I have been watching a couple of streams lately, and I’ve noticed several fouls being rather common. The biggest one I have seen so far is G12, possessing the opponents ball. There’s rather strict terms in relation to what possessing is, and it could accidentally happen even on Einstein.
Well, I mean obviously less fouls are going to happen as the season goes on, but nobody is immune to them. What do you think?
I think G-40 will be pretty common at the start of most regionals, then hopefully the teams will realize how careful the human player really has to be.
Like you said, possessing the opponents ball, and also G40, I think human players are going to accidentally cross the line and get a technical foul. I’ve heard it’s been a big problem at week 1 events so far
G28 will be also be a common foul because many teams need to extend an appendage out 20in to intake the ball. When aggressive defense is being applied it won’t be uncommon for the in-taking team to become tangled with its defender.
G28
Deliberate or damaging contact with an opponent ROBOT on or inside its FRAME PERIMETER is not allowed.Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL
High speed accidental collisions may occur during the MATCH and are expected. ROBOTS extend elements outside of the FRAME PERIMETER at their own risk; no penalties will be assigned for contact between two such extended elements.
A ROBOT with an element outside its FRAME PERIMETER may be penalized under this rule if it appears they are using that element to purposefully contact another ROBOT inside its FRAME PERIMETER. Regardless of intent, a ROBOT with an element outside its FRAME PERIMETER that causes damage to another ROBOT inside of its FRAME PERIMETER will be penalized.
G40. G40 everywhere.
I think we currently hold the world record for foul points at 150 because of 3 G40 infractions.
It is very common but was not called at Central Illinois. See my post here. Its frustrating to see a bunch of meaningless G40s called all weekend (never on us) and no G28s to protect our own robot. I hope G28 becomes called more in the next few weeks.
IF called for this foul you should note how this is qualified…
G28
Deliberate or damaging contact with an opponent ROBOT on or inside its FRAME PERIMETER is not allowed.
Violation: TECHNICAL FOUL
High speed accidental collisions may occur during the MATCH and are expected. ROBOTS extend elements outside of the FRAME PERIMETER at their own risk; no penalties will be assigned for contact between two such extended elements.
A ROBOT with an element outside its FRAME PERIMETER may be penalized under this rule if it appears they are using that element to purposefully contact another ROBOT inside its FRAME PERIMETER. Regardless of intent, a ROBOT with an element outside its FRAME PERIMETER that causes damage to another ROBOT inside of its FRAME PERIMETER will be penalized.
This is an example of a subjective foul as it is made by a person making a snap decision in a quick playing game in a contest that has been designed without safety zones. Note that is says “may be penalized”. This leaves room for contesting the foul. Keeping a talley on fouls is pretty simple. It usually pretty easy to spot the bad apples. Intent can be quantified.
Also… It specifies in the rule posting that if contact “causes damage to another bot inside it perimeter it will be penalized.” Important to note as many instance of contact are incidental and accidental. The penalty should not be automatic.
Due to the number of the fouls and the absurd point values assigned to some of these fouls this year, I would suggest taping every match in your regional with something you can review footage immediately. These fouls need to be challenged professionally, and vigorously immediately after the match by having the team captain stand in the circle by the ref’s station. Having as much real evidence as possible is essential and any he said/she said situation will hold no water, but unless these fouls are challenged the will continue unabated.
While it is unlikely that any foul will be overturned or corrected, if enough teams challenge the subject / more bogus calls being made, perhaps the refs will be more careful in calling them.
teacher,
I suggest using the current version of the rule in question. In case you aren’t aware, this rule was updated on 3/4 to be initiating the deliberate or damaging contact.
The intent of this rule is that teams don’t have to take damage from someone else. This is NOT Battlebots; if you damage someone else inside their frame perimeter, you get a penalty. It’s been that way for years (and I’ve seen prior incarnations of that rule, before there was such a thing as a frame perimeter!).
Oh, and I do suggest that you read Section 5.5.3 before suggesting bringing a recording to the question box. The Head Referee will not view such recordings.