[MrToast]

I also really agree with the card idea. My props to everyone who made it work.

(I was not at IRI but) I have some suggestions based on some comments here.

I don't think only two cards should be used. I would proposed a Red, Yellow, and Black card. Black would be the least offensive, Red the most. A black card might be issued for excessive pushing, or dangerous behavior. A yellow card would be issued for repetition of violent behavior, and a red would be for violent behavior and/or excessive damage to other robots (such as partial or complete loss of robot functionality).

Each black card received would subtract 5 points from your alliance's score for the match, each yellow would subtract 10, and a red would subtract 15.

HOWEVER, a team the receives a red card would also be put on a blackball list, meaning that if they receive another red card (or two yellows or 4 blacks), then they would be DQ'd.

ALSO:
4 black cards = 1 yellow card
2 yellow cards = 1 red card
2 blacks and 1 yellow = 1 red

Advantages: A point reduction makes the threat of elimination (DQage?) that much more serious. It could have a negative impact on the standing of that team, which would be a fair penalty. This method also means that two penalites wouldn't be an automatic disqualification, which makes the refs jobs a bit easier. It allows for accidents.

Hope that makes sense...

MrToast

(and cards shouldn't carry over to other competitions. team should have enough honor not to try a stupid move like what was suggested)