On Rules, Referees, and Rewards (aka Penalties)

[Jack Jones]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

...

No good can come of this thread, it will just spark irrational heated arguments. I would recommend this thread be closed.

*gets down off own soapbox*

I'll second that; but, at the same time, renege to get my $0.02 in.

FIRST is not about “the game”, nor the rules that govern, nor how they impact how you want the game to go. It’s about giving us the opportunity to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in order that we persevere when it’s something more than just a game.

Does anyone think the six-week build is there just because Kamen and Flowers think it’s cool? Do you think the spare parts rule – now Fix-It window - was put in place for any other reason than to teach us how to git-er-done on Thursday? Do you think the 30 point penalties are there for “safety”; or are they there to teach you that you are responsible for your actions? Do you think the only winners are the ones who walk away with medals? Well, they’re not! The real winners are the ones who missed the deadline, or went out limping, or lost in the semi-finals on a technicality, and didn’t moan about it.