I do agree with the general consensus of the lack of foresight that the GDC did not anticipate a 'blizzard' during endgame and have incorporated the proper amount of safety features.
Perhaps the GDC had enough faith in the Human Player's ability to be accurate with their shots considering that a disc has a more stable flight path than a ball.
In every sport, there is inherent risks involved with participating. This also extends itself to the referees and anyone else spectating close to the field of action.
Take a look at
baseball umpires and
hockey referees. In these sports where calls have to be made close to the action, they have to wear protective gear. Even though in these sports, it is one object (baseball, puck) that is used in play there are other factors they need to observe during the game (players interacting illegally with other players, etc.).
Safety has been the cornerstone to rules implemented within sports and especially within FIRST. I understand that negotiating between safety and an exciting game can be difficult.
Based on the
new update to G35 it seems they trust six robots either firing discs or climbing a pyramid because the play of action is done in field (acceptable risk). But a bit contradictory that there is more concern over Human Players, perhaps because referees cannot E-stop them (I'm jesting, but I digress). Introducing Human Players to start throwing in discs can be a bit overwhelming but the discs that do matter are ultimately those thrown
in field. If the concern was for individuals supporting the event inside the net, then perhaps provide those individuals with proper head gear (helmet with a face guard). If they want to wear extra padding under their clothes that is fine, but the refs attention should be on what is in field, and not distracted by an incoming plastic disc hitting them in the face.
Any referee anticipating not getting hit by a disc needs to know that it will happen and it is an inherent risk with this year's game with or without Human Players creating a 'blizzard'
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Before Week 1 of competition, I propose HQ to implement protective head gear for referees, along with adequate placement of netting around the field and the GDC to retract the most recent update to G35 but know that it would be in vain. Prove me wrong.