Adult vs. Student coaches

[Conor Ryan]

I'm on a team were we have an all student drive team, in my own perfect world however I'd give the coaching job to an adult. Why? Simply because students don't do everything, they do most of the work, but the adults do some of it too.

Do you have an adult coach or a student coach? Student

Why? Not my decision....

Would I rather have an adult coach or a student coach? Adult

Why? I believe that a lot of FIRST's goal is to see Students working with Adults and learning, I believe that this shouldn't be restricted to just the design and build process, the competition itself should be a joint effort.

Do you feel it increases your ranking, winning, and success in matches? I don't think it'll change too much, but just in choosing an adult it may calm some of the high pressure situations at the end of a match. Whether or not it'll change the score, I don't know. What I do know is that whoever is behind the driver and operator is that they are trying their hardest.

Do you feel it enhances your team as a whole? Of course, it just is another example of students and adults working together.

What downsides are there? Not an all student drive team? I don't see that as a downside but some people may.

Do you feel intimidated or persuaded by adult coaches on your alliance? If I was a young student, possibly. But with an adult coach I'd think that'd be something they'd need to address with every alliance.


Just my thoughts, I don't want to replace anyone, but I think an Adult coach would be good for my ideal team. (even though Ideal never happens)