Call Inconsistencies Between Regionals

[Swan217]

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

1. While the NASCAR theme is cool, forget about this "look at the robots right at zero nonsense." Just assess the points when everything comes to rest: robots and balls. Why? It makes it easier for the refs and the spectators.

As far as problems go, I see this as one of the least. On the contrary, I think it's much more exciting seeing if that robot can beat the buzzer to the finish line. (As a robot-scorer referee as well)

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

2. Don't use referees for the scoring, use scorekeepers. Scorekeepers only need to know what counts and what doesn't with respect to balls and robots crossing. Use 4 scorekeepers per arena.

We already do this. There are 4 referees dedicated to scoring. They do not call penalties or do anything else besides scoring. You may think of them as linesmen.

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

3. Along with number 2, use 6 referees per match plus the head referee. Each ref is assigned one robot the entire match. They asses every penalty associated with that robot as they are actually watching that robot. The zone reffing makes it almost impossible.

You may want to ask the Great Lakes/Detroit Head Referee about this. In previous years, he had a system where your idea would be the norm. Unfortunately, with all of the problems last year, orders from On High were to have no more than 8+1 referees on the field (including 4 linesmen & Head).

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

4. Use examples in the rule book. Let's take the multiple configurations rule as an example. A simple "if it looks like the two mechanisms could be used without each other on the field as a moveable robot, then they are not considered mechanisms; they are considered robots" would stop the majority of the debate (there will always be FIRSTers who try to wiggle through every word (aka lawyering) even though they will swear they are not lawyering).

Agreed - examples would make it easier for teams, and harder for lawyers on said teams.

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

5. Clearly state the reason for the yellow flag. Is it for dangerous play or not? I thought it was reserved for dangerous play. How does an offensive robot get a yellow card while it is being aggressively defended?

<T05> Adequately describes the purpose of yellow flags. The trouble arises when <G#> rules such as <G34> or <G40> blur those lines without any clear middle ground.

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

7. Don't blame the game of the refs for certain deficiencies in our skill. G22, for example, is a clear rule that is being called as per the rule. Hurdler interference is a penalty that has to be called. You are stopping a team from scoring 10 points, so the penalty is 10 points. It is the "pass interference" of Overdrive. We make every decision based on the rules. If there was a rule against guarding the trackball, they we wouldn't consider it a viable strategy. However, even though we know this is supposed to be an offensive game, we are using the fact that there is not a rule about guarding the trackball as a reason to guard the trackball. Because of us, the rulebook will keep getting bigger.

Agreed - Pass interference = good rule. Guarding trackball = good non-rule & great strategy

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

8. Those of you complaining about the quality of reffing, become a ref. I will do this next year as I have never reffed beofer and will now start. At Detroit, the reason the reffing is much better than other places I have witnessed is the refs are mostly involved with FIRST teams or are FIRST team alumni. We need to increase the talent level of the referees from within. We must become a part of the solution.

I relish the day when some uppity team coach comes up and yells at referee Paul Copioli for some bogus call he just made. But yes, as I mention in FIRSTruth, the great regionals are the ones where the referees are biased - towards fair play and the love of the game.