Coaching Cheer - What do I need to know?
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Each Squad will have at least one Head Coach, a Coach, an assistant Coach and a Squad Rep. Each Squad may also have a Team Parent, Team Photographer and a Team Videographer.
The Squad Rep is each squads liaison between its respective football level. Forms:
Head Coaches will collect all Code of Conduct Agreements (Parent and Participant), Waivers and Forms prior to season start.
All coaches and volunteers must also review, agree to, sign and abide by the League's PVG Code of Conduct.
Background Checks:
All Head Coaches and Coaches will need to complete the KidsSafe+ background check online during the registration process in the Member Portal. Additionally, all Head Coaches and Coaches will need to have a valid fingerprint clearance, as required by the Town of Newton and NJ State Law. Fingerprinting for the League is valid for three years from the date activated.
To schedule and get your fingerprint background check done, see "How do I get my fingerprinting done?"
Assistant Coaches under the age of 18 are not required to complete the KidsSafe+ background check or have a fingerprint background check conducted.
The League will reimburse Coaches for reasonable fees associated with getting their finger-print clearance, up to $30. The usual cost is around $25. To receive your reimbursement, you will need to complete and submit the League's Expense Form (and upload a copy of your receipt).
IMPORTANT - A copy of your fingerprint appointment receipt needs to be emailed to admin@nbyfl.com as soon as possible after completing the task.
AACCA Rules:
Cheer Committee is looking into joining the AACCA. In the meantime, Coaches should be following the rules and guidelines provided by this association.
TeamWall:
Head Coaches, Squad Rep and Coaches will manage TeamWall for their level as well as update "Manage Team Info" via TeamWall accordingly.
Uniforms (League Issued):
Uniforms will be issued to each squad's Head Coach (or Team Rep) to issue to their respective cheerleaders. Head Coaches are responsible for entering uniform issue information into the system via the Manage Team Info link on TeamWall. Head Coaches are likewise responsible for collecting uniforms at the end of season, and tracking the information in the system via the Manage Team Info link on TeamWall.
Uniform Accessories (Participant Purchase):
Uniform requisite items ordered via the Hut, will be delivered to each Squad Head Coach and/or Squad Rep for distribution among their respective squad.
Attendance:
Attendance at practices and games must be taken and a record kept (of both cheerleaders and coaches). Excessive absences by either cheerleader or coaches could result in a loss of position.
Practices:
Unless otherwise advised and arranged for, Cheer practices will be held outdoors at Memory Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, each week, beginning late July. Younger squads will practice from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Older squads will practice 6pm to 8pm. Once school begins in September, practices will take place 1 hour before scheduled games for older squads, 45 minutes prior to games for flag squads. Very important that Coaches arrive prior to cheerleaders at all practice and scheduled meeting times.
Attendance:
Attendance at practices and games must be taken and a record kept (of both cheerleaders and coaches). Excessive absences by either cheerleader or coaches could result in a loss of position.
In the event a cheerleader or coach can not make a practice or game, the Head Coach and/or Squad Rep should be notified as soon as possible.
Pictures:
League, Team, Level and Participant photos will be scheduled to take place before a home game mid-season. Details and information will be circulated by the League Admin.
Dress Code and Punctuality:
Coaches must lead by example, and follow the same rules that apply to cheerleaders with regard to dress codes and punctuality. Dress code: No jeans or denim. Only proper athletic wear and sneakers-- no platform or slip on sneakers. No flip flops or sandals. No extra baggy pants or clothing, no jewelry, no fake acrylic nails.
Coaches will receive a Coach's shirt which needs to be worn at all of your squad's games.
Coaches must arrive at practices and games prior to the designated time for the cheer squad. Participants are expected to be on-time-- coaches should address issues as they happen before they become a problem.
No-Roaming Policy:
Cheerleaders, in League's care, are not allowed to wonder away from practice or games by themselves-- not even to go to the bathroom or snack stand. Coaches and fellow squad members should always escort each other in groups or as a whole squad. Bathroom breaks and snack stand visits should be coordinated and attended by Coaches.
In the Case of an Emergency:
Assess the situation, if any doubt of the severity of an issue do not hesitate to call 911. If not a life-threatening or actual emergency situation, assess and advise accordingly. Head Coaches and Squad Reps should follow steps to report the incident. See "How do I report and injury?"
Issues/Problems/Concerns:
Always contact and alert a Cheer Committee member as to any issue or concern that arises while coaching. If a problem arises with a parent or participant which is not easily resolved, please send the matter to the Committee to handle. If the Committee can not resolve the issue, it will be sent to the Board of Officers of the League where it will be resolved, if only to the League's satisfaction.
