I have a question regarding SG11 and how it should be being called by the referees at events. I understand the protection of the positive corners in the last 15 seconds of the match and the restrictions that come with it. The issue that I’m having is that it has been called differently at two different events in very similar situations.
Situation: Blue robot contacted a placed full goal during eliminations. They did not do this in an attempt to score or de-score any goals but it was due to incidental contact. At the first event they were disqualified and Red was given a win. At the second event the same situation happened and the Blue team was issued a minor violation. I understand that this is up to the interpretation of the head referee but some guidance would be appreciated. These events occurred in the same state/region two weeks apart without any major rule changes that would have impacted the call. Guidance from the committee would be much appreciated, specifically as it pertains to elimination matches. This has had tournament effecting results at both events in question. I think the question we need answered is if a team simply contacts a placed goal within the 15 second protection period is it a DQ or minor violation?