Thread: Student or Adult Coach
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Unread 10-03-2016, 13:58
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AKA: Richard McCann
FRC #1678 (Citrus Circuits)
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Re: Student or Adult Coach
We've made it to Einstein with both a student (2013) and adult (2014, 2015) coach. I used to be strongly for a student coach but now I can see the advantage FOR OTHER TEAMS ON THE ALLIANCE of an adult coach. It helps that we have one of the best adult coaches going, so I can see what's an almost optimal set up. An adult coach first commands more respect from the other teams (and probably it better at recognizing when other teams have better leadership at the moment). And second an adult coach is probably better able to step back and look at the entire alliance. Plus the continual experience allows the adult coach to develop lessons learned.

We give our students substantial drive coach experience in the fall at off season events. We run multiple bots and usually go to 3 events. We also try to give our young mentors that experience as well.

But I don't have a strong opinion on which is preferred. I'd rather see an insightful student coach than an inept adult coach. And student coaching is a great opportunity to develop leadership. I would hope that an adult drive coach might recognize budding leadership skills and step aside when they recognize a great talent.
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