The Role of Volunteers

What events are open to public viewing during competition?

2009-10-03T02:17:17.397-07:00

Most self-schedule events are open to public viewing - as long as the crowd does not become a problem to the successful running of the event. If the Event Supervisor deems that a venue is over-croweded, then the Event Supervisor has the right to close the event and ask observers to leave the room or back away from the outdoor venue.

May Division A parents volunteer for Division A events?

2009-10-03T02:15:12.062-07:00

Yes. Generally, assignments are made so that parents volunteer in events in another division where the school they represent is NOT competiting. Since there are not an equal number of teams in each division, this is not always feasible. Division A volunteers may be assigned to Division A events. However, they may NOT volunteer for an event in which their own child is competing. If an assignment is made that includes such a conflict, the parent should explain this to the leader giving out the volunteer assignments and request a different assignment.

Will Division B and C volunteers be assigned to their own division?

2009-10-03T02:13:33.321-07:00

No. Division B teams will provide volunteers for Division C events, and vice versa. Some Division C teams may be asked to provide volunteers for Division A. This is because of the unequal number of teams in each division.

Can my volunteers choose the time and place they are assigned to help?

2009-10-03T02:12:14.895-07:00

No. The assignments are made randomly, based on need and timing. Please ask your volunteers to be flexible.

What will the volunteers be asked to do?

2009-10-03T02:06:56.514-07:00

Parent volunteers may be asked to do almost anything to help an event run successfully. This may be as simple as standing outside a door to make sure no one interrupts the event in progress. Volunteers may be needed to watch for safety issues or walk around the room to proctor the event. Volunteers may be asked to help with set-up and clean-up or they may be asked to run an errand to pick up supplies or lunch. Some events need a lot of help and some don't need as much assistance.

What if my volunteers do not show up?

2009-10-03T02:05:25.198-07:00

Science Olympiad staff will audit the verification slips and points will be deducted if a team has not met its volunteer obligations.

How do you know if my volunteers complete their assignments?

2009-10-03T02:03:06.369-07:00

The Event Supervisor will verify that a volunteer has completed the assignment. Volunteers must return the signed slip to the Registration Area.

If parents are busy volunteering, how will they watch their child compete?

2009-10-03T01:39:08.981-07:00

There is always a concern about parents wanting to see their child compete and it is a bigger problem that the parents were busy volunteering. For the most part, parents CANNOT watch their child compete. Most of the events are "closed" and are conducted as formal tests. There isn't much to watch and, for test security reasons, no one is allowed in to watch.

Some events, like Bottle Rocket, Chopper Challenge, Egg Drop, Sounds of Music, Mission Possible, Wheeled Vehicles, Bridge Building do allow the public to watch the event. Parents can watch those events but cannot volunteer if their school is participating in one of those open events. Please discuss this with your attending parents so they will understand in advance. Help them know that their child may only be participating in one or two events, and usually they will not be able to watch them compete.

Some of my volunteers are unable to serve - can I make changes?

2009-10-03T01:37:09.356-07:00

You can subsitute volunteers right up until the last minute

How old must the volunteers be?

2009-10-03T01:35:49.018-07:00

Volunteers should be adults.