Adult vs. Student coaches

[Steph]

Our team prides itself on being student-run, so we will always have a student coach, but I personally feel an adult or student can be successful with the task. I've been our coach for two years now, and am one of only two students that have been on our team throughout its existance, so in a sense I am similar to an adult coach. I have seen as many matches and participated in as many regionals as any adult on our team.

To me, the key to coaching is communication. The drivers need to be able to trust your judgement, but at the same time be comfortable contributing their ideas. Communication with other coaches is also vital; being assertive but flexible seems to work best for me.

With regards to adults doing well at keeping students calm, I personally feel that on our team anyway a fellow student is more successful. We are able to laugh and joke around as friends before matches, but snap back into serious mode as soon as the match begins.

As a student coach, I do sometimes get adults that try to force their opinions and ideas on me, and at first was intimidated by it, but with a little more experience and confidence I have learned work with those coaches. There is still the odd person who tries to dominate strategy sessions, but that person seems to be a fellow student as often as it is an adult. Our first regional of this season was Arizona, and not once did I encounter a forceful or bossy coach. As an alliance captain and student coach who chose two teams with adult coaches, it was a wonderfull experience talking strategy and developing a game plan because the entire drive team from all three teams was involved, and all team members were listened to and respected.

I too am of the opinion that each team should choose the person right for the coaching job on their team, regardless of age, but never hesitate to approach them with ideas or concerns. I love getting input from adults on my team about my decisions on the field.