Volunteers are needed so that we can provide a fun opportunity that allows FLL teams to demonstrate the great things that they have done this season.

Each event requires many volunteers with a broad spectrum of talents to support teams, volunteers, audience members and competition demands. We cannot hold the competitions without volunteers.

Please see the list of  positions available below –  we have roles that need some technical background as well as many that are completely non-technical.  Many positions are available for those with no prior experience and/or are affiliated with a team.

Contact FLL@PlayingAtLearning.org if you have questions about volunteering at our events.

Additional Key Role for Unaffiliated Youth or Adult

Judging Assistant

Time Commitment

All day, typically ~7:30am to ~6:00pm

Who can volunteer?

Must be a post-high school adult, and not affiliated with any current FLL team.

CAN NOT be the team’s Adult Volunteer

Time Commitment

All day,preferred.  Event may be able to support splitting role among several volunteers

Who can volunteer?

Adult or possibly a High School student, if mature and responsible
Great roles for the FLL Team’s Adult Volunteer!

Time Commitment varies

Some roles are needed for just a few hours but most are needed all day.  Some events can support sharing of a role among several volunteers throughout the day but this should not be assumed.

Who can volunteer?

Adult or possibly a High School student, if mature and responsible
Great roles for the FLL Team’s Adult Volunteer!

Additional Roles used at some Tournaments

Field Resetter
Floor Manager
Team Queuer
Pit Manager & Pit Crew
DJ and A/V Crew
Score Runner and Team Pit Runner
Concessions & Food
First Aid,
Technical Advisor, Production Manager, Video Camera Operator

Time Commitment varies

Some roles are needed for just a few hours but most are needed all day.  Some events can support sharing of a role among several volunteers throughout the day but this should not be assumed.

Who can volunteer?

Adult or possibly a High School student, if mature and responsible
Great roles for the FLL Team’s Adult Volunteer!

Volunteer Roles listed by FIRST that are not used at NorCal FLL Qualifers 

Assign Me As Needed
Assistant Scorekeeper
Head Core Values Judge, Head Project Judge, Head Robot Design Judge
Load-in/Load-out  (we use Setup and Cleanup roles)

Key and General Volunteer Position Descriptions

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  TIMER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Keep official time for each match for robot game or time for judging sessions. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of the tournament and maintaining pace of the day.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time

TRAINING No training required

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  SCOREKEEPER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Official manager of the scoring sheets and official score entry.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • General computer background is helpful
  • Good keyboarding / data entry skills is needed
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time
  • Must be comfortable using a computer and mouse (or touchpad)

TRAINING Training in morning if needed and willingness to use new scoring software. Generally works closely with Head Referee, particularly if there are any questions about a scoresheet

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  EMCEE & GAME ANNOUNCER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Host for the competition event. Provide team introductions and competition commentary.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL and/or FIRST competition experience preferred
  • Outgoing personality; high energy
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Clear and strong vocal ability; requires frequent speaking over a long period of time
  • Ability to “take charge”; be assertive, but tactful
  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • Comfortable using a microphone and addressing large crowd; vocally energetic
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and move easily
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING Playing At Learning can provide training via a game overview prior to the event.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ROBOT INSPECTOR  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Perform mandatory robot inspections to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. Determine inspection outcome and escalate to Head Referee for final Pass/Fail determination.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required; LEGO and LEGO Mindstorms knowledge strongly preferred
  • Mechanical aptitude helpful, basic knowledge of electronics is helpful
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Attention to detail is important
  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • Strong assessment skills

TRAINING Assumes knowledge of basic LEGO electrical and parts including LEGO sensors. Will take direction and escalate questions / issues to Head Referee

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  SETUP CREW  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Support teams and tournament by helping to setup pit area, competition floor and judging rooms

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Physical role involving bending, lifting, carrying equipment
  • Recommended to bring work gloves and wear closed toe shoes
  • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Will take direction from Tournament Director and/or Event Manager

TIME COMMITMENT Typically a few hours the day before the event or morning of a small event

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  CLEANUP CREW  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Support teams and tournament by helping to cleanup pit area, competition floor and judging rooms

