Advise on giving advise

[bgs99]

First off, thanks for everything you do. I have made great progress on the SS program.

At the gym, I always keep my head down and concentrate on my lifts. I usually just shake my head at some of the things I see people doing. But today I was asked something by a fellow gym member. He asked me if I would watch and make sure his knees did not go past his feet while he squated. Not wanting to possibly offend him I just said "ok".
After unracking the bar, he took about a 8 inch stance, look directly at the ceiling, squated to around parallel and came back up. Around the third rep he almost fell back b/c he was concentrating on not moving he knees forward.

When it was over, I asked why he was worried about his knees going forward. I knew the answer. He said he read an article that it was bad for your knees to go past your feet, etc.

At this point what would you suggest I say if people ask? Try to explain the basics? Refer him to SS? Or nothing at all? I also know that telling someone how to lift at the gym can be a touchy subject.

Thanks for your help.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If he asks, tell him. You're officially Not Butting In if he asks for your spot or your opinion.

[Mucius]

If someone personally asks your opinion, give it and be glad you can make a positive change in this weak world.
When I'm training and I see someone who's giving squats or deads or presses an honest try, I always ?sk them if I may give them some advice (I always may). I always tell them about SS, I always tell them about the (Belgian) discussion board I partly moderate and the next week they often ask me to check their form.
I don't suggest everyone should do this, but if someone asks you, he or she clearly wants to put up an honest effort and should be adviced.
Together we c?n make a change.