Taking a step back...

[frcguy]

I have noticed a lot as the competition season has started how there has been many posts cropping up about rule violations, missed calls by refs, etc. First of all, I understand the way it feels when you have been treated unfairly. It sucks. But, it is important to remember that the referees and others are volunteers, and above all else, they are human. It would be great if the referees were perfect machines that could score every match perfectly with 100% accuracy, but, that doesn't always happen. The referees are human, and therefore, they make mistakes. Without the refs and other volunteers, there would be no FRC. They dedicate their free time to learning the rules, going to training, and actually refereeing the event. They don't have to volunteer, they don't have to dedicate their time. They do it to help you have a good time and play matches. Before you fly to the computer to post on Chief Delphi about your problems with the refs or any other volunteers, remember these things:

- They are volunteering to help you and your team
- They make mistakes. No one is perfect.
- They have a very tough job. This game is quite hard to referee.
- They aren't trying to cheat your team out of advancing or winning.

Do unfair calls suck? Of course. Are they the end of the world? Absolutely not. Before you post, take a step back and think about some of these things and have empathy and compassion for the referees and other volunteers. They are trying their best. And, if you decide to post, do so in a constructive and polite manner. Anger-filled posts will just make it worse.