[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by TimSet

Our team utilizes a student coach on the field during competitions. Some adults on our team have suggested that we start having an adult on the field as a couch because many of the "good" teams have adults. My thoughts are that this is a high school competition and if we are to prepare our students for real life then why not give them the experience of competition. But this could make it unfair as some teams choose to have adults with many years of experience on the field. What do other teams think about a rule change that only allows students as coachs.

You have good points. I encourage you to read the thread that has been linked, particularly, dlavery's contributions.

If the team wants to have an adult simply because the "good" teams have adults as coaches, the team needs to identify some of these teams that they have in mind, and then look at the coaches to identify what they contribute as the coach. I can guarantee that many of them are excellent strategists. In my opinion, that is a key element in being a good coach for FRC competitions. Also, networking with other teams, communicating with other teams, keeping the drive team focused and steady. The teams that you are looking at have all of those qualities and more, I'm sure. Thing is, those qualities can be found in some student coaches as well. It depends on the team. Just make sure that you are looking at all sides of topic and not just on a superficial level.

Edit: I just went back into the FAHA link and re-read it. Karthik's post is also an excellent source of insight in this area. Read the link that he has provided and the posts of the mentors/coaches that he has highlighted as well. Good stuff.