at the Johnson Inspection Station at 9:00 AM. Inspection Managers should report to the meeting and then their assigned division.
  - 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 informal Judge Networking opportunity 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 2. 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:
  - Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (times on Wednesday are flexible so Judge Advisors may come throughout the day to assist with setting up)
  - Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:15 PM
    - an optional informal Judge Networking opportunity 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 informal Judge Networking oportunity 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 2. 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

Load-In/ Out Crew

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

Radio Room Volunteers

Radio Room Volunteers should report to the Radio Room (Ticker Office Located in front side of Hall A) and ask for Justin from BearCom.
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

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 and signed the consent & release form. 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 8th, 2025 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

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 15, 2025	7 AM	6 PM
Wednesday, April 16, 2025	6 AM	8 PM
Thursday, April 17, 2025	7 AM	6 PM
Friday, April 18, 2025	7 AM	6 PM
Saturday, April 19, 2025	7 AM	2 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.

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 volunteers.

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

All FIRST Championship volunteers will receive an individualized and unique link to attend 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.

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

Volunteers receive meals on the days they volunteer. Meals are displayed on badges to receive entry to the volunteer café. Your meal days will match your assignments for Championship in the FIRST Dashboard.
Please note that information on Dietary Restrictions must be entered when you complete registration as part of badging for the event.

Date	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Breakfast	6 AM - 9 AM	6 AM - 9 AM	6 AM - 9 AM	6 AM - 9 AM	6 AM - 9 AM
Lunch	11 AM - 2 PM	11 AM - 2 PM	11 AM - 2 PM	11 AM - 2 PM	11 AM - 2 PM
Dinner	5 PM - 8 PM	5 PM - 8 PM	Café Closed Innovation Faire 6:00 PM - 8:30PM	Café Closed	Café Closed Volunteer Appreciation Celebration* 1:30 PM *working volunteers will eat in their areas

Volunteer Café

The Volunteer Café is where volunteers can get meals on the days they volunteer.

Snacks

Snacks will be available to volunteers at each program's Pit Admin for volunteers to grab as needed.

Innovation Faire Night

Thursday, April 17, 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 19, 1:30 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

Please wear appropriate clothing while volunteering(fine to wear shorts, skirts, pants, etc.). A FIRST volunteer shirt will be provided to all volunteers and volunteers are asked to wear it while volunteering (unless their role requires other apparel).
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)

Local Transportation

A new Metro service is now available between the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Terminal C with non-stop service to the George R. Brown Convention Center for only $4.50 one way. This service is available seven days a week from 5:30am - 8:30pm and runs every 30 minutes. For more information visit RideMETRO.org.

Metro Transportation is available in Houston - Purchase discount passes

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.
Lactation Pods - Two Mamava lactation pods are conveniently located on the North and South side of Mezzanine Level 2. Nursing parents can access these private, clean, and comfortable spaces to breastfeed or pump using the free Mamava app available on the Apple iOS Store or Google Play Store. Click here for guidance on using the app and locating the pods.
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 Level Two Skybridge Marriott Marquis Montgomery Rooms A & B.
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 is located on Level Three, Room 362 C 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: 7 AM - 6 PM
  - Thursday: 7 AM - 6 PM
  - Friday: 7 AM - 6 PM
  - Saturday: 7 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.