[EricH]

I agree with Mike and Blake.

1a: This is a technical nightmare that, probably 90% of the time, isn't going to make a difference other than the event ends later.
1b: See "question box".
1c: So... if I, as a ref, see a foul in the last 1 second and can't call it before the match stops (for example, my tablet locks out the foul count), it doesn't get counted/called? What if it's the petition starter's team being the victim of a pin... and that non-call is the reason they lose? Hmm... makes you think, doesn't it? All kinds of problems with this one.
2: Fair... but again, a logistical mess. My proposal would be to further separate the FTC and FRC championship events. (Also see: Championsplit making more FTC spots)
3: "testimonials" and "reasonable debate" can easily turn into "flamewar" due to emotions.

4: Don't get me started. All I'll say is that there are mechanisms already in place for this. Conflicts of interest are known to all parties that need to know about them. And, just for the record: I have been known to pull myself out of discussions involving teams I'm affiliated with, by simply not entering them.

5: That's the ONLY thing I can agree with, potentially. Maybe not mandatory change, but a mandatory discussion of the call within the zebra herd, for all referees who saw something.



I have one other, final, statement.

If you think that the referees are the problem, YOU are the solution. Volunteer as a referee. Or a judge. Or an inspector. The other side has its own horror stories.