[Jay O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by David8696

As a lead member of the strategy team of Team 2485, I can tell you exactly what transpired (or at least what we could gather from the video and a number of eyewitness accounts):

Our human player was attempting to inbound the ball to 987. When he threw the ball to the robot, it bounced out, effectively "trapping" the Blue Alliance's ball. This was ruled as in violation of G32—"Strategies employing TEAM member actions to deflect opponents’ BALLS are not allowed"—incurring a technical foul on our human player. Similar events had occurred earlier in the tournament, and had been uncalled.

Suffice it to say that we were exceedingly upset by this ruling; but at the same time, we recognize that once the refs determine something to be the case, that's kind of the way it goes. It's a tough, tough pill to swallow, and one we're definitely not convinced was necessary, but at least we'll get another chance in Vegas. We just wish the final outcome didn't have to be decided either way by a controversial call.

EDIT: Just to clarify, there was no intentional—and certainly no "strategic"—deflection, possession, or contact of any kind by our human player with the blue alliance's ball.

I hate seeing events end like this. I'd personally hate the ruling whether I was on the winning or losing side. I'd rather see the call made right, even if it made me lose. Glad to see your team being incredibly professional about a tough loss.