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Physical role involving bending, lifting, carrying equipment
  • Recommended to bring work gloves and wear closed toe shoes
  • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Will take direction from Tournament Director and/or Event Manager

TIME COMMITMENT Typically starts before the end of the event and is needed for a few hours after the event

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  FIELD RESET CREW / FIELD RESETTER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Reset playing field after each team match. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required, but helpful
  • Ability to reach across to center of 4 foot wide competition table
  • Attention to detail with a steady hand to reset the LEGO Mission models is needed
  • Physically active role; ability to stand for long periods of time and quickly move about the field
  • Can be a sibling, parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING Head Referee will typically conduct training in morning, and provides guidance during the competition

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~   FLOOR MANAGER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Manage competition floor area including teams entering/exiting, VIPs, referees, A/V crew, etc. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of the day and maintaining pace of the event. Duties need to be done efficiently.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL tournament experience very helpful
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and move easily throughout the competition area
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and direct others in a calm, tactful manner
  • Can be a parent or adult relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING Tournament Director or Event Manager provides guidance and overview of role at the beginning of the day

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  TEAM QUEUER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for managing team traffic to and from the competition floor. Stage and position teams in preparation
for the start of matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • General tournament experience very helpful
  • Ability to “take charge”; be assertive, but tactful
  • Basic knowledge of the match process is helpful
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
  • Self-directed individual
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to use radio to communicate with Pit Manager, if needed
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING Competition Floor Manager or Tournament director provide guidance during the competition

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  TEAM CHECK-IN  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Manage all activities at the Team Check-In Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to teams and coaches. Welcome teams to the tournament and help collect and hand out registration materials

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Ability to “take charge”; be assertive, but tactful
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout is helpful
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time
  • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Take direction from Tournament Director or Event Manager

TIME COMMITMENT Typically morning only of event for a few hours

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Manage all activities at the Volunteer Registration Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to
event volunteers.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Ability to “take charge”; be assertive, but tactful
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
  • Strong organizational skills & good attention to details
  • Self-directed individual
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time
  • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Take direction from Volunteer Coordinator or Tournament Director or Event Manager.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically morning only of event for a few hours but may be needed all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  PIT MANAGER & PIT CREW  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Provide direction, assistance, information, and support to teams in the Pit area.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL tournament experience very helpful for Pit Manager
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Ability to use radio to communicate with Team Queuer if needed
  • Adults preferred for Pit Manager; older teens can be part of the Pit Crew
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING Pit Manager provides guidance to Pit Crew during the competition.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  SECURITY/CROWD CONTROL  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Facilitate smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility; monitor audience; provide security for team pit area; Ensures compliance with local house rules such as restrictions on Food or Beverages in event areas.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Outgoing, friendly personality
  • Strong interpersonal/communication skills
  • Ability to take charge; be assertive, but tactful
  • Ability to move about facility freely and without physical limitations
  • General knowledge of facility and/or event, is preferred
  • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered, particularly if on a FIRST team
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING  None required. Instructions on what items will need to be enforced (such as no standing in front of barriers and no food/drink) will be given at beginning of volunteer shift, typically by either the Floor Manager or Pit Manager or possibly Tournament Director or Event Manager.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day – event may be able to support sharing the role among several volunteers

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  PHOTOGRAPHER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY  Help capture the tournament to help document and provide future publicity opportunities.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • Self-directed individual
  • Typically uses personal camera equipment
  • Ability to move about facility freely and without physical limitations
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member


TRAINING 
None required. Generally takes direction from Tournament Director

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  DJ  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Set upbeat, high-energy mood for the competition event through age-appropriate music. Should review approved play list; Also, should have access to national anthem for opening ceremony.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING No training required

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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>~ ~ ~ ~ ~  A/V CREW  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Provides audio-visual support for event. This may include helping to manage balance, sound of Emcee, Announcers as well as cue and play videos or even helping with live streaming of event. May also include being part of camera crew for robot game.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • General knowledge and experience with A/V equipment is expected
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING No training required. Generally works with Floor Manager and Tournament Director

