[MarkHamilton]

I was a ref at an event this weekend, and I have been a ref for a number of years. Before that, I was a student and a driver. I know what it's like to be on both sides. I will not comment on the specific call you refer to, it would not be appropriate, and I can only give a personal opinion and can not in any way speak for FIRST, FIRST policy, or for how rules will be implemented at future events.

I will give some personal observations.
1. There are 5 refs on the field, and 6 robots and 24 people who are all capable of causing a foul. Calls will be missed, and some wrong calls will be made. It is unfortunate but it is reality.

2. Some of the rules are subjective and will be enforced differently. Blockading is an extremely difficult rule to call, as is rule G-18-1. Rule G27 requires refs to determine the difference between consequential and inconsequential contact. If you have questions, talk to the head ref on Thursday and ask them to clarify for you their take on it.

3. Every ref I have worked with as a ref is 100% dedicated to getting calls right. No one takes mistakes lightly.

4. The field runs on an extremely tight schedule. In order to get 8 matches for every team there can only be a few minutes in between matches. There is no time to review video, and FIRST rules explicitly deny it. The head ref has a lot of responsibilities during that time, and the refs are busy making sure the field and robots for the next match are setup legally. Furthermore, the rules clearly state all questions must come from a student member of the team directly to the head ref.

5. In my opinion, the quality of the reffing at the events I have attended, from the time I was a driver to now, has consistently been improving.

If you want to help improve the quality of these events:
1. Know the rules and avoid situations that make it a judgement call. Talk to the teams on your alliance while in the queue and try to make sure they know the rules as well.
2. Ask questions, especially on Thursday when it's not as busy, before the situation arises.
3. Encourage as many people as possible to volunteer at regionals, especially people with previous FIRST experience. The wider the pool of volunteers, the better referee's will be.