Controversy at the SCRRF Scrimmage -- opinions needed!

[Sean_330]

Ok.......
In refrence to the SCRRF. I WAS the head ref for the entire competetion. CONTRARY to team 992's claim, the other team DID get entangled in their lexan device. While the team was not entangled at the end of the competetion it WAS during the match and that was when we got the call. Additionally, there were numerous teams that had some trouble going over their lexan device. there are several issues here pertaining right to that incident.

1. A TEAM DID GET ENTANGLED. the head ref (me) and my assistant have been in robots a combined 9 years and in our opinion that was entanglement. We both saw it happen and i was personally 2 feet away when it happened.

2. Team 992 was warned by BOTH ref's several times that they were an entanglement hazzard. While they did make some changes, the changes were not enough to prevent the lexan from becoming an entanglement hazzard.

3. While it can be assumed by some that the robot tried to entangle itself on purpose, it can never proven. As the referee i had to rely on the facts. The FACTS were that a team DID get entangled in team 992's device while it was on the floor. If the team DID try to become entangled, it IS unprofesstional that was not the issue. The issue was the FACT that entanglement did occur.

4. When it comes to being graciously professional team 992 was unprofessional towards the officiating committee. One of their adult coaches had to be gently escorted off the field by the crew due to his unruley attitude. When warned on a previous occasion earlier in the day, the team used abusive language and constantly second guessed the referees on their decision bringing up the same points over and over that had nothign to do with our ruling.


Speaking as an official at a small competetion, i hope that teams would show more respect to the volunteers that work it. We are trying our best!

Anyway, my 2 cents

Sean Roberts
Head Ref, SCRRF