Here you will find the manual and related documentation from past FIRST Tech Challenge seasons. Please note that the current version of the manual can be found on the Game and Season Info page.

This page contains training Materials for the Emcee and Game Announcer volunteer roles for FIRST Robotics Competition.

• 2024 Audience Displays 
• 2024 Alliance Selection Script (automatically downloads)
• District Scripts (automatically downloads) 
  • District Championship Awards Script 
  • District Championship Event Script
  • District Qualifying Event Script
  • District Qualifying Event Award Script 
• Regional Scripts (automatically downloads)
  • Regional Awards Script Master
    • Regional Awards Scripts Day One 
    • Regional Awards Scripts Day Two 
  • Regional Event Script
• ​Playoffs
  • Playoff Bracket & Match Schedule
  • 2024 Finals Handshake/Air-High Five Procedure
• ​​GA Tool Tutorial
• Game Announcer Training Presentation 
• Master of Ceremonies Training Presentation 
• CRESCENDO Game Overview
• CRESCENDO Cheat Sheet
• CRESCENDO Terminology
• Team Fact Sheet for Game Announcers
• FIRST Championship Advancement Criteria
  • Wildcard Script (automatically downloads)

2024 Training Call Schedule

Dial In Information:

• United States: +1 (571) 317-3116
• Australia: +61 2 9091 7603
• Brazil: +55 11 4118-4898
• Canada: +1 (647) 497-9373
• Israel: +972 3 376 3071
• Mexico: +52 55 1500 3598
• Türkiye: +90 212 900 4812
• Online: https://meet.goto.com/179472821

Access Code: 179-472-821

Pre-Season Calls:

• February 19, 2024 at 7pm - 8pm ET - Emcees ONLY 
• February 20, 2024 at 7pm - 8pm ET - Game Announcers ONLY 
• Pre-Season Notes 

Weekly Calls (All Emcees / Game Announcers Welcome):

• March 12th, 2024 at 7pm - 8pm ET 
• March 19th, 2024 at 7pm - 8pm ET 

• Week 1 Notes
• Week 2 Notes
• Week 3 Notes

All recorded training calls can be found in this Box Folder. 

The Queuer role for FIRST Robotics Competition plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. The Queuer is responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field and restricting access tothe field for unauthorized individuals. This is a physically active role.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service.

Responsibilities, as determined by the Lead Queuer, may include

• Implement FIRST safety standards and help manage safety for the event 
• Stage and position teams for matches
• Restrict access to field for unauthorized individuals
• Obtain a radio from event management office to keep aware of event information and issues, return it to office at end of day 
• Communicate with the Lead Queuer regarding team competition schedule and timing, working with the match schedule
• Maintain an uninterrupted flow of teams to the playing field
• Direct teams to player stations, and facilitate team departure from field

Experience and Skills Needed

• FIRST experience not required, but preferred
• Minimum age: 13 (Preferred:15+)
• Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
• Basic knowledge of the match process is helpful
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
• Self-directed individual 

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

The Lead Queuer will conduct training on site and provide guidance during the competition

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• Direct Supervision: Lead Queuer
• On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

The Load-In/Out Crew for FIRST Robotics Competition is critical to the safety of teams, volunteers, and the public during load-in/out processes. This is a physically active position that requires facilitating smooth team traffic flow throughout the facility when the teams are transporting their materials, including their robots, in and out of the event venue at the start and end of an event. A volunteer does not need to fulfill both roles of Load-In Crew and Load-Out Crew; instead, they could fill either position independent of the other.

Responsibilities

• Arrive early and walk-through Load-In plan with Event Manager to help determine best placements for all volunteers both inside and outside the venue. Ensure that you understand the flow and are prepared to communicate it to other volunteers and teams.
• Work with the Safety Manager to ensure safety of all team members and volunteers that are taking part in the load-in/out process
• Direct teams as they are transporting robots, tool crates, etc. into and out of the event venue
• Keep aisles, hallways and team traffic pathways clear in the Pit at all times
• Know the location to all important areas of the venue (e.g. first aid station, Pit area, etc.) to provide adequate instruction as requested
• One volunteer may be asked to be the lead of this role to help direct others. Talk with your Volunteer Coordinator to understand who will be the lead.
• May be asked to work outside directing traffic in the load-in/out area and/or teams entering or exiting the venue

Experience and Skills Needed

• FIRST experience not required
• Minimum age: 13
• Approachable and friendly personality
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to take charge; be assertive, but tactful 
• Physically active position; ability to stand for long periods; walk the length of the facility
• General knowledge of facility and event layout (can learn this on-site before shift begins)
• Adults preferred but older teens may be considered

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 at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their shift to allow time to check in at the Volunteer Registration table.

Training/Resources

Please review the following resource before the event:

• Team Load-In/Out Best Practices

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

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

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook.

Safety Attendant volunteers for FIRST Robotics Competition work together under the Safety Manager to help keep the event safe. Some volunteers may help by greeting visitors and handing out safety glasses at Safety Glass Stations. Others may help with pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility, monitoring the audience, and keeping walkways and aisles clear.

Maintain an adequate supply of safety glasses at Safety Glass Station, alert the Safety Manager when more glasses, supplies, or volunteers are needed. Maintain a high level of safety as stated in the FIRST Safety Manual and FIRST Game & Event Rules Manual.  

Responsibilities

• Provide visitors with safety glasses needed to enter the pit area and clean safety glasses when returned
• Demonstrate Gracious Professionalism when explaining FIRST safety policies
• Provide visitors with earplugs as requested
• Keep aisles, hallways and team traffic pathways clear in the Pit, near the playing field
• Limits team, volunteer, and public access to field
• Ensure that all Safety Glasses Stations are adequately supplied with safety glasses, cleaning supplies, earplugs, and other items as needed throughout the day
• Properly secure safety glasses at the end of each day during the competition
• Complete Safety Glasses Inventory at end of competition
• Communicate with Event Manager and Safety Manager if additional supplies are needed, either for your own event or an upcoming event

Experience and Skills Needed

• FIRST experience not required
• Minimum age: 13
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Approachable and friendly personality
• Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
• Ability to take charge; be assertive, but tactful
• General knowledge of facility and event layout

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/Resources

Please review the following resources before the event:

• Safety Glass Station Guidelines
• Safety Glasses Sign Out Sheet
• Return Safety Glasses Sign

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• Direct Supervision: Safety Manager and Pit Admin Supervisor
• On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook