This article describes the Advisory Boards supported by the Global Robotics and Science Foundation, including what each board does, who is eligible to serve, what to expect as a member, and how to apply. It is written for students, coaches and mentors, Event Partners, judges, referees, and parents and guardians interested in serving on an Advisory Board.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central glossary.
For descriptions of the volunteer roles mentioned in this article, see Volunteer Roles at a Local Event.
Global Robotics believes the people who participate in VEX Robotics programs every day should have a voice in helping shape their future. Advisory Boards create a direct connection between members of the VEX Robotics community and Global Robotics staff.
Advisory Board members share their experiences, provide feedback and ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and help Global Robotics better understand the needs of the communities they represent.
Global Robotics supports Advisory Boards representing different roles and perspectives across the VEX Robotics community.
Student Advisory Board
The Student Advisory Board brings the student perspective directly to Global Robotics. Members share experiences from their teams and communities and provide feedback that keeps the student experience at the center of VEX Robotics programs.
Applicants must be current high school students with experience participating in a VEX Robotics program.
Apply to the Student Advisory Board
Coach Advisory Board
The Coach Advisory Board provides coaches and mentors with a direct voice in shaping Global Robotics programs. Members share feedback from their teams and the broader coaching community and help identify opportunities to improve the experience for coaches and students.
Current and former coaches and mentors with experience in VEX IQ, VEX V5, or VEX U are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the Coach Advisory Board
Event Partner Advisory Board
The Event Partner Advisory Board represents the people who plan and host VEX Robotics competitions. Members provide feedback about event operations, resources, support, and the overall competition experience.
Current and former Event Partners who have hosted VEX IQ, VEX V5, or VEX U events are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the Event Partner Advisory Board
Judge Advisory Board
The Judge Advisory Board represents judges and Judge Advisors and provides Global Robotics with perspectives from team interviews, deliberations, awards, and the overall judging experience.
Current and former judges and Judge Advisors with experience at VEX IQ, VEX V5, or VEX U events are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the Judge Advisory Board
Referee Advisory Board
The Referee Advisory Board represents Referees and provides feedback on officiating, game implementation, and the competition experience.
Current and former Head Referees and Scorekeeping Referees with experience at VEX IQ, VEX V5, or VEX U events are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the Referee Advisory Board
Parent Advisory Board
The Parent Advisory Board provides parents and guardians with a voice in shaping the student and family experience within VEX Robotics. Members share perspectives from their experiences supporting students, teams, and participation in the broader robotics community.
Parents and guardians of students participating in VEX IQ, VEX V5, or VEX U are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the Parent Advisory Board
What to Expect
Advisory Board service is an active commitment. Members should be prepared to participate in regular meetings, provide thoughtful and constructive feedback, listen to different perspectives, and represent the experiences of their broader community rather than only their individual team or program.
Most Advisory Boards meet monthly during the competition season and have a one-season term. The Student Advisory Board has different eligibility and term provisions, including the opportunity for members to serve through high school graduation.
Specific meeting schedules, eligibility requirements, terms of service, and other expectations are included in each Advisory Board application.
Who Should Apply
Global Robotics seeks Advisory Board members who are engaged in their robotics communities and interested in helping improve the experience for others.
Applicants do not need to have the longest résumé, the most successful team, or the most years of experience. Applications are considered holistically, including relevant experience, involvement in the robotics community, perspective, and readiness to contribute constructively.
Participation is encouraged from people representing different programs, levels of experience, communities, and geographic areas.
How to Apply
Select the Advisory Board that most closely represents your role or experience in the VEX Robotics community and complete its application.
Applications are accepted during designated application periods. Each application contains the current eligibility requirements, expectations, application timeline, and other information specific to that Advisory Board.
Applicants interested in more than one Advisory Board should review the eligibility and expectations for each board before applying.