[maxweberh]

Our (rookie) team has definitely prospered under having a mentor coach, they were previous drivers, and know a lot about the game and rules. I think the idea of complete student driving, inbounding, and coaching works for some really experienced teams. I think however for some teams having a mentor around in case a chain pops off and you need to fix it in the queuing area, or some other disaster happens, is good. FIRST inspires kids on and off the field. Driving is a great opportunity, but I think some kids just the same rush watching, designing, coding, or building the robot.

This is of course coming from my limited time in FIRST, but from what I have seen mentor coaching isn't depriving students of coaching time. Having multiple drivers is also a solution, if getting as many students behind the glass is the goal.

Thanks