YMTC: Descoring Tetras???

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Excerpt from Rule <G25>

Examples of normal game play interaction include:

• Pushing low on another ROBOT.
• Blocking or pushing on a TETRA that is in possession of an opposing ROBOT.
• Establishing ROBOT position to block access to a GOAL by an opposing ROBOT.
• Using an arm or gripper to prevent an opposing ROBOT from placing a TETRA on a GOAL.

I agree - in the example that Doug mentioned, the defensive robot was still "ramming" its opponent, and the proper penalties should be levied as Dave specified earlier in this thread. However, "pushing" or "pinning" with your base or arm is perfectly legal. If a defensive robot uses such maneuvers to prevent an offensive robot from stacking its tetra, and during this contact, the offensive robot's arm knocks the defensive alliance's stacked tetra off the top of the goal, I think the offensive alliance should receive the penalty, and the defensive alliance should receive control over the goal for the rest of the match. Also, if the offensive alliance is attempting to pile more tetras onto a goal they already own, and in the course of the same defensive struggle outlined above, the offensive alliance knocks their own stacked tetra off their goal, I think they should lose 3 points, and the defensive alliance should not be penalized. Either way, a job well done, defensive alliance! Why should the defensive team be penalized for the failure of their opponents to hold their ground during a legal defensive maneuver?

I expect the group of 2005 FIRST referees will possess the usual level of good and fair judgement in determining what actions constitute malicious contact and what is good old-fashioned aggravating, stifling defense.