[Keri Lynne]

Adult coaches have so much to offer on and off the field. Speaking as a driver-I found that when I was controlling the robot on the field it was a comfort to have someone who was experienced in coaching there to easily guide me through the more challenging matches. Since most adult coaches are seasoned veterans, they have lots of advice to offer. Personally, some of the best advice I recieved was from my coach.

It is also good to have an adult around when things go sour. If a match doesn’t turn out exactly the way you hoped it is good to have someone you look up to there to remind you to act professionally and humbly. It seems like adults are more likely to act level headed and accepting in moments of defeat.

One of the things adult coaches have to offer off the field is the connection with the other teams and coaches that can only be built over years of interaction and friendship. It seems like our adult coach knew the coach of almost every team we played with this season, and he introduced me to some remarkable people that he has met over the years. Getting to meet such interesting and influencial people was an absolute joy. There was nothing more exciting than being introduced to someone I had heard to be one of the best coaches in FIRST while just waiting for our match. I dont think this level of connection and communication would be the same without adult coaches on the field.

Working with the mentors is one of the most enjoyable parts of FRC. Learning from someone with years of experience and building friendships with the mentors has personally been one of my favorite parts of this program. I feel that if adult coaches were eliminated, a major part of this would also be lost. Why should this education and bonding end on the field?