Resources For The New Cheerleading Coach

It's a year-round event. You know, that one where you sign your daughter up to be a cheerleader for a youth sports league and the administrator of the program says, "Would you be willing to coach your daughters cheerleading squad?"

Or maybe, like me, you volunteered to be a cheer coach because you love the sport.

Whatever the reason, you are now finding yourself looking for resources to make your squad season fun and interesting. Instead of spending hours searching the internet, I've combined much of what you need right here!

When I was coaching cheerleading, one of hte first things I need was...CHEERS & CHANTS! The following is a list of many great websites that have cheers and chants that are easy and fun. Just have your squad create the moves!

• Cheerleading Coaches Corner
• Cheerleading at About.com
• MsPineapples Cheerleading
• MIT Cheers & Chants List
• Taylor's Cheerleading Tips Site
• Cheerleading.com
• Cheers & Chants that YOU Submitted
• MSN Group:.·:*¨°·.¸.·ChEeR!·.¸.·°¨*:·
• AES Cougar Cheerleading
• RYCA Cheers & Chants

While many organizations include uniforms, poms, shoes, hairbows, etc. as part of the program, I am finding that more and more don't. That leaves many coaches searching for a solution; after all, they want a neat squad and the Mommies and Daddies want to see their little dear in uniform on the sidelines.

Besides, what's cheerleading without the uniform, right?

Uniforms can be obtained in separate pieces or as a package deal. I recommend always looking to a package deal as that is where you will get your best prices.

The following sites offer great cheerleading package deals to fit any budget:

• OmniCheer: Package prices starting at $35.95
• Cheerleading Company: Package prices as low as $44.95
• Discount Cheerleading: Package prices starting at $54.95
• TeamLeader: Package prices starting $36.99
• CMackes Sports: Packages as low as $49.99
• CranBarry, Inc. Pop Warner Cheer Package: $59.99
• Dehen: Packages beginning at $99.95

While many of these package prices include only the shell and skirt, additional accessories such as poms, socks, and hairbows can be added for just a few dollars more. As I said, this is the route I highly recommend taking.

I always had great success in reducing costs when ordering packages versus individual pieces. And, if you have a large squad, instead of ordering directly online, call the company (most provide an 800 number) because they are often willing to make additional discounts for large orders.

You can have the pretty uniforms. The squad has the moves to match their cheers and chants. But to make it all come together, the cheer coach MUST have the organizational skills it takes to tie it all up nicely.

And with organization you must have a willingness to learn what you can about cheerleading. Cheerleading isn't what it was ten years ago and is now a sport that changes with each passing season.

The following are some links to guide you in your role as a cheerleading coach:

• Cheerleading at About.com
• dTe Forums: Coaching Tips & Spirit Ideas
• Cheer Coach and Advisor Magazine
• American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA)
• Cheerleading 101: Coaching
• 6 Tips for a Successful and Problem Free Year of Cheerleading

Coaching cheerleading is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. While it may take hard work, dedication, and extreme patience, it is well worth it all for the rewards you reap not only for yourself but for your young squad members!