VOLUNTEER FAQ – INFO
VOLUNTEER FAQ – INFORMATION
Can I volunteer even if I do not live in Birmingham, USA?
Yes, we welcome volunteers from all over the world to join us! Training can be delivered virtually for these volunteers. On-site training needs for most teams can be done on-site at the beginning of The Games.
What do I wear?
Every volunteer will receive a uniform package consisting of an official volunteer shirt and headwear (ball cap or bucket hat). The volunteer shirt must be worn at all times while volunteering (and conversely should ONLY be worn while volunteering. Please do not wear while attending the event as a spectator). The headwear is not required to be worn, however if you do wear headwear please wear the official piece provided to you.
Volunteers will provide their own bottom garments: Neutral colored, solid bottoms are required. We recommend khaki, black or white. Pants, appropriate length shorts, capris, or golf skirts are all acceptable.
We ask that all volunteers wear comfortable, closed toe shoes while on duty. Each volunteer will be provided a bag and water bottle. Most venues will NOT have a secure place to keep your items while on shift, please plan accordingly. Volunteers will have the option to purchase additional volunteer uniform shirts if needed, at a reduced cost.
Can I receive Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for completing the training modules?
YES! We have many professions approved to give CEU/CPD credits for completing these modules and are in contact with others. When you fill out the Volunteer Application it will ask for the name of your organization that may provide CEU’s/CPD’s. We will approach all listed organizations for verification.
When will I get my complimentary tickets?
Upon completion of the general modules and acceptance of the assigned shift schedule, you will be given a code to redeem your complimentary tickets. If you do not show up for an on-site training event post module completion, or if you do not show up for a scheduled shift, your complimentary tickets will be deactivated.
How many tickets do I receive?
You will receive 8 complimentary tickets. There is limited access to events and tickets are given based on availability. Event access specified below. You will be able to use these tickets for yourself, or give them to guests. Learn more about children’s tickets here
Which events do I have access to use for my complimentary tickets?
You may use your complimentary tickets at the following events, on an as available basis.
In all cases (except where noted), the medal rounds of events are NOT available.
*Dates and further information about events can be found here
Air Sports – Barber Motorsports Park
Archery (Field & Compound Target) – Avondale Park
Artistic Skating – Birmingham Crossplex
Beach Handball – Sloss Furnaces
Canoe Marathon – Oak Mountain State Park
Fistball – Birmingham Southern College
Flag Football – Legion Field (medal rounds available as well)
Muaythai – Boutwell Auditorium
Speed Skating Road – Birmingham Crossplex
Speed Skating Track – Birmingham Crossplex
Sport Climbing – Sloss Furnaces
Waterski & Wakeboard – Oak Mountain State Park
Do I get in free at events I’m not working?
Volunteer Credentials ONLY give you access to events in a working capacity. Your credential will not give you access as a spectator. Events you wish to go to as a spectator will either need to be purchased or you can use your complimentary tickets. Please remember, only certain events will be available to access with your complimentary tickets, and all are on an as available basis.
Will I be able to watch events where I am working?
Some limited positions may be able to view the field of play while you are working. However, while on shift, your priority is your assigned task/post. Volunteers should focus on their assignment as opposed to the game/match.
Who do I report to?
Volunteers accepted will be placed on a specific team. Each team will have 2 Team Captains. These team captains will be your main communication point for questions and engagement leading up to and during the event.
How do I receive information?
When you apply to volunteer, you will create a profile and answer questions in our volunteer management system, called Rosterfy. Rosterfy will not only be used for your application, but will be used for all volunteer specific information leading to and during The Games, including: Team assignment information, training modules, Team Captain information and communication, shift assignment, volunteer manuals, general event info as it pertains to volunteers, and much more!
Do volunteers receive payment?
Volunteers do not receive payment or compensation. Serving as a volunteer is voluntary.
Is housing or travel paid for?
We do not provide complimentary lodging or paid travel.
Will I get Parking/Transportation while volunteering?
Many venues will have assigned areas for volunteers to park while on shift. Some venues have little to no parking at the venue. In those cases, volunteers will be able to park in a designated lot near the BJCC and take a shuttle to their venue. This transportation time needs to be accounted for in preparing to arrive for your shift. Further information will be provided closer to The Games.
Are meals provided while volunteering?
Yes, all volunteers assigned to a specific venue (venue teams and sport teams) will have a meal plan at their venue that will be communicated to them by their Team Captain.
For volunteers not assigned to a specific venue, you will check in and receive a meal at Volunteer HQ (located in the East Exhibit hall at the BJCC). Once you check in with your Team Captain there, you will then be able to shuttle to the location of your assignment for that shift, but you should eat your provided meal at Volunteer HQ (either before or after your shift, depending on times).
What if I have specific food allergies/needs?
Once you have been assigned as a volunteer, we will gather any dietary needs. In some cases, we will be able to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee it. A full meal schedule will be available prior to The Games so you can make any accommodations if needed.
Will water be provided while volunteering?
Yes, every location will have products available to volunteers!
Are there volunteer leadership opportunities?
Yes! If you have the ability to volunteer in an expanded role as a Team Captain, please note that on your Volunteer Application. Noting interest in this on your application does not guarantee you, nor commit you to a role as a Team Captain.
We will need Team Captains for all 125+ volunteer teams throughout the program. The commitment requires communication with the volunteers on your team as well as with the event staff to determine and set up volunteer shifts. You will serve as the main point of contact for the volunteers on your team both in the months leading up to the event, as well as the on site point of contact. A Team Captain must be on shift at all times when you have volunteers on shift, thus each team will have at least 2 Team Captains for each Team to be able to split these duties (some Teams may require more than 2 Team Captains).
Each Team Captain will also have a Division Lead volunteer who will serve as your main point of contact to navigate responsibilities leading up to and during the event. Team Captains will lead their volunteer team on-site during The Games. They will also ensure any of their volunteer needs are met while they are on shift, including managing meal breaks, hydration, and so forth. Volunteers serving in a Team Captain role will also receive additional perks.
What if I have other questions not listed here?
Please email us at [email protected]. Our team will work on your inquiry and should get back to you with an answer within 24-48 hours.