FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) May. 10 2024| 0 KB

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The FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer position. They help keep the FIRST Robotics Competition field and event running smoothly and work in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. The position requires a high level of responsibility and can impact the quality of the event.

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

Responsibilities

  • Implement FIRST safety standards and help manage safety for the event 
  • Provide backup to the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA)
  • Work with volunteers to monitor wireless communications and other aspects of the event using available diagnostic tools
  • Be aware of robot connection problems that arise and be ready to quickly diagnose and assist teams to assess and fix the problems
  • Assist teams with robot technical issues on the field including but not limited to robot connection issues
  • Review the Roles and Expectations document for the FTAA
  • Participate in training opportunities offered by FIRST
  • Attend daily morning meeting if directed by the Event Manager

Experience and Skills Needed

  • FIRST experience required; Understanding of event match cycles recommended
  • Must be post-high school or equivalent
  • Minimum age: 18
    • Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner. 
  • Familiarity or willingness to become familiar with one or more of the following roles/areas: robot control system, field management system, field electronics and diagnostic tools. 
  • Should be ready to step in should the FTA become unavailable
  • Knowledge of the competition game and rules
  • Obtain a radio from event management office to keep aware of event information and issues, return it to office at end of day (as applicable)
  •  Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and move about playing field

Volunteer Time Commitment

  • Pre-event Training calls
  • Minimum 3 full day commitment (Districts)
  • Minimum 4 full day commitment (Regionals and District Championships)

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

FTAA Trainer: Scott Goering and Ayla DeLaat

Training Conference Calls:

  • Dial In Information:
    • United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
    • Australia: +61 2 8355 1050
    • Brazil: +55 11 4118-4897
    • Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391
    • Israel: +972 3 376 3070
    • Mexico: +52 55 1500 3597
    • Türkiye: +90 212 900 4807
    • Onlinehttps://meet.goto.com/236370541
  • Access Code:
    • 236-370-541
  • Calls
    • February 20, 2024 - 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
    • February 27, 2024 - 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
    • March 5th, 2024 - 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
    • March 12th, 2024 - 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST

 *An invitation to join the Box.com training folder will be sent via email by the Trainer/FIRST HQ

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

  • Direct Supervision: FIRST Technical Advisor
  • On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

 

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook.

Webcast Operator May. 10 2024| 0 KB

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The webcast operator for FIRST Robotics Competition is a key volunteer role. The Webcast Operator controls the FIRST Webcast Unit at selected events, creating a live video stream for engagement outside the arena. This volunteer works under the direction of the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) to create an exciting, cohesive experience for web spectators, and create an archive for teams to re-live the event.

 Responsibilities

  • Wear safety glasses when in the arena
  • Create exciting experience for online spectators
  • Switch between available video feeds to create a cohesive, exciting story
  • Follow direction from FIRST Robotics Competition support to solve technical problems related to the equipment

Experience and Skills Needed

  • FIRST experience not required, but preferred
  • Must be post-high school
  • Minimum age: 18)
    • Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
  • Basic knowledge of the competition game, rules of play, and flow of an event
  • Work and interact with volunteers, team members and students, contracted and FIRST staff
  • Basic technical skills (computer proficiency)
  • Strong communication skills and an eye for detail
  • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
  • Ability to stay focused and concentrated

Volunteer Time Commitment

  • Pre-event training (2-3 hours online)
  • Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)

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 HQ prior to the start of the competition season.

*An invitation to join the Box.com folder with training materials will be sent via email by the Trainer/FIRST HQ

Webcast Operator Trainer: Jacob Komar

Training Conference Call:

  • Date: February 21, 8:15pm - 9:15pm EST
  • Dial In Information: 
    • United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
    • Australia: +61 2 8355 1050
    • Brazil: +55 11 4118-4897
    • Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391
    • Israel: +972 3 376 3070
    • Mexico: +52 55 1500 3597
    • Türkiye: +90 212 900 4807
  • Access Code: 967-394-693

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

  • Direct Supervision: FIRST Technical Advisor
  • On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

 

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

Pit Administrator May. 10 2024| 0 KB

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The Pit Administrator role for FIRST Robotics Competition provides direction, assistance, information, and support to teams and guests in the Pit. Volunteers in this role may be asked to make general announcements via the public-address (PA) system in the Pit area but this varies by event. This is a physically active, fast-paced role. 

