RESOURCE LIBRARY

The Safety Manager for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. This role oversees the Safety Attendants to increase the awareness of safety. Volunteers in this role will work with teams, volunteers, and spectators to ensure they understand, comply with, and practice the fundamentals of safety to ensure the safety of all FIRST event participants.  The FIRST Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model that emphasizes safe behavior and coaching to correct unsafe behavior. The goal is to have a safe event and to promote safety as a holistic life skill. Safety Advisors will receive training prior to the event and maintain a high level of safety as stated in the FIRST Safety Manual and the FIRST Game & Event Rules Manual.

Responsibilities

• Discuss event safety at Lead Mentor meetings (if applicable)
• Knowledge of safety issues
• Conduct Safety Captains Meeting at event
• Manage the daily Safety Recognition awards
• Attend the daily morning meetings if directed by the Event Manager 
• Monitor venue walkways, aisles, stairways, and entrance points to keep these areas accessible
  • Alert the Event Manager/Program Delivery Partner to unsafe areas or behaviors
• Oversee Pit safety from beginning to the end of the event including Load in and Load out
• Monitor Safety glasses tables to ensure safety glass stations are properly stocked and running efficiently
• Volunteers should only congregate around the scoring table or playing field as is necessary to fulfill the duties of their volunteer position
• No one in official event apparel (volunteer shirt or FIRST/Partner staff clothing) around the playing field should be openly cheering for one team

Experience and Skills Needed

• Minimum age: 21
  • Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
• FIRST experience not required; general knowledge of FIRST preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the safety principles required, work related safety background preferred
• Ability to "take charge"; be assertive
• Ability to link FIRST principles to a safety approach and move teams to compliance
• Ability to move about the facility
• Ability to work and interact with volunteers, team members, contracted staff and FIRST staff
• Approachable and friendly personality
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills focused on a coaching approach

Note: Event schedules vary. Please check the event schedule and talk to your Volunteer Coordinator for detailed information on when you are expected to arrive. Volunteers should arrive on site 15-20 minutes prior to the start of every shift to allow time to check in at the Volunteer Registration table.

Training

Pre-event certification provided by FIRST prior to the start of competition season. Please also review the following resources before the event:

• Safety Manager Training
• Safety Glasses Sign Out Sheet (optional)
• Return Safety Glasses Sign (optional)

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• Direct Supervision: Event Manager
• On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook