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.
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 Signup 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 K-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.