[Jeff Rodriguez]

Originally posted by MikeDubreuil
At the Philadelphia regional it appeared as though the referees did not fully understand the rules of the game. Almost as if they did not read all the rules or FIRST failed to properly brief them before the game.

During match 25 we were tipped onto our back in our opponents’ zone. Our opponent team 816 was just feet away from us. They decided that they would finish the job and hit us to fully turn us onto our top. This was the first time we had ever flipped over. They had the opportunity to drive around us, but instead they preferred to not allow us to right ourselves and take us out of the match completely. This is a violation of GM 28, “Tip over another robot.” Team 816 never apologized for flipping us. On a more humorous note, 816 gave out flyers Saturday morning thanking us for our sportsmanship.

If you were already tipped then how can it be a violation of the rule?

During match 50 our opponent team 87 competed in the whole match playing with the incorrect lens color on. This made the match very confusing for our operators and coach. Due to us winning the match, we did not take the matter up with FIRST. Their shenanigans continued in the finals when Team 87 played with the incorrect lens once again. Their opponents ended up winning the match and did not dispute the lens issue.

Team 87 was warned both times. Minor penalties do not carry over from match to match, so nothing could be done. I did tell them that if it happened again they would be DQ'd.