[dhitchco]

Ok,
Be careful to re-read rule <G05>. The actual "counter" is in the vertical chute AFTER the ball goes through the circular opening and down the ramp...

So, think-through the following scenarios:

1) Does a top center goal "count" if the ball crosses the "plane" of the front face of the circular hole and then somehow bounces back out? NO...according to rule <G05> But, in hockey, the goal counts and is humanly-scored as soon as it breaks the plane of the goalie's net even if it ricochets back out. Yes, in FIRST, the chains are supposed to "trap" the ball and send it down the ramp/chute.

2) Does a top center goal "count" if a ball or multiple balls are stuck on the ramp before they get to the vertical tube, which contains the counting mechanism? NO...according to rule <G05> since it hasn't been officially counted at that point If a team rapid-fires balls into the top-center goal, there's a good possiblity of a jam-up on the ramp which causes TWO things to happen:
---the shooting alliance doesn't register a score
---the other alliance doesn't get to receive the balls to re-put into play

3) Lastly, if the ball is "in the air" or is "in the goal, but on the ramp" BEFORE it gets to the counting mechanism....AND the end-of-game horn blows, does the shot count? Again, the answer is NO...according to rule <G05> since the ball has not exited through the chute and the counting mechanism hasn't yet seen the ball. But, this is different than a last-second at-the-buzzer shot in basketball or other sports....Hmmmm?

I'd suggest that a neutral party (field judge) be standing behind each end-alliance with a stick to make sure that the balls flow THROUGH the center goal system, thus benefitting BOTH alliances keeping balls in play.