Possible Implementation of Instant Replay

[pyroslev]

*Hands you Pandora's box*

There have been more than a few times I myself would like to have seen a replay on a dicey ruling. But there are many concerns. Having it just for the Elims would be problematic.

1. Match play varies a great deal between Qualifications and Eliminations.
2. Elims last 6 hours or less.
3. Takes up space on the field/truck where it is at a premium.
4. Has to be maintained so it doesn't crash.
5. Finding persons neutral enough to operate it.
6. Challenges already take up a lot of time.
7. Lessons are lost by teams not learning how to argue their case.
8. Costing a team a valuable time out is problematic.

The short answer is that while it is a great notion, I cannot support it.

[Brandon Zalinsky]

I'd like to address some of your concerns.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Match play varies a great deal between Qualifications and Eliminations.

This is true. The only reason why I included this plan for just eliminations was in order to not slow down the event even further.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Elims last 6 hours or less.

Again, true. However, if teams are making challenges losing (i.e. not having matches overturned) it would be just like taking timeouts.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Takes up space on the field/truck where it is at a premium.

Right again! This is a disadvantage of the proposal.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Has to be maintained so it doesn't crash.

Right again. However, I think it would be fairly reliable, as it would only be one camera that just runs constantly.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Finding persons neutral enough to operate it.

I'm not sure I understand you. The referees would be operating it, and they should be neutral.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Challenges already take up a lot of time.

That is why this proposal puts a penalty on being incorrect in your challenge- a loss of timeout. It encourages teams to think before they challenge.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Lessons are lost by teams not learning how to argue their case.

Do you mean the question box, usually aside the FTA table? If so, "arguing your case" isn't allowed, it is only for clarifications on rules and calls.

Originally Posted by pyroslev

Costing a team a valuable time out is problematic.

This is why a team would have to think hard before they challenged a call.

Thanks for your input!