Which of the following best defines the penalty system in FRC Crescendo?

The penalty system in FRC Crescendo is defined by the fact that penalties lead to point deductions imposed by referees. This is a crucial aspect of the rules, as it maintains a level of competition integrity and fairness. The referees are responsible for observing the match and ensuring that all teams adhere to the rules. When a violation occurs, referees assess the situation based on established guidelines and decide on the appropriate penalty, which often results in a deduction of points from the offending team's total score. This structure serves to discourage rule-breaking and promotes sportsmanship within the competition.

The other choices do not accurately represent the penalty system. For example, penalties are not assigned randomly, as there must be a clear violation of rules for a penalty to be enforced. Additionally, the imposition of penalties does not rely on team votes, as that could create bias and conflict among teams. Lastly, while teams may express concerns about penalties, challenges regarding penalties are typically handled through formal channels rather than just verbal disputes.