Parent Meeting:
The Cheer Committee will conduct a Parent Meeting (orientation). Parents will receive a notice with date and times. Coaches should make every effort to attend. Committee will review policies, procedures, expectations, and League Fundraising responsibilities.
Coach Review:
Each year all coaches will be reviewed based on attendance, commitment, ability, attitude, feedback, squad success and participation. Squad Reps will assist in observing and assessing coaches for reviews. Coaches will be informed if there are any issues or concerns and given a chance to fix any problems. The Committee, with backing by the League, at its discretion can and will immediately relieve any Coach from his/her position for inappropriate or excessive and unreasonable behavior.
Cheer Program:
Flag Squad(s) - depending on football registration levels we will be either one or two squads. Flag will perform a 1/2 time routine and hello cheer. PomPoms may be incorporated into the hello cheer. Flag will learn a SET grouping of sideline cheers-- no exceptions. This will establish a consistent foundation with the program as cheerleaders grow and move onto to upper levels. One sideline cheer with PomPoms can be added to be done at games, at Coaches' discretion. Important- Flag is not to STUNT higher than a thigh-high stand. Flag is NOT to go up into half or full extensions. They can do different stunts and formations that do not require any lifting or off the ground suspensions. Please inquire with your Squad Reps for ideas or more options. Flag dismount is a Pencil Drop. Full tumbling is allowed and encouraged. Coaches are NOT to stunt with girls, however should be spotting everything the girls/squad is doing. Flag Squad cheer at Home Games only.
Hello Cheers and Halftime Routines - ALL routines must be prepared and executed in accordance with the League guidelines. Coaches need to have the Hello Cheers and 1/2 time routines (with music) prepared for review by the Cheer Committee by end of the first week of cheer practice. All routines will be presented at that time, no exceptions. Head Coaches and Squad Reps are responsible for following up and checking progress and preparedness of their respective squads. Once routines are approved, they are to be video-taped and post on the TeamWall for sharing with parents (and for reference and review).
Pep Rally and Trophy Game - Pep rally always occurs the Friday evening at Memory Park field, before the Annual Trophy Game (which is always scheduled for the Saturday before Labor Day). The Trophy Game is a Tourney for all our tackle levels vs Mt. Olive. The Tourney is played at Home in odd years and away (in Mt. Olive) in even years. Attendance at the Pep Rally for Cheer is critical, especially as our role, responsibility and exposure grow within the League.
Schedule Changes / Cancellations - If the football players play, the cheerleaders cheer. Squad Reps and Head Coaches are responsible for monitoring game schedules and football player notifications, and likewise responsible for sharing any/all info with their respective squads.
Cheer Etiquette - Coaches should lead by example with regard to following same dress code, cell phone and eating rules. Cheerleaders are not allowed to wear jeans, denim, flip flops, use cell phones or snack/eat while on the sidelines during games.
After Half-Time Performances - coaches and cheerleaders should always return to the sidelines after half-time performances. At the Coach's discretion cheerleaders will be given a break, but MUST be back on sideline ready to cheer promptly by the start of the 3rd Quarter of any game.
Game Time Rosters - Head Coaches need to provide Game Announcers, both home and away, with Squad Rosters before each game begins. Cheerleaders are usually announced along with football players at start of games. NEVER distribute a roster with contact info of participants on it.
Game Schedules and Directions - all will be posted and maintained on each Squad's TeamWall, managed by the Head Coach and Squad Rep.
Field Access during Games - as required by League Rules, only Coaches and uniformed cheerleaders are allowed on the sidelines and/or field with the football team at any/all home and away games. Cheer Squad photographers and videographers must remain behind the field's outer perimeter (unless provided with a field badge).
Signs, Banners and Poms - Squads are encouraged to use signs in their Hello Cheer, sideline cheer, etc. If Squad's want to make their own signs and banners that is terrific. Poms may be used at Coaches' discretion if available.
Spirit Days - cheer uniforms may be worn to school, but ONLY on Fridays before a Game, until the end of football season. Cheerleaders should wear their uniforms with PRIDE and should remember that they are representatives of more than just themselves and so should behave appropriately and accordingly at all times (as representative of the League).
No Pets - though we are a very pet friendly league there are absolutely no pets / animals (no matter the size) allowed at cheering activities, practices, games and/or events.
Coaching Best Practices:
1. No favorites, or favoritism!
2. Have a set way and structure to running your practices. Be prepared before you arrive to practice.
3. Don't plan your practices ad hoc when you arrive at practice. Have a plan.
4. Don't eat or snack in front of the kids.
5. Treat your Cheerleaders with the same respect, courtesy and consdieration you expend from them.
6. Stay focused on your practice, the SAFETY of your squad and the task at hand.
7. Do not bring friends or distractions to practice.