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  JUDGING AIDE  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Provide support to judges and judge advisor by keeping track of time during judging sessions. Assist Judge Advisor throughout the day as needed

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • Ability to move about facility freely and without physical limitations
  • If affiliated with any FLL team(s), must not be in room for deliberations or decision making

TRAINING No training required. Takes direction from Judge Advisor

TIME COMMITMENT Needed most during Judging Interviews – typically from ~8:30am to ~3:30pm

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  SCORE RUNNER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Support event by collecting the filled out scoresheets from the referees and handing them to the Scorekeeper.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Ability to move about facility freely and without physical limitations
  • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member


TRAINING  
None required. Direction typically provided by Head Referee if needed

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day – event may be able to support sharing the role among several volunteers

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  TEAM RUNNER  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Support teams by escorting them to /  from judging sessions and competition rounds.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Ability to move about facility freely and without physical limitations
  • Can be a parent, sibling, or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Typically works under the direction of the Team Queuer and possibly Pit Manager.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day – event may be able to support sharing the role among several volunteers

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  WELCOME & INFORMATION DESK  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Manage all activities at the Information Table. Provide direction, assistance and information to attendees.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required but helpful to know about FIRST and the goals of the program
  • Ability to “take charge”; be assertive, but tactful
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Self-directed individual
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time
  • Adults preferred, older teens may be considered
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Tournament Director will provide details on common questions as needed.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day – event may be able to support sharing the role among several volunteers

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  CONCESSIONS & FOOD  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Participate in selling items to teams and visitors. This could include food, beverages, raffle tickets,
Tshirts, pins and similar to attendees.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • Attention to detail & good at record keeping
  • Self-directed individual
  • Ability to sit or stand (depends on nature of role) for long periods of time
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required. Generally takes direction from Tournament Director or their delegate.

TIME COMMITMENT Typically morning to early afternoon

 

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  FIRST AID  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Provide TLC and medical care as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • EMT or Nurse or similar medical professional
  • General knowledge of facility and event layout is helpful
  • Self-directed individual
  • Can be a parent or relative of current FLL team member

TRAINING None required – expect person to be on call as needed by Key / Lead Tournament Volunteers

TIME COMMITMENT Typically all day – event may be able to support sharing the role among several volunteers

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  JUDGE ADVISOR  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY The Judge Advisor oversees the judging process and judging quality for the event. The Judge Advisor ensures that the FLL Global Standards for Judging and Awards are followed. Judge Advisors are responsible for overseeing all judges for the event, including any necessary pre-event communication and training.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required but very beneficial
  • Knowledge of the current season challenge needed
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • Strong organizational and facilitation skills
  • Ability to collaborate with others and work as a team

TRAINING In person training and Certification

TIME COMMITMENT All day plus pre-event planning and training

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  JUDGE  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY There are 3 types of FIRST LEGO League Judges: Core Values, Project and Robot Design. Each Judge, in a panel with 1 or 2 others, will interview and observe teams in the Judging rooms as well as potentially in the Pit, and on the playing field. The Judge position serves as a role model for the team members. Judges participate in writing short awards scripts extolling the merits of winning teams and assists with award presentations to the teams.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required but very beneficial
  • Knowledge of the current season challenge needed
  • Strong assessment skills needed
  • Ability to effectively relate to youth aged 9-14 and be a role model at all times
  • Ability to collaborate with others and work as a team

TRAINING Online training and Certification

TIME COMMITMENT All day plus a couple of hours of pre-event online training

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~  HEAD REFEREE and GAME REFEREE  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

POSITION SUMMARY Game Referees observe team robot game matches, identifies rule violations, assesses field for scoring of matches, and participates in deliberations regarding contested calls and official scores. Position works under the direction of the Head Referee. Requires training and knowledge of this season’s Challenge Game.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

  • FLL experience not required but very beneficial
  • Knowledge of the current season challenge needed
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • Strong communication and diplomatic skills
  • Physically demanding role; ability to stand for long periods of time

TRAINING Online training materials available; Highly encouraged to participate in pre-tournament scrimmmages

TIME COMMITMENT All day plus a few hours of pre-event training