Cheerleading Coaches' Responsibilities

1. Coaches should recognize a team's ability level and limit its activities accordingly. "Ability Level" refers to the teams' talents as a whole; individuals should not be pressed to perform activities that exceed the ability level of the team. Cheerleading teams should be placed under the direction of a knowledgeable coach.
2. The coach should be knowledgeable in first air & emergency procedures & must develop an emergency plan for dealing with injuries at all cheerleading events. Participants must be made aware of these procedures.
3. Coaches should remain up-to-date on all new techniques, progressions & safety regulations by frequently attending conferences, clinics & rules meetings. The coach should also belong to appropriate cheerleading organizations.
4. Placement of cheerleading teams at athletic events:
   a.     Cheerleading coaches must coordinated the placement of the cheerleading team with the school administrator in charge.
   b.     Whenever possible, cheerleaders should be at least 3-4 feet from any boundary line. When cheering:
   a.     At a wrestling match, they should be ten feet from the edge of the wrestling mat unless the facility does not permit it.
   b.     At a football game, they should be ten feet from the edge of the baseline, unless the space is limited.
   c.      Along the end line of the basketball game, they must not stand within the area of the free throw land extended while players are shooting foul shots.
5. Rules & eligibility requirements should be shared with team members.
6. Coaches should conduct pre & post season meetings with parents.
7. The coach or other school approved adult representative must be in attendance & accessible at all practices, games, performances, competitions, & other cheer-related activities.
8. The coach should establish a good line of communication with school administrators, athletic directors, & coaches.
9. All cheer-related activities should be held in the location suitable for cheerleading activities with the use of mats, free of obstructions, & away from excessive noise or distractions.
10. Warm up & stretching must precede all cheerleading activities.
11. Coaches must not permit: loose, slick, baggy clothes, nylon hose or tights, which are not appropriate for stunting teams.
12. Coaches & participants should be trained in proper spotting techniques.
13. Proper progression, spotting techniques, & matting should be used until stunts are mastered.
14. The coach should approve all cheers, chants, posters, signs, music, etc., & ensure good sportsmanship. All team activities should be approved by the coach.
15. The coach should inform the team that all new skills must first be reviewed & approved by the coach prior to performing them.
16. Coaches should be aware of how the demands placed on a cheerleading team member might impact the student athletes' academic achievement.
17. Travel arrangements for participants should be approved by the coach and/or the school administration.