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In response to the referees, their qualifications and knowledge of the rules. The referees at each regional are recruited by the Volunteer Coordinator. The people you see in the ref shirts are as follows: one head ref recruited by FIRST and local volunteers recruited by the regional volunteer coordinator. In addition to the referees FIRST staff from New Hampshire are on-site at each event and ensure that all rules are complied with.
The referees are not folks who have jobs at the FootLocker. The referees at the Lone Star Regional were folks who are very intelligent people (ie they work on the International Space Station). These people are volunteers who give their "Gift of Time" to make the regional happen. They are away from their families, jobs etc. and volunteering their time. Please remember if you don't have referees "You don't have an event. Being a referee is a Thankless Job.
The referees receive a rulebook prior to the event and are assigned the task of studying the game rules. Note--more time away from their job and families. These good people do not take their job lightly.
I don't know about the other regionals but at the Lone Star Regional we did everything humanly possible to address any issues that teams brought forth. Whether it was a controversal call, parking passes, pit issues etc.
You will find some things different at each regional. A good rule of thumb to use is "Should you have questions ask, but do so in the manner you would like to be treated". Screaming, yelling or name calling is not recommended.
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