Los Angeles Regional Finals Match Defense

[bobl]

This is quite a hornets nest. I have always felt that high speed ramming/tipping is not a defensive strategy but a strategy to disable/damage.

Consider a robot traveling the length of the field at full speed to hit (supposedly to defend) an opposing alliance member. Is this good defense or is it trying to cause damage? I am not saying that aggressive defense should be penalized, you can be aggressive without damage. This is way it is such a hard rule to enforce, was there intent?

Think about the events you've attended. When a robot crossing a defense carrying a boulder pushed another boulder through as well did the referees pause to think "Was that intentional? Was the driver able to see that there was a boulder in his path?" No. They assess a penalty and move on.

The referees have enough to do already without having to make this determination.

One last thought, Remember Gracious Professionalism. Act like your grandmother is watching and think about how you would feel if it was your robot was put out of commission.