Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH
Without defense at all, no.
With unrestricted defense, no WAY!
The biggest problem with defense is that it has to be reffed--and that means that the refs have to make a judgement call on something that may or may not be a clear call.
|
Agreed. Looking to sports, what defines a "forcible hit to a defenseless receiver" and what is a foul vs a yellow card are the most aggravating things as a fan - and certainly worse as a team member.
Making clear-cut rules would be nice, but it is incredibly difficult. Does damage constitute excessive force? If it does, then everyone's robots will be paper mache, and designed to take damage at the slightest blow and draw a foul. I think most would agree, though, that a full-speed charge into the extended arm of a robot that is not in a scoring position is excessive though, and with the variety of robots this becomes near impossible.
I agree with the use of defensive zones, or even allowing goaltending, as possible compromise solutions.
That said, nothing is quite as entertaining as full-force hits (with bumpers of course). Relaxing the bumper rules but bringing them back would help quite a bit. Perhaps a "bumpers at your own risk" rule with guidelines as to materials and precise construction, and then allowing teams to work out the areas of their robot that need to be bumpered.