Volunteer Info
We Need Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of RMNA Seattle. The event is not possible without dedicated and passionate volunteers to help us run the competition fairly, safely, and enjoyably. We are looking for a variety of volunteers of all ages and experience levels to fulfill many jobs.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up at a later date asking you to do a specific role at a specific time and date, at which point we will ask for your commitment.
Volunteer Logistics
To learn more about the competition, see our operational logistics page.
- Each day except for Wednesday (Setup Day), volunteer shifts start at 7:00 AM and end at 9:00 PM.
- For most roles, there are two shifts of volunteers so that you can explore our event and take breaks. Shift changeovers will occur after lunchtime.
- Some roles such as A/V Director or Volunteer Head may be required to be present all day.
- All volunteer roles will receive some form of training remotely via video or written instructions. Some roles such as Inspection, Refereeing, and A/V will have additional hands-on training on Thursday (Practice Day)
- Volunteers will be fed lunch or dinner each day, as well as receive a volunteer t-shirt.
- High School students looking for volunteer hours can have hours signed off by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Reach out to us with any questions via our contact page.
Roles
The various volunteer roles are broken into 5 categories:
Refereeing
Refereeing is a role that ensures teams compete fairly and safely on the field. A full set of referees are required for both 3v3 and 1v1 competitions.
1. Chief Referee
The Chief Referee is a staff member from RoboMaster who makes final decisions on all interpretations of the rules. They have the final say on any individual referee's decisions.
2. Field Referee
Field Referee are trained to observe the robots on and off the field, and make rulings according to the rules. Field Referees may operate the RoboMaster Server GUI which can issue yellow/red cards to the team, suspend or stop gameplay, and check the status of robots in real-time.
3. Pilot Room Referee
Pilot Room Referee are trained to monitor and assist the pilots of each team while they are in the pilot room. They must ensure that pilots use the computers and client software as intended, do not communicate with those outside the pilot room, and to communicate to the Field and Chief referee in case any errors occur with the pilot stations and equipment.
4. Waiting Area Referee
Waiting Area Referee are responsible for ensuring teams in the waiting areas and staging areas do not make illegal modifications or repairs to their robot after inspection, do not leave or change team members, and to guide them through the staging processes.
5. Referee Assistant
Referee Assistants are trained to flexibly fill any role required and support the other referees if they need supplies, equipment, or breaks.
Inspection
Inspection is a role that ensures teams bring robots that are rules-legal, safe, and functional. Teams are inspected before each and every match they play to ensure changes and repairs make do not inhibit their proper operation.
1. Inspector
Inspectors are trained to follow a checklist of inspection items using various inspection tools to check the physical, electrical, and software functionalities of robots. Inspectors fill out a paper sheet throughout each inspection which are signed and confirmed by the team captain.
Audio/Visual
The AV team is responsible for producing a high-quality, entertaining livestream for both twitch.tv and for in-person spectators.
1. AV Director
The AV Director is in charge of the operations and production of the livestream and onsite media. The AV Director is familiar with the equipment, personell, and workflow of all elements of the AV system.
2. 1v1 Director
The 1v1 Director is in charge of the creative direction, video sources, transitions, and other live coverage of the 1v1 competition.
3. 3v3 Director
The 3v3 Director is in charge of the creative direction, video sources, transitions, and other live coverage of the 3v3 competition.
4. Caster/Commentator
The Casters are trained to understand the game, strategies, meta, some technical aspects, and trivia about the RoboMaster competition. Casters are entertaining personalities who can explain to the audience what they're seeing, keep the audience engaged, and maintain a high energy throughout the competition weekend.
5. Camera Operator
Camera Operators are trained in basic cinematography to use cameras or video-streaming phones to provide dynamic footage of teams, close-ups with robots, live interviews, the live audience, etc. Camera operators communicate with their respective directors to get the shot the direction wants.
6. Photographer
Photographers are trained in basic photography to use cameras to capture still images, record interviews, create media for use in the streams, and capture memories from the weekend.
Operations
Operations Volunteers ensure the progression of the schedule, management of the space and equipment, and needs of all volunteers are taken care of.
1. Volunteer Head
The Volunteer Head is responsible for the roles and responsibilities of all volunteers. They ensure volunteers have the training, resources, communication channels, and support they need to do their jobs.
2. Schedule Master
The Schedule Master is responsible for the steady progression of the schedule throughout the day. They have discretion to adjust and reorganize the schedule as anomalies arise, communicate to the entire staff the current and upcoming scheduled events, and update the publicly accessible schedules accordingly.
3. Runner/Messenger
Runners and Messengers are flexible support staff who help other volunteers acquire tools and equipment they need to do their job. For example, A/V volunteers may need to acquire cables from a storage area, or lunch may need to be delivered to volunteers at their posts.
4. Team Helper
The Team Helper situated in the team pit room will give reminders to teams when they should head to inspection, answer questions teams have, and communicate with other staff about teams' requirements and needs. The team helper is also responsible for keeping track of which teams are on-site each day via their prescence in their pit area and by checking in/out each day.
5. Field Cleaner
Field Cleaners repair and reset the field between matches and rounds. Spent projectiles are collected and sorted, debris and dust is swept, battle damage repaired, and field elements maintained (such as changing batteries for the bases).
6. Unloaders
Unloaders debrief teams after their matches, collect projectiles left in robots, and have team captains sign to acknowledge the results of the competition.
Hospitality
Hospitality ensures that the general public as well as visiting teams have a safe, entertaining, and positive experience while attending RMNA Seattle 2023.
1. Welcome/Info Desk
The Welcome/Info Desk serves to give people information they need to find their way, learn more about RoboMaster, and how to engage with the teams and competition.
Additional Information booths will also be set up in the venue and may need staffing.
2. Merch Sales
Merch Sales are an important way to engage with the community, raise funds, and create memories of the event.
More details to come as we determine the scale, scope, and method of merch sales.