[TubaMorg]

Apologies to Alan for continuing the debate here with perhaps a slightly different perspective.

I would argue that requiring teams to live up to the high standard of G22 is exactly what FIRST is about. For too long educational standards have been slipping (in this country) due to lowering expectations in the classroom. The end result is a less educated society which is less competitive with the rest of the world. I stand firm for applying the rule as written and as it has been enforced the last two weeks of regionals because we are here to show that difficult tasks are obstacles to be conquered not avoided. Tweaking G22 to make it easier for teams to avoid penalties is admitting defeat. Some are saying that G22 is just too darned hard to adhere to, so let's lower our expectations to get more people over the bar. I reject this argument. If we accept the premise that FIRST is about changing paradigms, is about celebrating technology and innovation the way we celebrate athletics, then we should accept G22 as a difficult standard that must be adhered to.

Most opponents/detractors of G22 argue that the large number of penalties being called is effecting the outcomes of matches. This is true in some cases but I haven't seen any data supporting the MOST assertion. Even if violation of G22 were effecting the outcome of ALL matches, however, I wouldn't support any relaxation of the rule. In light of this year's homework assignment, some have gotten the impression that the emphasis this year is on the competition, rather than the process leading up to the competition. The difference between the two is an argument better left for another thread. I will argue, however, that even though the homework this year is about building publicity for FIRST, the intention is to raise public awareness for the PROCESS. In our media driven society, it is almost essential that FIRST receive adequate media attention in order to obtain the larger goal of creating a paradigm shift that makes science and technology popular again. However, this does not mean we have to lower the high standards set forth every year. Once we start relaxing the rules, erosion of quality occurs.

Every year we get a new game. Every year there are many challenges and obstacles to overcome to meet the parameters set forth in the game. Every year some people have objections to some of these challenges. Am I saying that no one should ever object to any of the rules? Of course not. Sometimes clarification is needed. Sometimes a rule just doesn't fit with the game. G22 is clear and the GDC has stated that there will be no change to the rule in how it is worded OR in how it is enforced. For the teams that still have competitions to attend you now have a choice: Meet the challenge of G22 and overcome it, or get penalized every match and complain. Which team are you going to be?