Stop The Madness

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I have read this post for a few hours now, and I am still trying to distill the beliefs of some of the posters. It is a really difficult thing to do. But here are some observations from my own perspective for you to ponder...
In the ten years I have been part of FIRST, I have seen what I considered a few bad calls. I felt bad for the participants and the refs alike. Things happen in competition that can't be predicted and humans make mistakes. I have seen teams come close to winning and some were far from winning. I felt bad for those involved and tried to help. I have seen teams who lose at their only regional, when I know deep down a little more practice would have made them truly great.
In those same ten years, I have seen some of the most beautiful interactions of machines and drivers, the melding of combined knowledge, technique, and enthusiasm that anyone could hope to witness. I have witnessed teams in full GP play to win, succeed and fail, play again. I have seen teams assist with repairs on an alliance opponent to insure that team continues to play and lose to that team in a future match. I have seen teams refuse an award because the award presentation described another team and the judges had confused the two. I have seen teams in last place, ecstatic just to be participating and wish I could pick them for a special award.
I have seen the FIRST organization grow from less than two hundred to almost a thousand teams. I witnessed that organization continue through the growing pains and attempt to make this competition the best that ever was or could be and do a pretty good job. The tough part is when you shoot at the moon, sometimes you miss.
If you are angry that reffing is inconsistent, it may be that the organization is trying to modify the way it takes place. You are showing us that the game can be played differently than was originally thought by teams in January. The fixit window, the build period and the 25 pound rule affect the way this game should be moderated or there may be no robots to play the last week or at the finals. I know that many people in this organization are dedicated to making it a better place for competitors. They work tirelessly to improve, predict and repair faults in the rules and the way the game is played. You cannot imagine how much work and planning goes into a single event, let alone thirty and an International Event. Yes there may be mistakes, just temper them with a little understanding and be constructive. And as I write this a Jeff Waegelin quote is at the top on my page, "before you post, ask yourself: Is there a good reason to post this? " Excellent advice. Although there is no physical payment for use of this forum, the fee is thoughtful, constructive and yes graciously professional writing and thoughts.