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Re: what should a drive coach do during a match?
My thoughts on the coach:
Very similar to what has been said above but more conceptual.
Decide on everyone's duties.... Driver and Operator are in charge of the operation of the robot. They concentrate on that... and adapt to conditions within 10 feet of the robot roughly.
The coach watches the entire field and calls out times. The coach should give his/her evaluation on the next task so the driver/operator know one or two steps ahead what they will be doing next. Time is lost when a task is finished and the driver has to figure out what to do next. The coach is looking for the next task. The coach is the tactician.... he/she watches the progress of the match from an alliance perspective. Decisions can then be made to help an alliance member or change tasks to achieve the alliance objectives that are not getting accomplished.
The coach is also free to move around and speak briefly with the other teams or ask for or offer assistance if necessary. To suggest overall alliance tactical changes in the face of the pressure from the opposing alliance.
I also see the coach as an overall calming influence behind the glass.
In the over 500 matches that I have coached I have seen many things... I think I am most proud of the losses we have seen and how an uplifting comment to another team or an individual student can completely change their outlook on themselves. I will admit that on a rare occasion I have had to say something negative to another team.... usually very spontaneously.. I have always regretted those occasions and I work to try and never allow that to happen but human nature being what it is... sometimes it can and I always apologize immediately.
The coach leads by example, they need to be steady and calming, they need to have a perspective that is more about learning and teamwork than just about winning. They need to look for the good things to praise about every team and then bring them out.
I feel honored to coach.. I have done it most of my life... and for the last 16 years on FIRST fields... I have certainly made a few mistakes but by and large I look back and I think a good coach can really enhance student experiences on the field. The coach is really the mentor on the field.
I know many teams use student coaches... I don't want to get into that debate.... I know there is a tremendous amount of pressure on the coach and the drive team.... I let that pressure fall on me.... and I have learned how to deal with it.... some rare students can do this too... and I have the utmost respect for every team and their coaches.
Good luck to your team... I hope to get to stand next to you someday and learn from you and your team.
I will see you on the field
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