[Jon Stratis]

1. There is no rule that I'm aware of, however given the large public exposure refs have, the volunteer coordinator probably wants to know who is going into those spots. It can be very difficult getting a spot with significant responsibility if no one at the event knows you.

2. The VC may know that there are enough locals to fill that spot, and prefers them over someone they may not be able to rely on coming back year after year. They may also be looking to increase their local pool of volunteers for other reasons, like an inticipation of moving to districts or to help staff struggling off season events.

3. All key volunteer positions (head ref, LRI, MC, game announcer, lead queuing, pit admin, I'm sure I'm forgetting some) are going to be a little restrictive. Those are the individuals the VC trusts to run the event and help manage the 100 other volunteers there. They're the ones that out out the fires and make sure everyone is having a good time.

Generally speaking I never turn down a new robot inspector. It's a position anyone can learn, and someone who recently graduated and knows all about building robots is usually a perfect fit. Of course, you have to be available on Thursday for it - but I've been known to help college students work around class schedules so they can get a little exposure/experience.

Don't expect to move into a key volunteer position quickly, and certainly not while still in college. Figure out what area you most want to volunteer in, and then talk with the volunteer coordinator and key volunteer responsible for that position. Let them know your interested and ask what you need to do to get into that position. A lot if times just being friendly with the VC and letting them know you're open to doing more is enough - when they need to fill a spot and can't find someone, you could get the call.