Zone versus man-to-robot refereeing styles

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by alicen

Uhh, is this because the Judges don't really need to know all the minute details of the rules and be able to asses and apply them at a moment's notice?

Judges are important, but I don't really think you can equate judging with reffing in this case. Also, judges don't have to talk to students about why they did or didn't get an award, so there's a lot less fallout from calling something incorrectly, or being mistaken.

In response to other people - I disagree that people who haven't been a ref can't voice an opinion or solution, but I do think that those people should ask more questions first and be aware that the grass is always greener until you're standing on it.

Im very aware of this. Hence why I said "UNLIKE Refs". I was merely providing a point of reference to other folks for groups that do use zone scouting and why it was effective for that group. I don't propose refs do this in any way shape or form. Frankly judges miss a ton of stuff but because they are only watching to validate claims made by teams they can afford to without it impacting their job.