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Unread 14-03-2010, 11:13
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FRC #0048 (Delphi E.L.I.T.E.)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Warren, Ohio USA
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Re: 2010 Pittsburgh Regional

Quote:
Originally Posted by jgannon View Post
That's exactly right... the video couldn't be clearer. The head referee's explanation of what happened was perhaps not as articulate as it could have been, but the call was correct, and she deserves to be commended for handling a very uncomfortable situation as well as could be expected. Team MARS (2614) also deserves recognition for standing and applauding the decision, even though it sealed their elimination from the tournament. Their display of gracious professionalism was particularly remarkable in contrast to whatever adult thought it was appropriate to back-talk the head ref loudly enough for everyone in the stands to hear.
For what it's worth, I was standing all the way across the field from the incident, and I was openly saying "Don't touch the tower! Don't touch the tow-ahhhhhhhhhhhh you touched the tower!" as 2641 bumped it from red's near zone. This was after the finale sound and before the disputed pushing activity. If I could catch that from that disadvantaged viewpoint, I'm thinking the refs certainly were able to clearly see it, and they made the right call. The video supports this contention.

One gaffe in execution to ruin an otherwise outstanding, match-winning performance for the blue alliance. Unfortunate, but one hopes the team learns from the experience.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vikesrock
Judging intent is always a difficult position for a referee to be put in, but based on this action it definitely appeared that 2641 was attempting to stop 1114 from hanging by blocking the tower, per the rules that is grounds for a red card.
Let's be clear. G34 and G35 only prohibit touching the tower, or a robot in contact with the tower or elevated alliance partner, during the FINALE period. There is nothing that prohibits a team from blocking their opponent from reaching the tower, other than the risk involved in carefully getting into position close to the tower to attempt the block. I'd set a rule of thumb at no closer than 1 foot. I don't know what the *official* stance is, but I also think that a blocking team parked with drivetrain perpendicular to approach from the team trying to hang (just to make it crystal clear they cannot actively touch the tower themselves) that is pushed into the tower by the hanger-to-be should not receive any form of penalty whatsoever. 2641 had every right to attempt the block, but they violated G35 to do it, and thus, the red card.
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Travis Hoffman, Enginerd, FRC Team 48 Delphi E.L.I.T.E.
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Last edited by Travis Hoffman : 14-03-2010 at 11:19.