Introduction to Cheer and Dance How and Why to Start a Safe and Effective Cheerleading Program in Your Community Created By Hillary Ibbott Neiszner & Mishayla Kapell Updated: October 28 th, 2016
Outline What is the SCA? What are the benefits of a cheer program? How to define your program How to get started Safety considerations and practice planning Additional resources and reference people
What is the SCA? The Saskatchewan Cheerleading Program (SCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of SAFE standardized cheerleading programs throughout the province. The SCA is committed to promoting and encouraging the recognition of cheerleading throughout the province.
Becoming an SCA Member In order to attend SCA sanctioned events, individuals must hold a current SCA Membership. Memberships must be received and paid as soon as the individual begins participation and prior to accessing any SCA programs or service (including sanctioned competitions). Membership forms can be found on our website www.sca.ca.
Why Become a Member? Insurance - Membership provides all individuals with sport liability insurance. Access to free and subsidized clinics - First year teams are eligible to receive free clinics through the SCA. Provincial Championship - The SCA hosts a provincials championship open to all members. Funding - all member teams are eligible to receive funding through several areas, including membership assistance program, which offers funding for competition fees and uniforms. Access to all SCA sponsored programming
Rules The SCA reviews and revises bylaws on a yearly basis. The SCA is responsible for promoting and upholding the safest possible standards for all member teams in the province, not just elite teams. The SCA wishes to encourage the growth of the sport of cheerleading throughout the province of Saskatchewan. Motions to amend SCA bylaws can be put forth by members at the Spring Membership Meeting and the fall Annual General Meeting. The SCA follows the USASF safety rules, age grids and leveling for all teams.
Benefits of a Cheer Program Increased school spirit An option to organized sports/aesthetic programs Community involvement Promotion of healthy lifestyles Teamwork Leadership
Defining Your Program Dance The SCA currently offers three Dance categories - Jazz, Pom and Hip Hop. JAZZ - A jazz routine encompasses traditional or stylized hardhitting, crisp and/or aggressive approach to movement and can include moments of softness while complimenting musicality. Emphasis is placed on body alignment, extension, control, uniformity, communication and technical skills.
Defining Your Program Dance POM - Poms must be used for at least 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include strong pom technique: clean/precise and sharp motions, synchronization and visual effect, and may incorporate tricks (i.e. leaps/turns, pom passes, jump sequences, kick lines etc.). Visual effect includes level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of different coloured poms, etc. HIP HOP - Hip Hop routines can incorporate street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation.
Defining Your Program Cheer Cheer teams incorporate stunting, jumping, tumbling, and dancing into their routines. Teams must practice on appropriate mats and coaches must have training.
Getting Started Decide what type of program you want to offer and what direction you want the team to take. Consider the following: Is the team going to perform at pep rallies and school events? Is the team going to perform at games? Is the team going to be competitive?
Seek Administrative Approval Once you have decided what kind of program you want to start, be sure administration is on board. Consider obstacles that you will encounter and how you will deal with them. For example: Where and when will you practice? Do you have the appropriate facility and matting for the program you want to run? How long will your season be? Will you have tryouts? What will you do for uniforms? Why do you want to start this program? What is the expected outcome? What will the cost be?
Selecting A Team Decide in advance the size of team you want, the level of commitment you expect from the athletes and your criteria for selection. Communicate this with the athletes so they know what TO expect and what YOU expect.
Tryouts If you intend to have try-outs, ensure the dignity of all of the athletes by treating them equally and evaluating them based on a set of criteria that you have established and shared with them ahead of time. Consider how you will inform the successful and unsuccessful athletes. Give positive feedback to all athletes and constructive feedback to those who are unsuccessful so that they know what to work on! The SCA recommends inclusive programs at the elementary and junior levels!
