RESOURCE LIBRARY

Judges for FIRST Robotics Competition select team award recipients with the help of a Judge Advisor through interaction with teams. They review team information and serve as role models for the students. Judges have the ability to positively impact the quality of the event and have an opportunity to coach students on career paths.

There are separate volunteer roles within the system called “Judge – FIRST Impact Award” and “Judge – Dean’s List Award”. These volunteers focus on those specific awards but much of this role description still applies to those roles.

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

Responsibilities

• Complete required judge training
• Learn and understand award criteria and selection process
• Read the Judge Manual
• Wear provided judge shirt, closed toed shoes, and safety glasses
• Interview, take notes and observe teams in the Pit, on the playing field, and other areas
• Review information given by teams while at the event
• Participate on judge panel to help decide team/student awards recipients
• Write short awards scripts extolling merits of winning teams
• Assist with award presentations to teams
• Must disclose all relationships with FIRST Robotics Competition teams at the event and must follow the directions given to you by the Judge Advisor
• (Dean’s List Judges only) Complete FIRST’s Data Privacy and Protection training and maintain confidentiality of personal information in compliance with the FIRST Privacy Policy
• 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

• FIRST experience not required
• Must be post-high school or equivalent
• Minimum age: 18. (preferred age: 21+)
• Strong assessment skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to remain focused as well as collaborate with others and work as a member of a team
• Ability to balance the nature of the position as one of ensuring fair judging, while acting as a mentor and role model to students participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition
• Ability to move about the facility 

Note: Event schedules vary. Please check the event schedule and talk to your Judge Advisor 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 provided remotely by FIRST and the Judge Advisor prior to the competition. The Judge Advisor will email the Judge Manual will be emailed to all judges prior to the competition.

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

• ​Direct Supervision and On-Site Support: Judge Advisor
• Support provided by FIRST, if needed 

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook