This year we need instant replay

[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by Revolverx7

... I think that the problem with all the penalties last year was that the interpretation of the rules were different at every competition and even changed sometimes right in the middle of one. To stop this there needs to be a unified decision for such crititcal rules as 'ramming' and 'aggressive driving'.

What I feel is even more important is CLEAR communication between the head referee and the drivers/teams. At all of the events I volunteered last season I was fortunate to work with very wise and experienced head referees who took the time in the drivers meetings to very carefully and clearly spell out exactly what was expected and what would be called with regard to rough play and ramming (including examples). The entire referee crew was on board and we called these infractions as intended and explained by our leader. We had some GREAT competition with very few disputes - just the way it should be.

Gracious Professionalism at its finest - Competing like CRAZY on the field, then working together like professionals off the field to make these events the best they can be for everyone involved.

[Kyle Fenton]

I wouldn't mind an instant replay, if it is possible. But only for viewing, not for deciding on calls.

BTW
They did this in Battlecry IV, and it came out pretty good.

[Bill_Hancoc]

What is needed is not more cameras and other things but more refs. maybe one more ref watching each match would help things out a bit and ease the pressure on each indivual ref. The people who were saying to never argue with the refs are right, arguing with officials of any kind is a losing battle. they carry the title "Official" so this means they are appointed by the event cordinator to enforce what they saw as right or wrong, they also have the advantage-they dont have to play by the rules ie. they can disqualify you. I have the highest respect for refs even tho i may or may not agree with the call they made. Refs also have to deal with the mentor who is overly attached to the team and knows that the ref made a bad call and he feels he is right and the other team should be disqualified. I met one of these mentors once and was highly offended by his/her actions. Im not going to say what team he/she was from or anything else about them. Refs have to deal with these people each time they DONATE THEIR time to help further the advancement of highschool students across the country but so we can have fun. Refs should be given much more respect than some give them. I salute you referees.

also to the person who stated that any team should be able to tape their match and use it for official purposes i agree completly. Even if you play by all the rules and dont edit the tape or some other unfair way of getting ahead. The refs may see somthing that you did that is illegal and call it on you. and by human nature, you are video taping your robot you didnt bring the camera to tape other bots so you hide yours mistakes and highligh the other teams without knowing its human nature.