I just went to a state compitition and in our round of 16 knockouts, we accidentally touched our goal in the positive corner causing it to move to the left of the corner 1 inch or so while leaving the corner at the 15 second mark but the goal stayed scored. (The goal was already in the positive corner and stayed positive) At the end of the match, the points were tallied and we had won the match 25-24 but one of the refs (not the head ref) said to our team that because we had moved the goal into a beneficial position, we would be disqualified. Like what??? The goal was accidentally nudged into a position that was even worse but was still in the corner and this is not a match affecting thing because the goal was in the corner but the refs considered it match affecting and we got a DQ.
If we are missing anything in the rules that supports or refutes my anger please respond to this message and I understand I might be missing something here because it is still my teams first year in v5 but if my claim is right, what should I do then?
I always tell my teams - if there is anything that is a judgement call for the ref, do not do anything that could let that judgement call go against you. As a ref this season, I’ve seen plenty of teams drop goals after the 15 second alarm, and seen plenty of teams attracted to Mogo’s in the positive corner like flies to honey.
As long as your account is correct, your team didn’t break any rules.
Did your team touch it or did your robot touch it? If your robot touched it, you claim that the mobile goal stayed scored, not breaking SG11.
SG11
Positive corners are protected during the endgame. During the last fifteen (15) seconds of a Match, Robots may not contact Mobile Goals that are Placed in the Positive Corners of the Field, may not contact Rings that are Scored on Mobile Goals Placed in the Positive Corners of the Field, and may not Place Mobile Goals or Score Rings in the Positive Corners of the Field. During this protected period, Robots can remove Mobile Goals that are not Placed and Rings that are not Scored from the Positive Corners of the Field, provided that the interaction does not affect the Placed/Scored status of any protected Mobile Goals or Rings.
If one of your team members touched the mobile goal themselves, as long as it was accidental, as you claim, it follows G9.
G9
Hands out of the field. Drive Team Members are prohibited from making intentional contact with any
Scoring Objects, Field Elements, or Robots during a Match, apart from the contact specified in .
Thank you for your help,
After the match, my team listened to the ref’s point of view and we didn’t fight back because then it becomes this whole big thing and we weren’t winning the next match anyways because we were against a number 1 seed next.
I still find it annoying that vex doesn’t specify sg11 in the rule book on what counts as purposely tampering with the goals and what doesn’t
<T3> The Drive Team is permitted to immediately appeal a Head Referee’s ruling.
Rest of Rule
If Drive Team Members wish to dispute a score or ruling, they must stay in the Alliance Station until the Head Referee from the Match talks with them. The Head Referee may choose to meet with the Drive Team Members at another location and/or at a later time so that the Head Referee has time to reference materials or resources to help with the decision. Once the Head Referee announces that their decision has been made final, the issue is over and no more appeals may be made (See rule <T1>).
a. Head Referees may not review any photo or video Match recordings when determining a score or ruling.
b. Head Referees are the only individuals permitted to explain a rule, Disqualification, Violation, warning, or other penalty to the Teams. Teams should never consult other field personnel, including Scorekeeper Referees, regarding a ruling clarification.
Communication and conflict resolution skills are an important life skill for Students to practice and learn. In VEX V5 Robotics Competitions, we expect Students to practice proper conflict resolution using the proper chain of command. Violations of this rule may be considered a Violation of <G1> and/or the Code of Conduct.
Red Box
Some events may choose to utilize a “question box” or other designated location for discussions with Head Referees. Offering a “question box” is within the discretion of the Event Partner and/or Head Referee, and may act as an alternate option for asking Drive Team Members to remain in the Alliance Station (although all other aspects of this rule apply).
However, by using this alternate location, Drive Team Members acknowledge that they are forfeiting the opportunity to use any contextual information involving the specific state of the Field at the end of the Match. For example, it is impossible to appeal whether a game element was Scored or not if the Field has already been reset. If this information is pertinent to the appeal, Drive Team Members should still remain in the Alliance Station, and relocate to the “question box” once the Head Referee has been made aware of the concern and/or any relevant context.
A piece of advice, first year is rough, you are highly motivated, but be cautious about posting when you are angry. Lots teams go through many setbacks, and some vent very publicly not realizing that they may be crossing Code of Conduct … in this case, wise advice has been given. Pace yourself, expect setbacks and misunderstandings - be prepared for them, and how to handle them. You will do fine in the long run and the team will develop a reputation of positive integrity. As you get more seasons of experience, don’t forget your alliance partner, you will have some inexperienced ones during the season, how you treat them before and after matches is huge.