Randy,
That's a great question. I grew up wrestling in NY, where a coach is not needed at matside. When I began coaching here, I thought it was strange that it was "mandatory." I'm not against it, but I thought it was a weird rule.
I think kids rely on it. I think it becomes a habit. We coach our kids to make the right decisions on the mat. Our club tries to operate by the motto: "Coach during the week so you don't have to coach on the weekend." For the most part, we've done a good job of it...however, I won't lie to you--during a close match, you'll hear me on the mat.
Good topic...
Randy Streeter
Sunflower Kids
