[Andy A.]

I don't belive this issue was ever raised at BAE, or any penaltys or disablements were issued.

'Bots did extend over the player stations with tetras frequently however. I noticed it happening, and wondered if there would be any result of it.

My observations were field attendents quickly getting a hand or two on or near the tetra should it drop and to otherwise keep it from hitting any drivers. Usally, the tetra would spend less then 2 seconds over the station. I did notice at least one tetra being released, although a very quick and attentive field attendent already had a good grip on it it and it never droped or posed an saftey risk. Kudos the the BEA field crew, they were fanstastic about keeping us safe and keeping the field to spec and reset.

In defense of teams that break the player station plane, most incidents seemed to result from the offending bot being rammed or pushed by an opposing 'bot as they attempted to cap on the back goals. If there is an update to the rules specificlly regarding this issue, I wonder how it will be handeled, seeing as how most offenses are beyond the control of the offending team. My hope is that it is left to the refs to call, and field attendents are instructed to be mindful and ready to handle the tetra.

FIRST should think about the playing field and how to better protect drivers. The idea of installing the ball chute isn't a bad one. I guess that hinges on whether or not FIRST kept them.

I always thought that the rule requiring drivers to wear saftey glasses was redundent with half an inch of lexan between us and the field. I sure stand corrected.

-Andy A.

p.s. The spell checker seems to be broken. I appoligize for any poor spelling.