[Jon Stratis]

The FTA is probably the role with the most responsibility at the regional - everything runs through them. After that it's the Head Ref and LRI... both of those positions are linked from the pages linked above, and both require multiple years of volunteer experience - you have to be an inspector for 2 years before you can be considered for LRI, and be a ref for 4 years before being considered for Head Ref. I imagine FTA is similar - expect to be volunteering for several years in related roles (on the field and at the score table to start, then FTAA).

All of that time and effort ensures that you know whats going on and how to handle all the wacky stuff that comes up. It gives you time to build mutual trust and respect with the other volunteers in the area. You need to be able to trust them to do their jobs without your constant oversight, and they need to be able to trust that you'll keep the field running and do everything they need to do their jobs.

None of the key volunteer positions are really about power. They're about respect, customer service, and working as a team to deliver a great experience to every team attending the event. If you think you can fill that role and are doing it for the right reasons, then the first step is to contact your VC and ask him/her how you should get started and where you should volunteer first.