Human Player Accidents During 10 Seconds

[SuperDave]

While in our last practice round at the AZ Regional, our human player tripped while getting out of the field as quickly as possible. She tripped and fell, and we were disqualified for the intire match when she was not able to return to the pressure mat within 15 seconds. She sprained her knee and it is now well swollen and she has to limp when she walks. 10 seconds is a very short ammount of time to move the boxes around the scoring area and to get out as quickly as possible. If FIRST is so concerned about safety, then why dont they make the time limit longer so the players dont rush? Another solution may be to modify the field so that there is no step to get out of the playing feild. FIRST could modify that part so it moves, similar to the bar that goes over the entrances to the field. Has anyone else seen or heard about anyone tripping or falling on the exit of the field during the 10 seconds?

-thanks
Dave

Driver, team leader - Team 987, Las Vegas, NV

2003 AZ Regional Semifinalists, w/ teams 696 and 222
2003 AZ Regional Xerox Creativity Award
2002 Highest Rookie Seed Award, Championships, Einstein Division, 5th seed