[KSwartley]

The issue of adult coaches who are inappropriate with their students or other teams is a concern for FIRST. One of the most important benefits of FIRST is the opportunity for students to interact with and learn from adults. These adults must always be conscious of their behavior and realize that they are role models and being watched at all times. If adults are putting winning ahead of gracious professionalism, they have missed a big piece of the importance of FIRST. It does not matter if it is their own team or another team, inappropriate language and ungracious behavior is not something that should be accepted.

FIRST Team 525 had a great experience at the Championships and really enjoyed working with lots of great teams on Newton. At the same time, we experienced some of the inappropriate actions first hand. Our drive team took turns wearing a go-pro for matches so others could get a view of what they were experiencing. Unfortunately, we will have to edit out sound from one of the matches due to the inappropriate language of an adult coach. I fully intended to discuss this issue with the coach involved but regretfully did not find a good time and place to do that. We all need to help hold each other accountable for our behavior in order to maintain the high standards we all expect as part of FIRST. Thanks to the OP for bringing this issue up.