[AllenGregoryIV]

The red cards make some sense during a normal match and while attempting to get into transport configuration. Franks explanation is reasonable. During a field timeout, it will only delay matches for teams to have to recharge pneumatics off the field, when it could easily be done on the field as it has been done in every year I can remember.

Another rule that will be changed at most off-seasons if not sooner by FIRST, I'm sure.

In general I don't understand why the FRC rule book needs to be so strict. Everyone is out here to play, have fun, and yes to win. The VEX rule book gives the head referee a lot of room to give teams warning before and after they commit offenses before drastic action is taken. Why isn't this the same in FRC. When it comes down to it, warning a team and explaining the rules is just the civil thing to do. Rule enforcement should change through the event and year, everyone is learning in early weeks, why not be kind and cut teams some slack. Later in the event, if you have warned them and they are still not following then there should be repercussion for their actions. First strike rules seem far to harsh for an organization that prides it self on being gracious. We talk about cooperation and wanting to compete against teams when they are at their best. I don't know any competitive team that goes into an event wanting to win by having another robot tipped over or not working, let alone red carded for minor non-match actions. This is one of the reason I have never been an FRC referee.