Why should I volunteer for FIRST Mid-Atlantic?
FIRST Mid-Atlantic is primarily run by a group of volunteers from the FIRST Mid-Atlantic board all the way down to the those who fulfill varying roles at our events. Without our group of extremely enthusiastic, dedicated, and talented volunteers, FIRST Robotics and FIRST Mid-Atlantic would not be possible. No matter what his/her role is, each volunteer adds to the experience of the event. These events provide opportunities for volunteers to be a part of something bigger than themselves – providing quality experiences to each and every team who attend each of our events.
What kind of roles can I volunteer for?
There is an extensive list of volunteer positions at the FIRST Robotics volunteer positions page.
- REFEREE:
- TASK: Watch robot games, call fouls
- TIME: 2 full days
- TRAINING: Required training prior to the event
- ROBOT INSPECTOR:
- TASK: Inspect robots for rule violations
- TIME: Partial day (Friday) or full day
- TRAINING: Required training prior to the event
- TEAM QUEUEING:
- TASK: Get teams queued up for robot matches
- TIME: Full days preferrable, but can do partial days
- TRAINING: Day of the event
- JUDGING:
- TASK: Interview and evaluate teams
- TIME: 2 full days
- TRAINING: Required training prior to the event
- FIELD RESET:
- TASK: Assist in resetting the field after each robot match
- TIME: Full days preferrable, but can do partial days
- TRAINING: Day of the event
Great! Where do I sign up to volunteer?
FIRST Mid-Atlantic hosts events in various locations throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. To sign up for these events, please visit the FIRST inspires website.
Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?
Event Expense Reimbursement is dictated by the FRC Event Volunteer Expense Reimbursement Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after I apply to an event, should I hear from the Volunteer Coordinator?
Volunteer assignments are made on a rolling basis and depend on the specific volunteer role. Different roles require volunteer assignments to be made sooner, while others do not. If you apply for a volunteer role and do not hear anything within 3 weeks, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator for the event or the Senior Volunteer Coordinator.
Tip: Volunteer assignments do not start being assigned until October. If you apply for an event before then, please hold off on reaching out until the end of October.
I applied to an event and did not get the role I wanted. What should I do?
Some volunteer roles have specific requirements that volunteers must meet in order to fulfill that role, or those roles may favor those who have specific volunteer role experience. If you do not meet the requirements or all positions for that role have been filled, then the Volunteer Coordinator will place you in a different volunteer role.
If you have questions about your volunteer assignment, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator and Senior Volunteer Coordinator for clarification.
Tip: Make sure your volunteer experience information is up-to-date and lists any off-season volunteer experience you have. Volunteer experience is referenced when assignments are made.
I applied to an event and was told I was not needed. Aren’t volunteers always needed?
Some of our events fill all volunteer roles early on in the season and additional volunteers may not be needed. Volunteer assignments and final volunteer lists are finalized the week before an event.
Tip: As soon as you know you can commit to volunteering at the event, apply!
Can I be a Walk-On Volunteer?
Due to safety and security reasons, walk-on volunteers can only be accepted if you have completed the Volunteer Registration process through the FIRST inspires website website and passed YPP certification. For some events, PA-specific clearances are also required for all volunteers, please review the volunteer clearance requirements before arriving at the event.
Not all events will take walk-on volunteers; it varies event-by-event and if they are still in need of volunteers.
I think I’m being unfairly treated by the Volunteer Coordinator. What can I do?
Contact the Senior Volunteer Coordinator to discuss and document your concerns. If the Senior Volunteer Coordinator cannot assist or is part of your concern, contact the Program Director.
Why did FIRST Mid-Atlantic create a code of conduct?
To ensure our team’s have the best experience possible, FIRST Mid-Atlantic adopted a code of conduct, beginning in the 2020 season that aligns with FIRST’s Code of Conduct to ensure proper behavior is being followed across all of our events.
An incident occurred at an FMA event where a volunteer is violating the code of conduct. What should I do?
Inform the Volunteer Coordinator and Event Manager to document the concern. If warranted, a non-medical incident report form can be submitted. Non-medical incident report forms are handled by FIRST HQ.
What happens if I violate the code of conduct?
Discussions with the volunteers and FMA leadership, including the Senior Volunteer Coordinator and Program Director will take place in the event of a code of conduct violation. In addition, FIRST HQ will also be involved in any discussions regarding future participation in FMA events, as FIRST’s procedures on volunteer misconduct are followed.
Any additional questions?
Contact our Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Ali Marinari, at [email protected] or our Program Director, Joe Troy, at [email protected].