Volunteer for a Competition
Volunteers are the lifeblood of competitions. We rely on referees to keep things fair, emcees to keep things exciting and queries to keep things on schedule. Volunteering at a competition is easy to learn, fun to do and rewarding for everyone involved.
To find an event near you, visit RobotEvents.com. If you have specific questions about a particular event, reach out to the event partner listed for that event.
Volunteer Roles and Descriptions for an Aerial Drone Competition
Key Volunteers – These are volunteers who will be your TEAM to help you run the event. Your Key Volunteers should be trusted people you know and can count on.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Head Referee | Interprets and consistently enforces the rules of the game. Trains and supports scorekeeper referees & field resetters. Required to read and understand the Game Manual and Referee Guide. |
| Judge Advisor | Ensures all judging is done in compliance with Judges Guide. Trains and supports Judges. Required to read and understand the Judge Guide and Judging Rubric. |
| Tournament Manager Operator | Understands how to use TM Software to initiate matches, record scores and manage displays. Works with emcee to keep event flowing smoothly. |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Helps recruit and organize volunteers. Support Volunteer and Team Check-in Stations. |
Additional Volunteers – These are people from your community and network who will support you in running your event.
| Role | Description | Suggested # |
|---|---|---|
| Scorekeeper Referee | Records and verify scores. Discusses possible rule violations with Head Referee. | 2 Per Field |
| Emcee | Introduces teams, provides play-by-play during matches and communicates information to audience, teams and volunteers. Works with the TM Operator and Head Referee to keep event on time. | 1-2 |
| Inspector | Conduct inspections to verify the drones comply with the rules and specifications outlined in the official game manual. | 2 for every 8 teams |
| Judge | Interview teams and ask questions using a rubric. Review Competition Logbooks using a rubric. Select winners for judged awards. | 2 for every 8 teams |
| Querer | Direct teams to the field at the proper time. | 1 per Field |
| Team Check-in and Volunteer Check-in | Welcome teams, volunteers and guests to event. Hand out and collect materials. Direct people where to go. Answer basic questions. | 1-2 |
| Field Resetter | Reset the game elements on the field in between matches (this role is great for younger children). | 1-2 per field |
Volunteer Recruitment for an Aerial Drone Competition
Reaching out to the community is a great way to recruit volunteers, promote your organization and the Aerial Drone Competition Program. Here are some suggestions on where to find volunteers:
Parents, Teachers, School Administrators, Mentors and Siblings
Volunteering can be a family affair! Younger siblings are often good at Field Reset.
Schools, College, Universities
Classes, honor societies, sororities and fraternities may have community service requirements for membership, scholarships and graduation. Check out clubs and groups, college of engineering and ROTC programs for assistance. Give your local Army recruiter a table in exchange for providing volunteers. Pre-service tech and student teachers are also ideal candidates for volunteering.
Partner with Local Schools
Contact nearby schools and agree to do a volunteer swap. They provide volunteers for your event and you provide volunteers for their event.
Local Businesses and Sponsors
Reach out to local tech companies who may be interested in supporting STEM learning in their community. Other companies also use events for a team building experience. Reach out to the HR department and ask if they have a volunteer program for employees
Community Groups, Organization Chapters, Church Groups
Check with your local maker community, TechSoup, Local UAW, NSBE, IEEE, SWE, Chamber of Commerce, Library, etc.
Employee Programs and Corporate Responsibility
Many local and national chains have community service and philanthropy goals, and employee volunteering is part of their culture. Some even provide a grant donation to your event if you get so many volunteers from their location.
Helpful Hint: Event Partners can request that each team attending their event provide 1 or 2 volunteers. A few positions like Judges and Referees require that there is a level of impartiality so outside non-affiliated volunteers are critical to the integrity of the event. If finding non-affiliated volunteers isn’t possible, endeavor to provide Judges and Referees that represent multiple organizations from the event.