Trail Talk

The primary role of a judge is to interview teams, and to decide which teams deserve an award based on team interviews, the robot, match play, and the engineering portfolio. Judges are paired in groups of two -3 to interview a set number of teams before the competition begins as well as interviews in the pit area. • Interview and watch teams in the judging rooms, the pit, and on the playing field. • Take part on judge panel to decide team award recipients. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training courses. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent allowed to serve in this role with HQ approval, 21 preferred

Most of the judges will be involved in the judge interviews and will not have much time to see the robots in action. Two or three judges should be asked to serve as judge match observers. • Watch the action on the field. • Collect data on the quality of the robot performance. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent.

The emcee is the primary individual responsible for setting the tone of the competition and creating and sustaining an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event. Most visible presence at the event; embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the consummate FIRST ambassador. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event. • Hosts the opening and awards ceremonies. • Provide spectators and teams with an overview of the game and the basic rules throughout the event. • Announce teams taking part in matches. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent

The queuer is responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field. Stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event. • Escorts teams from the pit to the queuing area. • Stage and position teams for matches. • Ensures access to the field is limited to authorized individuals. • Maintain an uninterrupted flow of teams to the playing field. • Direct teams to fields, and from the field. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 15 years of age or older.

The field resetter is responsible for resetting the playing field after each match. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event. • Reset field after each match. • Check the field for debris after the match, remove. • Check field for damage; report damage to the Head Referee. Prerequisite: FIRST experience strongly preferred, but not required. Minimum Age Requirement: 13 years of age or older.

The practice field attendant is responsible for supervising the practice field area, including watching team use of the field and game elements. Prerequisite: FIRST experience preferred, but not required. Minimum Age Requirement: 15 years of age or older.

Referees watch the status of the game and scoring elements during match play. There will be one referee assigned to the blue alliance side of the field, and the other to the red alliance side of the field. They may track the status of the field on paper or using scoresheets. Some tournaments may use live scoring, and the referee will use an application installed on either a phone or tablet to track the status of the field. • Watching matches helps teams to avoid rule violations. • "Call" rule violations when necessary; decide penalties. • Communicates penalties and rule violations to the penalty Referee throughout the match. • Take part in deliberations about contested calls. • Watch and promote safe practices on and around the playing field. Prerequisite: Previous FIRST experience. BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent.

The scorekeeper helps the flow of the event and provides information and match scores to the teams and to the audience. The lead scorekeeper is the person responsible for making sure the scoring system is set up correctly (including displays and user tablets for other volunteers) and that match scores are entered accurately. The volunteer should work closely with the FTA and head referee. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years of age or older.