[Siri]

I think the robot identification could happen, as it does already for turning the DS lights yellow on a bad climb. However, do realize that without at least more training and likely anyway without more refs*, the additional logging would result in missing other foul calls. I've already witnessed this as a coach and experienced it as a ref--often there's time, but when there's not, there's really not. You could well be missing things that change the outcome of the match. So it's a tradeoff. It'd also significantly complicates the ref panels. At least at first but possibly permanently, it'd slow down all feedback overall.

As for what the foul is, I think last year's hand signal idea could be developed for the purpose (e.g., used for difficult-to-tell rather and simply 'common' signals). Albeit then you go back to the training and call time tradeoffs. There's a reason (well, probably several) there are no hand signals this year.

I don't see how video logging could work reliably, though. It's exceedingly rare for the camera(s) to be pointed at the right place, at the right time, from the right angle to see the violation. Not a big problem for soccer-style teaching (not like you'd use them all anyway), but a huge problem trying to capture for the crowd real-time. It'd be a luck of the draw thing, which could well stir up serious animosity and doubt, particularly if the only aspect missing is the last one (angle--it's everything with the pyramids this year). Soccer refs don't have the annually-changing field obstacles with which FIRST refs must deal. You'd also likely have to train the AV crew on the game somewhat, and I don't know how feasible that is everywhere (provably not very)

The crowd might be able to get it announced real-time, but that removes/limits the ability for refs to consult from different angles, which can result in withdrawing the foul, particularly with G27 and G30 this year. It requires the GA to be on our radio channel and puts more pressure on them. (I've never been an FRC GA, so no further comment.) It also goes back to the whole training and call time issue--the more time you spend on one call, the more likely it is to compromise your ability to call another. Still, it might be worth an off-season pilot if anyone's interested.

*The latter is essentially a non-starter, and a significant increase in the former basically is also (unless you want fewer refs, and/or more pushed-to-the-brink VCs).