Which penalty comes first for being uncivil?

Being uncivil in the context of FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) rules emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship among participants. When a team member exhibits uncivil behavior, the initial step taken by referees or officials is typically a verbal warning. This serves as an opportunity for the individual or team to correct their behavior without facing a harsher penalty immediately.

A verbal warning is crucial because it communicates that the behavior is unacceptable and allows for a chance to amend the action before escalating to more severe consequences. This approach promotes an environment where teams can learn from their mistakes and aim to uphold the values of respect and teamwork that are foundational to the competition.

In contrast, other penalties such as yellow cards or disqualifications are usually reserved for continued or more severe infractions. Therefore, the verbal warning being the first response highlights the system's intent to encourage positive conduct while acknowledging that all participants can make mistakes.