Tournaments run on volunteers — queuers, scorekeepers, inspectors, judges, and a dozen helping hands. You don't need to know anything about robotics to start, and most roles can be learned in minutes on event day.
Step 1 — Sign in
Create an account (or sign in) using Log In in the site menu. An account is what lets you pick roles and sign up for shifts.
Step 2 — Pick your roles
Open your Volunteer Roles page. Roles come in two kinds:
- Self-assignable roles — Volunteer, Coach, Supporter, and Student. Pick the ones that fit you and you have them immediately.
- Vetted roles — Judge Advisor and Head Referee (and Event Partner, for tournament hosts). These are leadership roles, so you request them: choose the role under Request a vetted role, add a short note, and submit. The official credential comes from VEX / Global Robotics — for certified roles, gainingSTEAM validates your certificate to add the role to your account — and you'll get an email when it's added. You can check the status anytime on your My role requests page.
If an admin adds a role to your account and it isn't showing up where you expect, sign out and sign back in.
Most people only need the Volunteer role (or Student for younger helpers) — that's enough to sign up for nearly every shift at an event.
Step 3 — Sign up for a shift
Head to Volunteer Sign Up to see upcoming events that need help. See Signing up for shifts for how that works.
What being a volunteer is like
Our events are grades 3-8 VEX IQ competitions — energetic, kid-centered, and genuinely fun to work. Every role has a one-page guide and someone to shadow, and lead volunteers are always nearby when you have a question. Start with Volunteer roles at a tournament to see what you might enjoy, and Tournament day: what to expect for the practical details.
Who defines the roles? VEX and Global Robotics define the official competition roles and their certifications — that's the same at every event worldwide. gainingSTEAM's job is helping local Event Partners find, train, and coordinate the people who fill them.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] and we'll get you sorted.