I like the idea of yellow and red cards being handed out at a head-refs discretion. But maybe, that is just because I trust the current referees 100% and would abide by their definition of "overly aggressive".
It is no secret that I enjoy the defensive element present in FIRST. However, I would also be more than willing to have a line drawn by Aidan, or Benge (or whoever the head ref at the time is) in the form of a yellow card.
I feel the referees have made great strides forward in terms of consistency from event to event, and accuracy in calling the rules as interpreted by FIRST. I know they are working to better train vounteers at all levels, especially field officials.
I also believe that the refs have made a strong effort to communicate to teams how things will be called, both through the driver meetings, and through verbal warnings. They tell us how they're going to call it, so how can we complain when they do?
So basically the way I see it is:
I like the current "refs interpretation" system. I think any attempt to quantify it would get a little crazy. I only wish the referees had a more solid way of warning a team than a verbal smack on the wrist. The yellow cards would be a good way of doing this.
I don't think we'll be able to get a completely quantitative system in place. I like defensive play, but agree there needs to be a line drawn for "too aggresive". I'd like to see the current system refined, not replaced.
I <3 Aidan & Benge.
John