[Jim E]

This is hard to write.

Let us not forget that the game is a by-product of the goal. Regardless of what a ref said, get over it.

It is only a Game.Scholarships are not based on how well a team plays a game. Applications are.

No, I have not read, nor care to discuss the relevance to any individual, group, or organization.

Let's focus on the goals here. Are the FIRST team members learning skills to help them outside of HS and perhaps land a lucrative scholarship or job? Y or N?

Are the FIRST members learning teamwork? Y or N?

Are FIRST members learning that sometimes they will disagree with the opinions of someone in their command chain, even if it is different from their employer or school policies? Y or N?

If the above is YES, Are we as mentors / instructors teaching the students the proper methods to approach the subject? Sure it's a parent's job, but kids listen to neighbors better. Y or N?

Let's all move past this thread.

Personally, the Referee job performance at UCF in Florida was flawless. There was a last minute change to one of the rules that made perfect sense to me. The cross-over-the-line penalties were reduced.

It sometimes takes a week or two to get the discrepancies ironed out of the gray areas of the rules.

It's not like we are playing baseball. It's a new game.