CONTRACTS, ETHICS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ROLES
Contracts Provide a forms package Medical forms, driving permission, etc. Cheerleading contract Coach/Advisor contract
Cheer Team Athlete Contract CHEER TEAM ATHLETE CONTRACT As a member of the team, I understand and agree to the following; 1) To make cheerleading my most important NON-ACADEMIC priority 2) To attend ALL practices, games, meetings, workouts, competitions and team - related functions as set out by the Coach / Advisor 3) To be on time and prepared for ALL team functions 4) To attend and be on time for ALL academic classes 5) To maintain an overall average of and not be failing any individual course 6) To follow the fitness program and maintain an acceptable level of fitness as determined by the Coach 7) To read my Athlete handbook and comply with all team rules set out by the Coach / Advisor / School Administration 8) To represent in a professional manner, treating others with dignity and respect I understand that my failure to comply with any of the above will result in team sanctions such as being placed on probation, suspension from the team, or being released from the team. Athlete Name / Signature: Parent Name / Signature: Date: Coach Initials:
Ethics & Responsibilities Policies School board School SCA Code of Ethics Code of Conduct
Rules Rules govern the practice of dance and cheer Rules exist for safety in practice as well as in competition Links to all rules can be found on our website www.sca.ca The SCA follows all IASF/USASF rules www.iasfworlds.com Be sure you are familiar with rules of other provinces or states to which you travel
Practice Planning Planning is essential! Consult team goals Allocate time Cover all areas of skill development Limit time to 2-2.5 hours Have a consistent practice time Short effective practices vs long ineffective practice
Practice Planning Quick Tips Standard warm up & cool down Base plans on individual and team goals Plan in advance and come to practice prepared Outline plan to team (writing) Reflect on the practice and achievements Practice in sections Be dressed for physical activity Start on time Finish on time Space practices out
Practice Planning Dance- http://rebeccabrightly.com/dance-practiceblueprint/ Cheerhttp://www.varsity.com/varsityresources/effectivecheer-practices
Mandatory Training SCA Coaches Certification Respect in Sport First Aid Concussion Training SAFETY must be your top priority.
SCA Coaches Certification Our new and improved certification process focuses on safety to ensure our athletes receive the best instruction possible and to align with the insurance we provide to our members.
Additional Training SCA Coaching Clinics SCA Coaches Conference SCA Judging Certification SCA Credentialing (cheer) N.C.C.P. Sports Medicine Council First Aid kits are a must at every practice and event! http://www.smscs.ca/
Emergency Response Plan Develop a plan and discuss it Jobs include: Retrieve medical kit Remove team from area Call ambulance Prepare information ahead of time
Medical Forms Get info right away No tumbling/lifts/stunting until forms are in Note medical history Keep information accessible One copy in 1 st aid kit
Privacy Concerns PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act Only collect information you need Do not disclose info unless necessary Inform athletes and parents why you require this information
Physical and Mental Preparedness Without proper preparation athletes risk injury. Before incorporating new skills coaches must evaluate the preparedness of athletes.
Physical and Mental Preparedness Ask the following questions: Is the athlete strong enough? Is the athletes flexible enough? Is the athlete fresh enough? Has the athlete mastered an earlier progression? Does the athlete understand the skill? Is the environment conducive? Is the coach skilled enough?
Physical Preparedness Comprehensive conditioning program that should cover: Endurance Strength Power Speed Flexibility Seek professional assistance if necessary
Mental Preparedness Athletes must be confident Confidence can be achieved through Understanding Prerequisite skills Knowledgeable instruction and appropriate supervision
Suggestions Learn and master fundamentals Progression plan Common terminology Active listening Encourage communication Spotting Emergency exit plan
Coach Preparedness Coaches must be knowledgeable Only teach skills you are able to safely instruct Camps, clinics, private sessions are available Other coaching programs
Do I Need a Backspot for This? Visit www.iasfworlds.com to request your own personal copy of the IASF/USASF rules, divisions and glossary
Resource People Check out the SCA website at www.sca.ca for list of the Executive!
www.sca.ca General info@sca.ca Cheer coachingdirector@sca.ca Dance dancedirector@sca.ca