General Resources

New to volunteering? Check out these resources to help you get started. These resources cover many aspects of volunteering for FIRST^® from registering to become a volunteer, a deeper dive into using the different features of the Volunteer Registration system, how to complete your Youth Protection screening process, and all the things you wanted to know about being a FIRST volunteer.

FIRST Volunteer Handbook - Comprehensive guide to the different ways people can volunteer with FIRST. Includes expectations, descriptions of trainings, policies, and other resources.

Volunteering with FIRST Flyer- Helpful information on how to volunteer with FIRST

FIRST Event Volunteer Checklist - Become a more effective FIRST event volunteer.

FIRST Mentor/Coach Checklist - To guide you through your journey as a volunteer mentoring or coaching a FIRST team.

The FIRST Mentor Network – connect with local teams to provide in-person or virtual services including technical, administrative, or creative skills.

FIRST Championship – learn more about volunteering at FIRST Championship

Volunteer Trainings

Volunteering with FIRST - an introductory learning module for mentors, coaches, and event volunteers that explores what FIRST is and what it means to volunteer with FIRST.

Remote Mentoring with FIRST-  a brief simulation training that explores the fundamentals of remote meetings for mentors and coaches. 

Mentoring and Coaching with FIRST - a cross-program training module designed for new and prospective mentors and coaches that will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the expectations of the role and where to find support.

Inspiring Success Training is for coaches, mentors, volunteers, partners, and other key stakeholders who work directly with students and are committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable teams and are committed to creating a sense of belonging for students. This training is delivered in three modules. We recommend completing each module in one sitting.    

The FIRST Volunteer Customer Service Training will equip you with the tools needed to provide inspiration, safety, support, and a positive experience to our customers. Our customers are anyone who participates in FIRST including teams, parents, coaches/mentors, teachers, sponsors, spectators, and other volunteers.     

Youth Protection Training will enable you to recognize situations that may pose a threat to team member safety and learn the steps to take the actions necessary to prevent and report injuries. 

System Guides and Documentation

Volunteer Registration User Guide - Frequently asked questions regarding Volunteer Registration. 

Volunteer Screening Guide - Information about the volunteer screening process.

FIRST Mentor Network Guide - Information on how to access and use the FIRST Mentor Network.

BlueVolt User Guide - Information on how to access and use the BlueVolt learning system.

Event Volunteer Role Descriptions

FIRST LEGO League Explore 

FIRST LEGO League Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

Recognition Resources

Volunteer Recognition Store – purchase coach/mentor pins, alumni volunteer patches, and year of service pins.

Download Season Theme Volunteer Digital Content – download season theme volunteer digital content such as social media profile images and headers, as well as phone and computer wallpapers.

Download Volunteer Year of Service Digital Graphics - download volunteer year of service digital graphics for use on social media or in email signatures.

Volunteer Newsletter

Subscribe to the FIRST Volunteer Newsletter

View a Recent FIRST Volunteer Newsletter Edition

Forms

Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement - A required form for specific volunteer roles.

Create awareness among students, teachers/educators, and parents of  availability  of FIRST Scholarships and overall FIRST Alumni initiatives; drive/increase student applications for scholarships; encourage FIRST participants to stay connected with FIRST after high school. 

Collateral Code: DV001

The Head Referee for FIRST Robotic Competition is a key volunteer position. They are in a high visibility leadership position that is responsible for training, directing, and supervising all Referees and Official Scorers (when applicable). They oversee all scoring processes and procedures, in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA). They work and interact with students, volunteers, and contracted/FIRST staff, always displaying Gracious Professionalism even in stressful situations. This physical role, positioned along the field border, has final authority for decisions regarding match scores. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, facilitating a positive and fair environment for all competitors, and maintaining the pace of the event.

The Head Referee is submitted by the Volunteer Coordinator. Once submitted, the individual must be approved by FIRST, including the Co-Chief Referees. Once approved the candidate will be contacted and assigned by FIRST HQ.

*Must sign a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement prior to start of service. A conflict of interest does not necessarily preclude an indiviudal from being assigned the Head Referee role. 

 Responsibilities

• Complete Head Referee training as provided by FIRST HQ and the Co-Chief Referees
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator prior to event to ensure the referee (and official scorer as applicable) roles are filled and certified
• Supervise Referees and Official Scorers (as applicable), starting with a conference call for the event's Referee crew before the event begins (approx. 1 week before the event begins)
• Wear provided Head Referee shirt (provided by FIRST HQ) and safety glasses when in the arena
• Obtain a radio from event management office to keep aware of event information and issues, return it to the office at the end of day 
• Secure and distribute referee supplies, manage referee radio sets (ensuring they are charged in advance and returned at the end of the day), and pack Referee case at the conclusion of the event
• Attend daily morning meeting as directed by Event Manager
• Facilitate a positive and fair competition environment for all participants
• Observe matches, "call" rule infractions
• Lead score deliberations, if necessary, and make final decisions regarding match scores or contested penalties
• Monitor and promote safe practices on and around the playing field leading by example
• Participate in deliberations with the FTA, Field Supervisor, and Lead Robot Inspector regarding robot-related issues as required
• Only individuals who have been issued the FIRST role specific apparel may wear it for both official and non-official FIRST events

Experience and Skills Needed

• Minimum age: 23
  • Exceptions may be granted by FIRST HQ
• 4 prior years of FIRST Robotics Competition referee experience (exceptions may be granted by FIRST HQ)
• Head Referees are limited to 3 events per season (exceptions may be granted by FIRST HQ)
• Ability to balance the nature of the position as one of ensuring fair play, while acting as a mentor and role model to students participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition
• Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play, including staying up-to-date with Team Updates (must pass two online certifications by the deadlines established by the Chief Referees each season)
• Approachable personality; high energy
• Have strong communication skills, and ability to be assertive but tactful
• Self-directed individual
• Ability to collaborate with others; work as a member of a team
• Attention to detail
• Ability to move about the field and stand for long periods of time
• Strong assessment skills

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

Game-specific training is provided by FIRST HQ prior to the competition season. Includes: recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications, and/or one-on-one support.

In addition, Head Referee Periodic Training, which is not game or season specific, must be completed by all Rookie Head Referees. Veteran Head Referees must complete online Head Referee Periodic Training every 3 years in addition to season specific training each season. Veteran Head Referees may be asked to complete the Head Referee Periodic Training in order to remain qualified. 

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• On-Site Support: Volunteer Coordinator
• Support by FIRST Technical Advisor, Co-Chief Referees, and designated FIRST HQ contact

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook