YMTC - three times through the Sally Port - only credited for the last 2. Lost out on 25 point challenge bonus at match end due to lost time dancing with the SP a third time. Would have easily parked on the batter with 15 extra seconds. Would have won the match by (at least) one point. Would have had a shot to win in the Finals. Would have earned a WILD CARD regardless (one that was bestowed upon 4028, a worthy team no doubt, captain of the alliance who advanced as a result of this referee gaffe). Would have had a chance at blue banner that has eluded us for several years. Very, very disappointing.
Our robot was the only entity doing anything RIGHT during the gaffe:
- the opposing alliance was committing a foul
- the head ref and the penalty caller were assessing that foul
- the penalty caller neglected to witness our first sally port crossing happening right in front of him, and he neglected to notice the ref on the far side of the field holding his hand out as if waiting for confirmation.
Perhaps, FIRST, you can ditch the Disney and peel the covering off the Sally Port door such that a SINGLE REFEREE might be able to clearly judge whether a robot successfully breached the defense or not?
We're going to St. Louis anyway. Thanks, Frankie and FIRST - we got the waitlist invite Thursday morning at Queen City. ;-) Unfortunately, we were still denied a shot at winning a medal and our first regional since 2012, and our partners in 5413, 1308, and 2603 received NOTHING but disappointment as a result of this major, major referee communication gaffe. PLEASE DO BETTER. The teams deserve it.
