i would tell them what there doing, ive been bowling against somebody that was bowling poorly told them an adjustment and they ended up kicking my butt, i would rather see somebody succeed and bowl well then bowl poorly and be upset about it. I might not go completely out of my way to tell them but if they came and asked i would definitely help them out, or if they were bowling right next to me on the next pair where its an easy look and see.
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http://lsf.bowlspace.com/
GO CUBS!!!!

I would ask if they wanted my input, and if they agreed, I'd tell them what to do to improve their scores.
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Reporting from England

Thank you for the replies, but I'm not sure I made clear the potential problem.  They were more concerned that two students were in direct competition and only one was really struggling.  If you help the one and it ends up making a difference in the outcome of the set, wouldn't the other student/athlete be put off or upset.  Would they consider the other team was then given an unfair advantage by your coaching only one side of the competition?  But then maybe I am just overthinking the potential problem.

It can be hard to turn off the coach side.  Yesterday I was at the State Pepsi qualifier and it was hard to not coach when seeing a problem.  I do tried to limit any comments to offering encouragement but did make one or two suggestions.

After thinking about this for a few days, I'd personally probably play it safe and either wait for league to finish or, as jensm said, leave it for the next session and comment at that point.  Any other thoughts are appreciated.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

I believe that if both bowlers were aware that you are there to help them both and not pin one against another it would be easier.
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It is what it is  

Honestly, I would not say anything until you are asked or until your next coaching session..  A lot of times people get frustrated with advise given when they don't want it, especially if their performance is putting them in a bad mood..

I try to let students alone during competition, especially if I'm in the same competition myself.  

But this has become an issue in our Junior tournaments in the area.  Some people expect the coaching, that's why the coaches are there and some are adamant against it.  We don't have anything in our tournament rules about coaching , or being coached, while bowling but we've gotten a lot of complaints about it.  Honestly I think that if the coaches are allowed to be there, then they should be allowed to coach/help their students.  But it always dribbles down to which program has the best coaches and then the other programs complain when the kids are coached by the better programs.  However, I think once you get into the adult ranks that professional coaching during competition in tournaments should not be allowed.  

During team competition I think that its imperative that a team help each other out.  So I don't consider that "coaching" in the context we are using in this thread.  Teammates should help each other, that's why its a team.  

Erin

I think about it like this:
If I coach both players, and one is struggling, and asks me for help, then I will happily help out (although the higher the standard of the student the more I would act as something of a sounding board).
As long as all my students are aware that they can ask me at any time for help, then I think it's entirely fair to give advice where it's requested.
I do make it a point to never offer unsolicited advice, as I don't generally accept it when i'm bowling and therefore extend the same courtesy.
Obviously if there's a rule specifically prohibiting coaching, then I'll obey it, but this is rarely the case.
As long as you're open and honest about what you're doing (i.e. not trying to make a secret out of giving advise to one or other of your students) then I don't see the problem.
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Reporting from England