Houston or EPCOT?

[Marc P.]

Originally posted by WakeZero
Ask Jason M. with FIRST (originally from 254) about how unfair 60 was treated. I really don't want to go into it because its not my place, but when I found out I was appalled.

There were also some instances in both Curie and Galileo playoffs where teams got DQd that should not have. Team 341 got called for an intentional tipping when they were trying to keep 68 off the ramp. It didn't effect them from moving on, but it was just so bogus.

And I agree, the refs work hard. The thing with 60 is just unacceptable though...

Without going into too much detail about reffing (it is a very difficult job), the flipping call in the playoffs on Curie were discussed by all 5 refs. Three (including the two closest to the action) called it as intentional, one called unintentional, and one couldn't see. It was a majority decision based on what the closest refs saw, which was activation of a pneumatic ramp with another robot on top to flip them over. It may not have been called intentional had the alliance not been shouting "flip! flip!" and celebrating when it did. I was the ref on the corner closest to the red alliance, and I know what I heard and saw.

I can also say the refs do actually have the most difficult job during the competition, since no one wants to give penalties, or DQ, but there are rules, and they must be enforced. Of course some calls will look bad to the spectator, especially if a call is made against your team, but keep in mind, the refs are much closer to the action and can see exactly what's going on. It is their best judgment what is fair to all competitors. Great job to all refs out there, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.


Back to the original topic, I think Houston did a great job, given they really had no idea what they were getting in to (as a city). EPCOT has an advantage because they know what to expect and accommodate for. They have the experience of hosting FIRST championships for countless years. Granted, there were issues (the ramps, bathrooms, etc) but it's nothing that can't be ironed out given more time to plan, and given they know now what to expect. I thought the crowd was a lot more energetic here than in EPCOT last year, especially with each division having a dedicated place, free from the noise pollution of each other, and more than adequate seating. Overall I had a great experience, the people were fantastic, and the competition breathtaking.