Quote:
Originally Posted by 2641Captain
I want everyone's opinion on two rules that I think are too harsh. The two rules I am referring to are:
<G34> FINALE PERIOD ROBOT Protection - During the FINALE, ROBOTS in contact with their TOWER or in contact with an ELEVATED ALLIANCE partner may not be contacted by an opponent. Violation: PENALTY for inadvertent contact; plus a RED CARD for obviously intentional contact.
<G35> FINALE PERIOD TOWER Protection - During the FINALE, ROBOTS in may not contact the OPPONENT’S TOWER. Violation: PENALTY for inadvertent contact; plus a RED CARD for obviously intentional contact.
There are two real problems with these rules that I can think of. First, as a part of playing good defense it is a good idea to block the tower without touching it, but it is very hard from my experience to see when you are close to the tower and if you are actually touching it. Second, the second half of the rules talks about obvious intentional contact. This is up to interpretation and I believe that it is a lot of pressure to put on an official, and it is difficult to really tell what someone's intentions are.
I would like to recommend that the rule is kept, but changed slightly with a less severe penalty such as a loss of points or a yellow card. I think a RED CARD should only be used for something that really has changed the game in a way that mischievous.
Let me know what you think.  |
As you found out in Philly, blocking the tower is a very high risk/high reward tactic.
These rules were put in place to encourage teams to try to achieve difficult tasks and allow them the rewards of completing those tasks. They are there, and have always been there, for everyone. Choosing the risky tactic of blocking access to the tower has it's merits, as well as it's pitfalls. Being held accountable to the rules is no reason to have the rules changed.
Yes, determining the intent of a person is a difficult thing to do, but it is not uncommon in sports. Just watch one NFL game and tell me if you don't see a few judgment calls being made. Those calls can be challenged, but that has not always been the case. The RED flag being thrown in by a team is a fairly new development. Once the challenge is addressed the game continues. That being said, not once has a rule been changed during a season. Once the game is over, it's over. And remember, FIRST does not have a challenge provision. The decisions of the Referees are final.
I commend you for your honest attempt to gain opinions without pointing fingers. But I must also say the rules need to stand as they are. It's time to move on.