The Practice Field Attendant for FIRST Robotics Competition schedules and monitors practice field and equipment usage throughout the event. This volunteer is also responsible for keeping the practice field clean and free of debris, protecting practice field electronics, and reporting any malfunctions or damage to the field directly to the Field Supervisor / FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA).

Responsibilities

• Implement FIRST safety standards and help manage safety for the event
• Maintain a schedule at the practice field, monitor flow of teams, ensure fair use of field
• Assist teams with wireless equipment provided for the practice field (instructions provided)
• Report any malfunctions or field damage to the Field Supervisor / FIRST Technical Advisor
• Keep the practice field clean of debris
• Ensure all teams are given equitable access to the practice field 

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
• FIRST experience not required
• Basic knowledge in making connections to electronic equipment (instructions provided)
• Ability to "take charge"; be assertive, but tactful
• Ability to keep track of, and secure as required, practice field electronics
• Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
• Ability to work and interact with volunteers, team members, and FIRST staff
• Basic knowledge of the game and match process is helpful
• Self-directed individual
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Work well in a fast-paced environment

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

Training is on-site but volunteers are encouraged to read the Practice Field Attendant Instructions before arriving. 

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• Direct Supervision: Volunteer Coordinator
• Technical Supervision: FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) or FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA if the FTA is unavailable)

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

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 overall event safety, observe unsafe actions, and coach teams in appropriate safe behavior
• 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

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 HQ prior to the start of competition season. Please also review the following resources before the event:

• Safety Manager Training
• Safety Glasses Sign Out Sheet
• Return Safety Glasses Sign

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

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

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook