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Robotics Competition

How to Run the Pit (Pit Crew)

You're the welcoming, organized face of the pit area — where teams park their robots and make repairs between matches. You mostly give directions, relay announcements, and keep aisles safe. You need zero robotics knowledge to be great at this.

Level
Anyone can do it
Time
Full event day (often 7am–5pm); arrive 45 min before doors
Your spot
Pit entrance / info table
You help with
Directions, announcements, safety
Safety glasses
Required at field, encouraged in pits
Robotics skill needed
None

Quick start

  1. 1

    Grab the pit map and schedule

    Know where each team's pit table is, plus inspection, the practice field, and restrooms. That's 90% of the questions you'll get.

  2. 2

    Greet teams as they arrive

    "What's your team number?" then point them to their table. A friendly first 30 seconds sets the tone for their whole day.

  3. 3

    Relay the announcements

    When queuing calls a team or the schedule shifts, help spread the word down the aisles so no one misses a match.

  4. 4

    Keep aisles clear

    Trip hazards are the #1 pit safety issue. Nudge bags, cords, and toolboxes back under tables as you walk.

  5. 5

    Ask "what do you need?"

    When a team looks lost or stressed, that one question is the entire job. You don't fix robots — you remove friction.

Watch first

Watch: VEX Robotics tournament pit area walkthroughA few minutes of pit footage makes the whole vibe click before your event.

The pit is the busy garage of a robotics tournament. Every team has a small table where they park their robot, recharge batteries, and scramble to make repairs between matches. As Pit Crew (sometimes called Pit Admin), you're the host of that space — the person who knows where everything is and keeps the energy calm and moving.

The wonderful thing about this role: you never touch a robot. Teams handle their own builds. You handle directions, announcements, and a watchful eye on safety. If you can read a map and smile, you can do this.

  1. 1

    Check in and get oriented

    Find the Event Partner or Pit Manager and grab the pit map, team list, and day's schedule.

  2. 2

    Welcome and direct arriving teams

    Ask their team number, point them to their pit table, then to robot inspection.

  3. 3

    Be the information hub all day

    Restrooms, lunch, practice field, inspection status, schedule changes — you're the answer desk.

  4. 4

    Help relay queue calls

    When a team is being called and isn't moving, walk over or send word so they don't miss their match.

  5. 5

    Patrol for safety

    Clear aisles, watch for tools out of place, keep eye protection on near active robots.

  6. 6

    Help with end-of-day teardown

    Teams pack up fast — point them to exits and lost-and-found, and help reset the space.

Aliases
Pit Admin, Pit Manager, Pit Crew
Who you report to
Event Partner / Pit Manager
Tools you carry
Pit map, team list, schedule, a pen
Most common question
"Where's my pit table?" and "Where's inspection?"
  • Pit map and team list returned or recycled
  • Aisles clear and no tools left out
  • Lost-and-found items turned in to the Event Partner
  • Said thanks to the teams near your station — they remember the friendly faces

More resources

REC Foundation (recf.org) — event volunteer home

Official home of VEX / REC Foundation event volunteer guides and role descriptions.

Sources: RECF Volunteer Roles Available; VEX V5RC Safety Procedures at Competition Events