[S.P.A.M.er 17]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

The robot's competed illegally and were, rightfully, red carded.

That is what was announced at Orlando. However it is not fair to the teams involved. They made it sound completely intentional, which would mean that 233, 624, and 1902 were purposely trying to gain an advantage illegally to win the competition. Not acknowledging there may have been a mix-up, implies that was exactly what those teams were trying to do. It also means that all the statements the teams gave after the fact were not true, and further casts shadows on three very reputable teams.

I was contacted by the field at the Silicon Valley Regional about Team 1323, MadTown Robotics, regarding a backup coupon they had turned in during the Semi Finals. My understanding at the time was that 1323 had called for a backup team for themselves, but had repaired their robot later and still wanted to participate in the match. I told the field this should not be allowed, as requesting a backup team, like requesting a timeout, is a strategic decision that a team must make, and there is no provision in the rules for allowing a team to change their minds later based on how potential repairs are progressing or for any other reason.

At the time, Frank believed that a team was purposely trying to game the system to gain an advantage. What makes 1323 saying that they weren't doing this any different than 233, 624, and 1902 saying they weren't doing this? (I wholly believe 1323 was NOT doing this, I just want to make the comparison). The Orlando teams deserve more than what was just announced at the competition. It isn't about the trip to championship, but the implications that could be made without comment from FIRST.