Responsibilities

  • Complete FIRST’s Data Privacy and Protection training
  • Set-up the Pit Administration station (varies by event)
  • Assist with team check-in
  • Answer questions from teams, and visitors in the Pit area
  • Assist with distribution of the daily match schedule to teams
  • Maintain an adequate supply of printed materials at the Pit Administration station
  • Prohibit teams and guests from entering Pit prior to scheduled opening time; facilitate the on-time departure of teams after Pit closes
  • Manage lost and found items
  • Collaborate with EMTs on preparing Incident Reports as required
  • Communicate with the Queuers to coordinate team line-up for matches, for events that require these announcements
  • Make general "housekeeping" announcements
  • Help facilitate teams needing parts or assistance by making announcements
  • Break down and pack up Pit Administration station during the final awards ceremony

Experience and Skills Needed

  • Must be post-high school or equivalent
  • Minimum age: 18
    • Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
  • General knowledge of the FIRST Robotics Competition
  • Customer-facing, must be friendly and behave professionally at all times 
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills

Volunteer Time Commitment

  • Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
  • Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)

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

Pit Administration Supervisor conducts training onsite* and provides guidance during the competition

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

  • Direct Supervision: Pit Administration Supervisor
  • On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator

 

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook.

Some Season Numbers and Don’s Retirement

Jul 19, 2019 Written by Frank Merrick.

Some cool numbers from DESTINATION: DEEP SPACE Presented by The Boeing Company, plus Don's retiring!

FIRST Alum Spotlight: Katie Johnson

Jul 18, 2019 Written by Katie Johnson, FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee Member & FIRST Alum

FIRST alum Katie Johnson discusses the impact of her decade as a FIRST participant and her work on the FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee.

Hear My Voice: Youth Leadership at FIRST

Jul 18, 2019 By Katie Johnson, FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee Member & FIRST Alum


FIRST alum Katie Johnson discusses the impact of her decade as a FIRST participant and her work on the FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee, which helped create new youth training that supports FIRST in making all students’ experiences more inclusive.

A Message from FIRST President Don Bossi

Jul 11, 2019 Written by FIRST President Donald E. Bossi


FIRST President Don Bossi shares a heartfelt message about the future leadership of FIRST.

Stop Build Day Retirement -- Update and a new DLC pack!

Jul 09, 2019 Written by Frank Merrick.

Happy Retirement to Stop Build Day! Lots of details about the process we are working through. Also, make sure you check out that DLC pack! There are some sound effects from a galaxy far, far away.

Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Stucker

Jul 08, 2019 Written by Andrew Stucker, FIRST Alum

Today, I am a mechanical engineering student who dreams of working in the aerospace industry. Today, I know where my passion lies, where my future may take me and the kinds of problems I may be solving.

Team Email Blasts Jun. 27 2024| 0 KB

Content Type:
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Archive of FIRST® Robotics Competition team email blasts:

-subscribe button

Team Blast 6-27-24:

  • FIRST® HQ July 1-5 closure
  • FIRST Championship updates
  • New Chief Field Supervisor
  • Radios at 2024 Off-Season events
  • Upcoming Deadline! Regrants deadline is June 30
  • Youth Protection screening renewal reminder
  • Hack Club Arcade

Team Blast 6-13-24:

  • The FIRST Robotics Competition Blog has moved
  • New District for the 2025 season
  • 2025 Season Registration now open
  • U.S. Juneteenth Holiday hours
  • Reminder! Regrants deadline

Team Blast 5-30-24:

  • End of Season survey
  • Season Calendar
  • Summer Task Force feedback
  • Regrants
  • Matching gift program
  • Team 67 Time Capsule
  • FIRST Scholarship provider TKS

Team Blast 5-16-24:

  • End of Season survey
  • 2024 Kit of Parts survey
  • Summer Task Forces
  • Drive Base & Black Tote Opt-out now open
  • Summer team blast schedule
  • 2024-2025 FIRST® DIVESM presented by Qualcomm season registration now open
  • Twelfth Annual FIRST & U.S. Air Force Leadership Experience
  • FIRST Signing Day on May 20
  • FIRST Scholarship provider TKS

Team Blast 5-9-24:

  • FIRST Dashboard maintenance; no team blast was sent.

Team Blast 4-25-2024:

  • Congratulations FIRST Championship winners!
  • Join us for the 2025 REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas
  • Upcoming FIRST Dashboard maintenance
  • Twelfth Annual FIRST & U.S. Air Force Leadership Experience
  • 2024 National Advovacy Conference

Team Blast 4-16-2022:

  •  FIRST Championship event; no team blast was sent.

Team Blast 4-9-2024:

  • 2024 Kit of Parts Survey
  • No Team Blast Email next week
  • FIRST Championship information
  • 2024-2025 FIRST Season theme reveal
  • FIRST Dashboard maintenance scheduled from May 5-11
  • 2024 National Advocacy Conference

Team Blast 4-2-2024:

  • FIRST Championship details
  • Addressing field and robot damage
  • Robot shipping & District teams
  • FIRST Championship Conferences
  • FIRST Championship Student Ambassador Program
  • Thank you, volunteers!

