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Event Volunteer Role
Referee
Want to be a part of the action on the field? Referees observe robot game matches, track the status of each match, and assist competitors in understanding the rules of the game.
Volunteer as a Referee
A FIRST Referee observes matches and helps foster fair gameplay and ensure there is a level playing field. They identify and ‘call’ rule violations and assist competitors in understanding the rules of the game. In addition to watching the status of the game and scoring elements during match play, they also participate in deliberations with other Referees and the Head Referee regarding contested calls and official scores. Referees play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. This position requires advanced training and intimate knowledge of program rules. We expect all referees to embody and promote the core values of FIRST while monitoring match play and to promote safe practices on and around the playing field. Referees always display Gracious Professionalism, even in stressful situations.
Minimum Age: varies by program (see below)
Experience: Either FIRST or related field experience preferred
Training: Some pre-event training required
- Training is available in FIRST Training accessible via your FIRST dashboard
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Help foster fair gameplay by ensuring a level playing field
- Observe matches and "call" rule infractions
- Participate in discussions with Head Referee and other Referees to determine official penalty or scoring rulings
- Set an example by adhering to and enforcing FIRST safety rules
- Work and interact with volunteers, team members and students, contracted staff and FIRST staff
- Ability to balance the nature of the position as one of ensuring fair play, while acting as a mentor and role model to students participating in FIRST
- Although the job is to enforce the rules, it should be done in a nurturing, non-authoritarian fashion.
- 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
- Sign and comply with Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement if applicable
- Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook
Reports to: Head Referee
Want to prepare to be a Referee? Field Resetter is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Currently a Referee and looking for a challenge? Head Referee might be a great role for you!
Volunteer as a Referee in three distinct FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as a Referee in each program.
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FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Program Role DetailsReferee with FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Minimum Age: 15+ off line scoring, 18+ Event hub direct access
Reports to: Tournament Director
Role Resources:
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FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsReferee with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Referees should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play required, including staying up-to-date with Team Updates
- Wear safety glasses and Referee shirt (if provided) when in the arena
- Communicates penalties and rule violations to other referee crew members.
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
Role Training: Must participate in pre-event conference call and/or onsite meeting if conducted by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
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FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsReferee with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Referees should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play required, including staying up-to-date with Team Updates
- Wear safety glasses and Referee shirt (provided) when in the arena
- Obtain a radio from the Head Referee (used to discuss rule infractions)
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
- Must pass online Referee training a minimum of one week prior to the event
- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Must participate in pre-event conference call (approximately one week in advance of the event) and/or onsite meeting conducted by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
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FIRST Championship
Championship Role DetailsReferee at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST LEGO League Challenge:
- no additional requirements
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Referees for the Championship events must be a Referee at a minimum of one official FIRST Tech Challenge event during the current competition season.
- Training: Volunteers must attend training at the event hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday afternoon – Saturday morning
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Referees for the Championship events must be a Referee at a minimum of one official FIRST Robotics Competition event during the current competition season.
- Experience: We select the most experienced volunteers first when assigning.
- Training: Volunteers must attend breakfast training Thursday morning hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Thursday morning – Saturday morning
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
Program Role Details
Referee with FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Minimum Age: 15+ off line scoring, 18+ Event hub direct access
Reports to: Tournament Director
Role Resources:
Program Role Details
Referee with FIRST Tech Challenge
- Referees should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play required, including staying up-to-date with Team Updates
- Wear safety glasses and Referee shirt (if provided) when in the arena
- Communicates penalties and rule violations to other referee crew members.
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
Role Training: Must participate in pre-event conference call and/or onsite meeting if conducted by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
program role details
Referee with FIRST Robotics Competition
- Referees should direct all match questions to the Head Referee. Do not discuss rulings with team members (or others affiliated with the team such as coaches, parents, siblings, etc.).
- Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play required, including staying up-to-date with Team Updates
- Wear safety glasses and Referee shirt (provided) when in the arena
- Obtain a radio from the Head Referee (used to discuss rule infractions)
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
- Must pass online Referee training a minimum of one week prior to the event
- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Must participate in pre-event conference call (approximately one week in advance of the event) and/or onsite meeting conducted by the Head Referee
Role Resources:
Championship Role Details
Referee at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST LEGO League Challenge:
- no additional requirements
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- Referees for the Championship events must be a Referee at a minimum of one official FIRST Tech Challenge event during the current competition season.
- Training: Volunteers must attend training at the event hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday afternoon – Saturday morning
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- Referees for the Championship events must be a Referee at a minimum of one official FIRST Robotics Competition event during the current competition season.
- Experience: We select the most experienced volunteers first when assigning.
- Training: Volunteers must attend breakfast training Thursday morning hosted by the Global Head Referees
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Thursday morning – Saturday morning
- More information with times will be sent before the event.
- Reports to: Head Referee and designated FIRST Staff
Event Volunteer Roles