[Bob Steele]

I am a mentor coach and have been for 10+ years now. I think every team should decide what is best for them. There is no perfect solution.

I will mention something though... from a recent event.
Next to me was a very vocal coach... yelling and being very animated.
On the other side of our drive station was a young team...with no adult mentor.

After a very animated and loud and physical match in which my fellow mentor coach was all over the place and actually had been yelling at the young team I went over to them after the match and put my arm around the driver and told him that he had done a terrific job and to remember that the other coach had not meant anything personal from his actions. I shook all of their hands and congratulated them on great field play and told them I hoped they did well in their remaining matches. They left with smiles.

To be fair, the other coach had warned us that he yelled and I actually personally liked the enhanced vitality of the match. I would never choose to yell at anyone. I would raise my voice only when a matter of safety was involved. I honestly don't think he was bullying but it could have been interpreted as that by someone who did not know his motives.

I have seen student coaches yell too and be animated and use language which I would deem inappropriate.

Mentors and students who act in the coach position are all role models for their team and for other teams. We cannot forget this... none of us.

Sorry about pummeling the deceased quadraped...