Team Blast 3-26-24:

  • Team Updates
  • FIRST Championship Robot Transportation
  • 2024 National Advocacy Conference
  • Youth Advisory Councils

Team Blast 3-19-24:

  • Observations from an FTA
  • Event surveys
  • Bid for a cause

Team Blast 3-12-24:

  • Extended team and Pit Admin support hours
  • Event Reminders
  • FIRST Championship information
  • 2024 National Advocacy Conference

Team Blast 3-5-24:

  • Event surveys
  • Week 1 Events Wrap Up
  • Express Enrollment
  • Virtual auction

Team Blast 2-29-24:

  • Livestream events
  • Driver Station update
  • Youth Protection reminders & updates
  • FIRST Championship Robot Transportation
  • Volunteer at a FIRST® Robotics Competition event

Team Blast 2-22-24:

  • New Team Blast schedule during event season
  • Events begin this week
  • Event Surveys
  • Gracious Professionalism® at events
  • Extended Team and Pit Admin support hours
  • FIRST and Career & Technical Education

Team Blast 2-15-24:

  • FIRST Impact Award submissions due soon
  • FIRST Championship details
  • 2024 scoreboard graphics
  • 2024 FIRST Championship team housing
  • Express Enrollment

Team Blast 2-8-2024:

  • Dean's List and Woodie Flowers Awards submissions due soon
  • FIRST Impact Award deadlines due next week
  • Digital Animation Award winners
  • Last call! FIRST Championship Conferences proposals
  • Diary of an Innovator Team 1466

Team Blast 2-1-2024:

  • Next week! Woodie Flowers and Dean's List Awards submission deadlines
  • Team Updates
  • Events begin soon
  • 2024 Team Avatars
  • Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship closing soon
  • Diary of an Innovator Team 1880
  • FIRST Championship Conferences proposals

Team Blast 1-25-24:

  • FIRST Choice regular ordering opens soon
  • The role of mentors
  • Winner of 2024 Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions
  • FIRST Championship Housing
  • Camp guides
  • Job opportunity available
  • Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship closing soon
  • Diary of an Innovator Team 3316

Team Blast 1-18-24:

  • Next week! Payment deadline for additional events
  • Reminder! Award submissions
  • Today! Digital Animation Award submissions due
  • Regular Ordering for FIRST Choice opens next week
  • Express Enrollment
  • Diary of an Innovator Team 6328
  • FIRST Championship Conferences proposals

Team Blast 1-11-24:

  • The 2024 season has kicked off
  • Important! Reporting missing or damaged Kickoff Kit parts
  • Round 2 of FIRST Choice now open
  • Digital Animation Award submissions closing soon
  • Official Q&A now open
  • Team Updates
  • Virtual Kit of Parts
  • KitBot revealed
  • Martin Luther King Jr. holiday hours
  • Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship closing soon

Team Blast 1-4-24:

  • All things Kickoff!
  • New radios at 2024 FIRST Championship
  • Don't miss important season information
  • FIRST Championship Conferences
  • Thank you, coaches & mentors!

Team Blast 12-21-23:

  • 2024 Kickoff
  • A message about Gracious Professionalism®
  • District Championship allocations
  • KitBot shopping list
  • FIRST HQ office closure
  • Team blast schedule
  • Explore career opportunities
  • Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship reminder

Team Blast 12-14-23:

  • 2024 Kickoff information
  • Tech preview released
  • Team resources
  • 2024 FIRST Championship housing now open
  • Express Enrollment

Team Blast 12-7-23:

  • Event Rules updates
  • KitBot shopping list
  • Digital Animation Award sponsored by AutomationDirect.com
  • CRESCENDOSM presented by Haas tech preview
  • Team Tip
  • 2024 FIRST Championship housing now open

Team Blast 11-29-23:

  • Round 1 of FIRST Choice closing soon
  • Season registration payment deadline and MySites
  • 2024 Safety Animation Award submissions due soon
  • Tech Previews
  • 2024 FIRST Championship team housing
  • Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program
  • FIRST Inspires Gala Auction now open

Team Blast 11-21-23:

  • Round 1 FIRST Choice now open
  • Season registration payment deadline
  • Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions
  • Build skills with XRP
  • U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday hours

Team Blast 11-16-23:

  • Payment Due
  • Round 1 FIRST Choice
  • Pre-Kickoff Virtual Kit Release
  • Digital Animation Award sponsored by AutomationDirect.com
  • Welcome, Chief Scorekeepers!
  • Express Enrollment
  • U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday hours
  • Do you know FIRST Alumni in the arts and entertainment?

