[waialua359]

Perhaps, since the game planners (I believe 7 of them) take very seriously game design as well as many scenarios that may happen once THE game is designed, more careful consideration needs to be place on "proper" defense.
The nature and design of the game will greatly determine what kind of defense can/will be played. Maybe that should be looked at it greater detail.
It can be frustrating for teams when many of them with their communities pour their heart and soul into this program, only to be frustrated by outcomes that are unfortunate.
I also believe that more training for referees to be consistent IS necessary. Look at how much teams sacrifice and cough up just to enter a FIRST competition. For all the money that is spent, I would think that FIRST owes it to the program to look at each issue that comes up carefully and make announcements to changes/improvements that they will at least look into.
It is vital to teams staying in the program and feeling like they all matter in the outcomes and adjustments to future competitions.