Quote:
Originally Posted by dodar
Im sorry, but even as a volunteer, when you sign up to be a referee you know the position you are getting into will have huge consequences and responsibilities. Everyone always says we shouldnt criticize them because they are a volunteer, but they chose to be in that position.
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I've been a FRC referee for 9 years now and head ref for 7 years. FLL ref and head ref for about 11 years, and I reffed FRC one year. I take my responsibilities seriously. So much so that when I couldn't keep the rule sets separate while doing all 3 programs, I decided to forgo FTC. All the refs I've worked with have the same attitude. Sure, some learn the the rules better than others, some recognize fouls on the field better than others, but all get the basics and never stop trying to improve.
I have no problem being fairly criticized when I make a mistake. And believe me I've made my share - especially when they give us an impossible game like Aerial Assist last year, for one example.
As I said, I only did FTC one year, and I don't know anything about this game. I don't know if the OP's complaints are fair or not, but I have no reason to not believe him. (Although I have been misquoted on Chief Delphi after answering a question at an event, and have had circumstances described incorrectly.) It does seem strange to me that a replay would not be considered when teams from both sides request it, but I don't know the extenuating circumstances.
I've looked at video after an event where there was a controversial call, and once in a while I couldn't believe what I saw. Other times I was pleased to see that our call was correct. I recall one incident at IRI during Overdrive - both I and the ref across the field from me flagged the infraction immediately, we were both absolutely sure. When I later saw the match as filmed from above the driver station, it looked totally different. That's one reason we don't use video replay - it depends too much on the camera angles.
And of course, referees will not discuss calls on an open forum like CD. So we won't ever know the ref's side of the story, which is unfortunate because he can't defend himself.
I hope the OP will think again and not let one bad event drive him away from the program. It's a great disappointment I'm sure. But is it worth throwing in the towel? Did the kids on the team have any positive experiences this year, and did they develop and grow?