Let's hear it for the Refs !

[Richard Wallace]

I volunteered as a referee at two district events this year, for the same reason EricH gave -- a VC asked me to, because they were short handed. So after the robots were all inspected, I put on stripes.

BTW, the referee certification process is harder and more time consuming (for me) that the one for robot inspectors. Also, inspecting naturally includes time for reflecting on decisions, while refereeing emphatically does not. I am much more comfortable as an inspector.

Carolyn Grace made the most important points in this thread, I think, when she wrote about all of the avenues available for provide constructive feedback for volunteers. VCs want and seek this feedback, and getting it helps them make future events better. Getting that feedback is actually part of their job, and not an interruption.

If I make an error as a volunteer, I hope someone like Mike Corsetto will come let me know. Let the VC know also, but I want to correct my problem ASAP.