Volunteers

Tournament Volunteers

FIRST events are volunteer driven. Statewide tournaments take an average of 90 volunteers! Volunteer commitments vary from just a few hours to two days. Browse through our volunteer roles to see what you think is the best fit!

Learn more about specific volunteer roles and then register online to help at an event!

Click here to sign up!

 

REFEREES

Referees must commit to a 2 hour training session before the event in addition to individual time spent reviewing the game rules before the competition. Referees must also commit to the full tournament day, arriving for the morning orientation and remaining through the closing ceremony. Good news is that you get to wear a striped jersey and carry a clipboard -- who could ask for anything more?
 
JUDGES
The judging panel should reflect a cross section of the population and be objective with all judging decisions. These men and women serve as role models to the participants through their actions and frequent interactions during the event, most significantly during the team presentations. Technical Judges should have some programming and design experience. Research Judges should have some background in the science behind the challenge (this year is “Body Forward - Engineering meets Medicine”). Judges must commit to attending a 90-minute training session in addition to the entire tournament day, starting with morning orientation and remaining through the closing ceremonies. All judges will be provided with a Judges’ Handbook with current judging standards and awards description.
 
RUNNER
These volunteers need to wear their sneakers and be ready for a long day on their feet! The runnershelping teams get to the right place at the right time. This is a great way to get to know the teams and get a complete tournament feel—perfect for a first time volunteer! Runners can choose to work a half day or full day.
 
FIELD RESETTER
Field resetters are responsible for resetting the table after each competition match. This volunteer needs to be familiar with the game rules and robot missions. Field resetters can choose to work a half day or full day.
 
INFORMATION/REGISTRATION
Are you organized? If so -- we need you! These volunteers help at the beginning of the tournament to sign teams in, collect participant forms and explain the schedule and pit area map to teams, and then keep the materials at the information table organized throughout the day.
 

Coaching or Mentoring a Team

Coaching or mentoring a team can be very time intensive, but is equally rewarding. Coached do NOT need experience in engineering or robotics (most of our coaches are teachers and parents! Coaches meet with teams anywhere from once a week to nearly every day -- it's up to you and your team.

Local professionals and FIRST alumni will often help teams out as mentors. Mentors might not be able to be at every team meeting, but can offer consistent technical assistance and a real world perspective that is invaluable for teams.

Training workshops and ongoing support is available for both coaches and mentors. Please visit the coaching section of this site for more information.

Attend an Event

Spectators help make FIRST events exciting! Let our teams know that what the're doing is important and worthwhile by showing up and CHEERING!

Spread the Word about FIRST

If you would like a FIRST volunteer or team to come and do a presentation at your office, school, church or club - let us know! Contact Becca at rparks@jedc.org or 907-523-2334 to schedule a presentation or workshop!

Post a flyer at your office, local coffee shop or grocery store to help advertise local events or link to our website to share program information!

Follow us on Twitter/Facebook

We actually have two twitter accounts -- one for teams that sends out daily tips and fun facts relating to the challenge and one for fans that sends out reminders about events and ways to support the program. Sign up for one or both!

Join us on Facebook and share stories and photos about your experiences with FIRST. It's a great place for alumni to stay in touch!

Make a Donation

Support an individual team in your area or donate directly to JEDC! Contact Becca at rparks@jedc.org or 907-523-2334 to learn more.