Caution Flags in Overdrive

[Travis Hoffman]

This idea is inspired by the discussion in the "defense...it's still here" thread regarding robots pushing fallen robots out of the way so they no longer impede the progress of those who remain upright. The intent of this idea - to permit humans an opportunity to safely clear the field mid-match with lesser risk of robot damage, and to make the remaining balance of the match more interesting for all involved. This suggestion obviously parallels the safety methods officials employ at actual races.

OK, so what if FIRST actually empowered the referees to wave a single discretionary "yellow caution flag" or, more likely, the "red stop flag" once during any one match? Drivers would have to stop (or field control would pause the match - not sure if this could be done in the middle of teleop) and this would permit the crew to clear the field of any robotic "debris" - or at least move it gently to the side. Then there would be no talk of pushing fallen robots, there would still be passing lanes, and the match could continue in more interesting fashion. You'd be sacrificing a bit of delay in exchange for a more exciting match conclusion, just like NASCAR.

I would hope the instances of fallen robots blocking a good portion of the lane are few and far between, so any caution flag delays such as these would not adversely impact the overall schedule of the competition.

By the way, it would be totally fitting if the head ref or a volunteer were given a white flag to wave to indicate the last 15 seconds of the match and a checkered flag to wave at match end. You just know some regional director's young son or daughter would enjoy that task - you can never have enough "awwwwww" moments in FIRST!

Heck, you could even make the penalty flags "black flags" with red or blue stripes to indicate the guilty alliance - if you're gonna go all out with the racing theme, then go all out!