All Star Cheerleading advice needed from some veteran coaches!

[xtremecheercoach2150]

Hi everyone!
I am the cheer and tumble specialist at at dance school in Indiana. The owner and I have recently decided to go ahead and add All Star cheerleading to our list. I used to be an all star cheerleader myself, and loved it, so I said that I would coach it. I really wanted to get back into the competitive aspect of cheerleading. She told me that this is my baby and to run with it. I have been teaching tumbling, cheer techniques and dance for about 3 years now, but this is the first time for having my own competition squad to run! I was just wondering if there are any veteran coaches out there that would like to give some advice for running things smoothly. I am looking to make a try-out packet, and a parent information packet (and possibly have a parent meeting), is there anything else I should make (cheerleader constitution?, etc). We are going to start forming the sign up list now and tryouts will be in May. Also, which program is the best to become a certified coach through and where is the best place to buy uniforms in your opinion?? Any advice would be great and thank you in advance!
 

[coolcoach]

http://www.usasf.net/programs/coachcred/

If you're starting an AS program, it's pretty essential to get your USASF credentials (for both yourself and the program).

[xtremecheercoach2150]

http://www.usasf.net/programs/coachcred/

If you're starting an AS program, it's pretty essential to get your USASF credentials (for both yourself and the program).

Can we still practice or compete while we are becoming certified? (Sorry about the stupid questions, I am just new at running things myself!)

[coolcoach]

I'm not an AS coach, so I am not sure (I want to say yes). But if you're going to be coaching at that level, that certfication is the standard (i.e. I know several parents and such who wouldn't look twice at a program with non-credentialed coaches).

Also, it's sort of a "cover your rear" thing. Like, if a serious injury occurs on your watch, no one can claim that you were unqualified and shouldn't have been coaching.

[Stunt Double 4U]

Do you have any idea what level you want your team to be?  I assume you'll start with one team and add more as it becomes more popular at your gym.  At a minimum you want to become USASF ceritified for tumbling, jumps and stunting at least up to the level your team will be, but shoot for level 5 for everything.  It would also be a good idea to get yourself to one of the upcoming All Star cheer conventions and meet some of the coaches; they'll give you great advice as you move forward.

Familiarize yourself with USASF rules, age grids and levels.  it'll make all of your decisions a lot easier.

A lot of competition companies already have their '09-'10 schedules listed.  I would recommend deciding on a few that you'll want to attend before your parent meeting so the parents have an idea of the costs involved, and it gives you a goal as to when your routine will need to be polished and "competition ready." 

MAKE SURE your parents know about all the costs up front, especially if they're new to the all star cheer world.  It does get expensive: camp, uniforms, bows, shoes, make-up, travel, comp fees, etc...

Decide if you'll choreograph the routine yourself or pay someone else to do it, and know in advance where you'll get your music from. 

I'm sure I could come up with more, but this should give you a good start.  Hope it helped.

[xtremecheercoach2150]

Do you have any idea what level you want your team to be?  I assume you'll start with one team and add more as it becomes more popular at your gym.  At a minimum you want to become USASF ceritified for tumbling, jumps and stunting at least up to the level your team will be, but shoot for level 5 for everything.  It would also be a good idea to get yourself to one of the upcoming All Star cheer conventions and meet some of the coaches; they'll give you great advice as you move forward.

Familiarize yourself with USASF rules, age grids and levels.  it'll make all of your decisions a lot easier.

A lot of competition companies already have their '09-'10 schedules listed.  I would recommend deciding on a few that you'll want to attend before your parent meeting so the parents have an idea of the costs involved, and it gives you a goal as to when your routine will need to be polished and "competition ready." 

MAKE SURE your parents know about all the costs up front, especially if they're new to the all star cheer world.  It does get expensive: camp, uniforms, bows, shoes, make-up, travel, comp fees, etc...

Decide if you'll choreograph the routine yourself or pay someone else to do it, and know in advance where you'll get your music from. 

I'm sure I could come up with more, but this should give you a good start.  Hope it helped.

Thanks alot for the advice! There is so much stuff involved, I just didn't know exactly where to start! I really appreciate it!

[xtremecheercoach2150]

I'm not an AS coach, so I am not sure (I want to say yes). But if you're going to be coaching at that level, that certfication is the standard (i.e. I know several parents and such who wouldn't look twice at a program with non-credentialed coaches).

Also, it's sort of a "cover your rear" thing. Like, if a serious injury occurs on your watch, no one can claim that you were unqualified and shouldn't have been coaching.

Thank you! I appreciate the advice! I am going to certified ASAP!

[CheerHounds]

As far as uniforms, Varsity makes the best quality uniforms in my opinion, plus they have trained reps that come out and fit all your team members for their uniforms.  They may not have enough options that are "unique" enough for some all-star teams, but now they have a division called "Ozone" where you can design you own uniform! 

[DubleDwn]

I know this is kind of an old post but I have some similar questions.  I work at a gymnastics gym, I am an instructor there.  However I was hired as the director of cheerleading.  We are having a really hard time starting up.  We've sent out emails, sent home flyers with the kids, even sent snail mail.   We are in a good location other AS programs are at least an hour away.  I was hoping to just start with something as simple as a cheerleading class or open cheer gym.  I'm looking for way to spark interest in cheerleading and get more sign-ups.

[Stunt Double 4U]

Starting with a free cheer class might spark some interest.  Make sure to post info at the park district, if they'll let you, especially if your area has a large rec squad.  A lot of the rec kids are looking for something to do in their off season.  If all star cheerleading is new to your area people won't likely know what it's all about, so make sure they know the fact and not just what they see in any of the popular cheer movies out there.  We do get a lot od bad press, so a positive intro would be a great start for you.