I was asked an interesting question earlier today. The question is why I do not compete on a world stage while being the head coach of the Webster University chess team, the #1 ranked division I college chess team in the United States (with 8 GMs: Wesley So, Georg Meier, Ray Robson, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, Manuel Leon Hoyos, Anatoly Bykhovsky, Denes Boros, and Andre Diamant)?

Different coaches have different opinions about this issue. I am not sure if there is a right or wrong answer. But for me, I feel that it is unethical and somewhat of a conflict of interest to coach these top notch young players while competing professionally. 
When I work with the players, they need to know that they can have full trust in me, and that information which they share with me (their strengths and weaknesses, opening repertoire, or novelties, etc.) will not be used against them, especially by me, in serious competitions.
It is different when coaches work with young scholastic or amateur players. But when it comes to a prestigious and top notch college chess program like at Webster University, with so many young talents and strong grandmasters, I think that it is very important not to cross this ethical line. 
How would these young players feel if their own coach, would use the confidential analysis and information, against them in important events like the Olympiad, World Cup, US Championship, or other major events? I think this would break that bond and there will be problems with the trust issue. My job is to help these young players reach their full potentials, and not compete against or try to beat them.

What is your take?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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