[EricH]

The rule itself reads that "ROBOTS may be in POSSESSION of a maximum of one EMPTY CELL, or may HERD a maximum of one EMPTY CELL at one time. A ROBOT may not be in POSSESSION and HERD EMPTY CELLS at the same time. A violation will cause a PENALTY to be assigned."

It could go either way. You could say that the robot had 4 ECs, which means the rule was violated 3 times (1 per extra), which means 3 penalties. On the other hand, and this is what the ref is saying, each case of multiple EC possession is 1 violation and therefore 1 penalty.

Now taking bets on how long this'll last... I'm sayin' no longer than Tuesday's update.