What effect do penalties have on a team's final score?

Penalties in FRC competitions directly impact a team's final score by subtracting points from the total score accumulated during the match. This is crucial because it means that teams must not only focus on scoring points through successful game strategies and tactics but also be mindful of their actions to avoid incurring penalties. Each penalty has a specific point value, and these can significantly alter the outcomes of matches, making it essential for teams to operate within the rules to maintain the highest possible score.

The other options do not accurately reflect how penalties function within the scoring system of FRC matches. Penalties are not ignored or applied only to specific aspects like robot modifications; they have a broader impact on the overall score.