[efoote868]

Originally Posted by 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.

Could you describe what the interface looks like? How difficult would it be to have one or two volunteers logging fouls? Put the refs all on radios so they can speak the fouls and not worry about logging it. This gives them the benefit of being able to simultaneously watch the field while logging, instead of looking down at the UI.

Originally Posted by Siri

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)

We've seen that a properly positioned camera with a fish eye lens captures the entire field. Another possible option is a camera positioned in the lighting / speakers above the field looking down. The idea is the audience doesn't necessarily see this view, the AV crew can focus on what they think is interesting, but the footage is there later for the GDC.