Team Blast 11-9-23:

  • Next week! 2024 Team Registration payment due November 13
  • Upcoming Deadline! Kit & Kickoff registration
  • Unrestricted event registration closing November 13
  • Round 1 of FIRST Choice opens next week
  • Pre-Kickoff Virtual Kit Release
  • New banner vendor
  • Additionally reminders
  • FIRST Diary of an Innovator
  • FIRST Scholarship program

Team Blast 11-2-23:

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence in FIRST programs
  • Prepare your team for the 2024 season
  • Awards submission portal now open
  • Due Soon! Team Registration payment
  • Upcoming Deadline! Kit & Kickoff registration
  • Unrestricted event registration closing November 13
  • Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions
  • Backstage access to CRESCENDOSM presented by Haas
  • Event volunteers
  • FIRST Diary of an Innovator
  • Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program now open

Team Blast 10-26-23:

  • Additional plays for Regional and In-District Events open
  • Upcoming! Awards submissions portal opening next week
  • Building skills and engaging
  • Express Enrollment
  • Championship registration fee & eligibility
  • Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship
  • The Woodie Flowers Memorial Grant
  • FIRST Diary of an Innovator

Team Blast 10-18-23:

  • Final reminder! Kickoff Kit Opt Out options closes October 19
  • Beta Testing + New Motors and Motor Controllers
  • Waiting for a grant?
  • 2024 Safety Animation Award opens
  • Opening soon! Unrestricted event registration
  • FIRST Diary of an Innovator
  • FIRST Scholarship program

Team Blast 10-11-23:

  • Closing soon! Round 2 Event Preferencing
  • Late registration for second events
  • Upcoming! Kickoff Kit Opt Out options
  • FIRST Robotics Competition Mentor Guide
  • Team tip
  • Extended hours for Team Support

Team Blast 10-5-23:

  • Second Event Preferencing now open
  • 2024 Safety Animation theme announced
  • Founder's Reception and Kickoff updates
  • Monday.com is back!
  • Holiday hours
  • Express Enrollment
  • #WalkLikeWoodie Day

Team Blast 9-27-23:

  • Closing soon! Round 1 Event Preferencing
  • Late registration for first events
  • Upcoming! Second Event Registration
  • Closing soon! NASA Team Grant
  • Help us learn more
  • Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program now open

Team Blast 9-21-23:

  • Round 1 of Event Preferencing opened today
  • 2024 Event Information
  • Kit & Kickoff Registration now open
  • Grant season
  • Introducing Express Enrollment
  • Introduce & Engage with Kahoot!

Team Blast 9-14-23:

  • Round 1 of Event Preferencing opens next week
  • 2024 Event Listings
  • Additional Award updates
  • Technology Updates
  • New Team Grant now open
  • Reminder! Drivebase & Black Tote Opt-Out now open
  • Youth Protection screening renewal reminder
  • Show us your skills with Kahoot!

Team Blast 9-7-23:

  • Youth Safety
  • Dean's List Award updates
  • Team Sustainability Award Updates
  • NASA Team Grant
  • FIRST® Tech Challenge Kickoff
  • FIRST Scholarship program

Team Blast 8-31-23:

  • Grant season
  • Youth Safety
  • Holiday hours for U.S. Labor Day Holiday
  • Team Support extended hours
  • Youth Protection screening renewal reminder

Team Blast 8-24-23:

  • Motor rule change
  • New Team Grant now open
  • Team Tip
  • Learn about our 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition interns
  • Nominations for the FIRST Educators Recognition Program
  • New this year! Nominations for the FIRST School Recognition Program

Team Blast 8-17-23:

  • Team Blast schedule
  • KitBot details
  • Double Elimination Data
  • Pool Noodles
  • Season Calendar
  • Team recruitment posters and other season assets

Team Blast 8-3-23:

  • Joining us this season?
  • Drivebase & Black Tote Opt-Out now open
  • The 2023-2024 FIRST® LEGO® League MASTERPIECESM Challenge has launched!
  • Youth Protection Screening Renewal reminder
  • Explore how Qualcomm is pushing the limits

Team Blast 7-20-23:

  • New features on the Events page
  • Event carpet update
  • Team tip
  • FIRST Account maintenance reminder
  • 2024 season registration
  • Learning content available
  • FIRST skills

Team Blast 6-29-23:

  • FIRST HQ closure July 3-7 in recognition of U.S. Independence Holiday
  • Regrants deadline
  • Summer learning with Thinkscape
  • Youth Protection screening renewal reminder
  • FIRST Diary of An Innovator team application deadline