[Boltman]

FIRST mission statement:

'The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership."

As for the topic at hand, I see no issue with questioning scoring especially when the kids themselves bring it up, as long as its done in a gracious professional manner. Science and technology are often about absolutes and self-confidence is where you believe you are correct in what you witnessed.

I know I brought up in my posts the RP ranking issue for missed crossings, others have seen the same. So we cannot be blind to what is on tape That is not what FIRST would like any student to do. Its there.

Once I learned that video review cannot be done by refs I understood and dropped it and thanked the refs for an outstanding job.

Its week 1 and issues come out in week 1... people like myself bring the issue up so that there is a spotlight on it for subsequent weeks of competitions. If everyone is more aware then perhaps the engineering challenge of doing so many things in a finite time frame can be achieved.

I think its good to bring up issues other teams may face in week 2 through 6 and then to the Championships from a week 1 perspective. Then teams go in more aware as do the refs. We all I assume are here to make First better season to season and mentor some of the finest students anywhere.

I did not petition any refs myself at the completion we as a team accepted the results after the kids asked the refs...but this is an online forum where people come to get information and as an open forum discussion takes place.

For now my advice is make sure all crossings are clear , keep track yourself and challenge missed crossings at end of your match then accept the outcome graciously. My 2 cents.