How Can You Help?
There are many roles available at a VEX Robotics event. This article provides a brief summary of each role. More specific information about each role is at RECF Resources > Volunteer.
Emcee
Description: Provide play-by-play during the tournament and informative program knowledge between matches. Add enthusiasm and energy, as well as a high level of engagement and understanding, for all event participants.
Activity Level: High (physical), constant standing or walking.
Experience Level: Advanced. Experience is preferred but not required.
Skills:
- Outgoing and charismatic communication style to engage and energize the audience
- Work as a team with other volunteers
- Think quickly and improvise
Field Reset
Description: Accurately reset the competition field after each match and assist the Field Manager or Head Referee as needed. Note: students with high energy and younger children do well.
Activity Level: High (physical), constant standing or walking.
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience is needed.
Skills:
- Ability to review field diagrams to place game objects in correct locations on the competition field
- Move quickly around the field
- Good listening skills
Head Referee
Description: Organize and oversee all Scorekeeper Referees. Interpret and consistently enforce the rules of the game to score each match upon completion. Act as the final authority for any disputes or rulings. Train Scorekeeper Referees as needed.
Activity Level: High (physical), constant standing or walking.
Experience Level: Advanced. Certification required. Must be at least 20 years old for V5RC events and at least 16 years old for VIQRC events.
Skills:
- Apply knowledge of the game and rules
- Lead a team effectively
- Interact positively with students and coaches
- Arbitrate disputes fairly and quickly deescalate arguments
Inspector
Description: Conduct inspections to verify that robots comply with the rules and specifications outlined in the game manuals.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Intermediate. Basic knowledge of robot construction and familiarity with V5RC & VIQRC parts is helpful, but not mandatory.
Skills:
- Collaborate with others as a team
- Attention to detail
- Follow inspection checklist
Judge
Description: Evaluate student teams through interviews, Engineering Notebooks, and on-field performance. Present awards as needed.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Intermediate. Some robotics judging experience is helpful but not necessary. Must be at least 18 years old and not part of a V5RC team for all V5RC events. Must be at least 21 for all VURC and VAIRC events. Must be at least 18 for VIQRC events. Younger volunteers ages 16-17 may be VIQRC Judges if paired with another Judge who is 18 or over.
Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Impartiality
- Communicate effectively
Judge Advisor
Description: Train and assist volunteer Judges as they evaluate student teams through interviews, review Engineering Notebooks, observe on-the-field performance, and present awards as needed. Facilitate the Deliberation process for judged awards, and serve as a Judge as needed.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Advanced. Previous Judge experience is strongly recommended. Certification required. Must be at least 20 years old for V5RC and VIQRC events, and at least 21 years old for VURC and VAIRC events.
Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Impartiality
- Communicate effectively
Pit Admin Assistant
Description: Serve in a customer service role by assisting teams and guests with competition- and venue-related questions.
Activity Level: Low (mostly sitting).
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience required.
Skills:
- Ability to troubleshoot issues
- Communicate effectively
Practice Field Official
Description: Oversee practice fields and ensure that all teams have access to practice time and proceed in an orderly fashion.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience required.
Skills:
- Monitor students and keep order
- Communicate effectively
Queuing
Description: Assist with staging teams for upcoming matches.
Activity Level: High (physical), constant standing or walking.
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience required.
Skills:
- Communicate effectively
- Attention to detail
- Stay organized in fast-paced environment
- Follow instructions
Scorekeeper Referee
Description: Record scores using the TM Mobile app or paper score sheets. Verify recorded scores with other Scorekeeping Referees and/or the Head Referee as needed, and with the student drivers after each match. Discuss possible rule violations with the Head Referee after the match. Ensure the field is reset and robots are ready for the next match.
Activity Level: High (physical), constant standing or walking.
Experience Level: Intermediate. Experienced volunteers are preferred; however, Scorekeeper Referees can be new volunteers and can be trained quickly. Must be at least 15 years old for all events.
Skills:
- Apply knowledge of the game and rules and be impartial
- Attention to detail
- Work effectively as a member of a team
- Interact positively with students
Team Check-in
Description: Welcome teams as they arrive. Verify teams, hand out materials, and collect Engineering Notebooks. Answer basic questions about the facility and event.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience required.
Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Communicate effectively
- Comfortable using a computer
VEX TM Operator
Description: Use the Tournament Manager software to initiate matches and record scores. Coordinate with the Emcee on displaying match results at appropriate times.
Activity Level: Low (mostly sitting).
Experience Level: Intermediate. Experienced volunteers are preferred, but new volunteers can be trained in advance.
Skills:
- Comfortable using a computer
- Attention to detail
Volunteer Check-in
Description: Welcome volunteers and guests. Verify schedule, hand out materials, direct volunteers to appropriate locations. Answer basic questions about the facility and event. Can be a fast-paced role.
Activity Level: Moderate (mix of sitting and walking).
Experience Level: Beginner. No experience required.
Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Communicate effectively
- Comfortable using a computer