Coaches Closet Blog

As a cheer coach, you are part of a larger community-the spirit industry. Thousands of event producers, cheer vendors, organizations, gyms, and teams comprise the spirit industry. The longer you coach, the more you need to know. Why join professional organizations?

• Membership in professional organizations gives the individual cheer coach an immediate network of other spirit professionals.
• Belonging to a professional organization puts you in contact with others who share your passion, your joys, and your frustrations.
• Attendance at conferences gives coaches the opportunity to learn from others who are leaders in the spirit industry.
• Continuing education should be a major concern for cheer coaches. Professional organizations often provide opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
• Membership often provides newsletters that keep members updated on the spirit industry.
• Future employers appreciate prospective employees' interest in staying updated on current issues and developments in the spirit industry.
• Professional organizations may offer additional insurance coverage.
• Becoming involved as a committee member or board member helps develop leadership skills that will be valuable as you grow in the industry.
• An element of coaching involves educating parents and cheerleaders. Active membership in a professional organization gives you the tools to provide your parents and cheerleaders with the latest news, tools of the trade, and safety information.

Look for local and state professional organizations but keep in mind that not every state has a cheer coaches' organization. States with cheer coaches' groups often offer yearly conferences and quarterly workshops. Research regional and national organizations. These will have large memberships and may offer more opportunities for workshops and networking.

Join a professional organization for cheer coaches-you'll be glad you did!

 

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Q. What is the NCSSE? 

A. The National Council for Spirit Safety and Education is an association of companies serving the United States & International cheerleading community who share a primary mission: to provide comprehensive safety training and certification programs for the educational development of spirit coaches and advisors through an international council of unified industry leaders. 

Q. I already have taken one course from another company. Why do I need to take NCSSE classes?

A. Taking the one course is a good beginning to your coaching education. Taking the NCSSE courses is furthering your education with courses written to address all major aspects of cheer coaching. Just as college students take more than one class for their major course of study, so should cheer coaches.  All professionals complete continuing education classes. The NCSSE classes are valid for three years and coaches must recertify to keep the certificates current.

Q. Our squads don't stunt. Do I need NCSSE courses?

A. Yes. Two of the NCSSE safety certification courses cover stunting; however, Principles & Ethics and Program Management & Cheer Fundamentals cover safety and risk management as they relate to the day to day elements of coaching cheerleaders.

Q. I am credentialed. Why do I need NCSSE courses?

A. Credentialing and safety certification are two different programs. Credentialing is predominately skill and rule/level based. The NCSSE safety certification covers skills; however, the NCSSE safety program covers much more. The four cheer courses are comprehensive programs that cover all elements of cheering-not just stunting. Safety and risk management are the focus. The dance courses also cover safety and risk management as they relate to dance.

Q. Does NCSSE offer insurance after completion of courses?

A. We do not offer insurance. That type of insurance is often called a secondary or tertiary policy-it generally comes into effect after all other relevant policies have paid in a law suit. The best insurance policy is to follow accepted standards and practices, take all the quality safety classes available, and keep the certificates updated.

Q. Will the NCSSE material be valid during a court case?

A. The NCSSE material is a compilation of lessons and standards used by major companies in the spirit industry. The NCSSE recommends following accepted standards and methods of coaching, risk management, and safety. These recommendations are presented in a format that is easy to understand and thoroughly explained. Following these recommendations will give a coach an excellent defense against a law suit. Not following accepted standards and practices leaves a coach vulnerable for a law suit.

Q. Do I have to take all four classes?

A. No, you may choose to take the classes that are relevant to your coaching situation.

Q. I heard the NCSSE was a short-lived company that wouldn't be around long. Is this true?

A. No. The NCSSE is in its 6^th year. Over 10,000 coaches have been certified in the U.S. and 7 foreign countries. We plan to be here for a long time!

Q. After I take an NCSSE course, will I be a certified coach?

A. No. The NCSSE does not certify you as a coach; you are given a certificate indicating you successfully completed the coursework.

Q. How do I get a certificate of completion?

A. You must successfully complete a NCSSE course by making 80% or higher on the test. You will receive a certificate that indicates the certificate is valid for 3 years. Coaches must be 18 years of age or older to receive a certificate. If a coach is younger than 18, he or she can sit the course, take the test and receive a certificate of attendance.

Q. Who started the NCSSE?

A. NCSSE was founded in 2002 by UPA, COA, Cheer Ltd., NCA & AmeriCheer; five independent companies who all believed that coaches needed a place to learn proper safety, coaching and basic fundamentals.  No company is financially making a gain from the NCSSE.  It is an independent organization created solely for the purpose of safety education.  More and more organizations are supporting the NCSSE every year. 

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 As we approach the next to last regular season ballgame, I think I am all out of energy!  We did have a week off last week from school, but not from cheerleading or ballgames.  It is hard to stay interested in the ballgame part of cheerleading when we have so much else to do!  And it is cold and rainy - what a combination!  Enough complaining.....How do you reenergize when you are on empty?  I would love to rush off to the islands for some warm and sunny days on the beach, but since that is not possible give me some pointers!  Some quick pick me ups because I know that my energy must be running high if I want my kids energy to run high!  Hope you are fully energized and doing well - now help me!!!!!  Happy Friday!

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Congratulations to the recipients of the 2008 Spirit Industry Awards!

It's the Academy Awards of the Spirit Industry! From "Best Spirit Apparel Catalog/Brochure Design" to "Best New Product or Service," from "Best Lighting, Sound and Set Design" to "Best Philanthropic Initiative" and many more, peers are recognizing peers for raising the standards of excellence, professionalism and innovation in all areas of the Spirit Industry.  The 2008 Spirit Industry Awards were presented at an exciting gala at the InterContiental Hotel in Chicago, IL  on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. 

 2008 Competition and Camp Company Awards Recipients

Best Printed Promotional Piece
To recognize innovative and creative print design with emphasis on graphic appeal, ease of use, flow of information, comprehensive content and clarity.
UPA--Americup 08 Event Program

Best Use of Lighting, Sound and Set Design
To recognize exceptional event staging and presentation for a competitive cheer/dance event.
The Coastal Corporation--Battle at the Capitol Nationals

Best Website
To recognize innovative and creative web design with emphasis on graphic appeal, ease of navigation, clarity and comprehensive content.
JAMfest--jamfest.com

Best New Product or Service
To recognize innovation and creativity in a new product or service that has changed or enhanced the industry or represents a fresh approach to an old idea.
Spirit Cheer--Crazy Leg Stilt Walkers

Best Ad
To recognize innovative and creative print ad design with emphasis on graphic appeal and clarity of message.
COA Cheer and Dance--Monopoly Gameboard Ad

Best TV Show
To recognize innovative and creative televised cheer or dance competition with emphasis on content, graphic appeal, entertainment value and overall production quality.
USASF - Cheerleading Worlds

Leadership Award
To recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the SITA organization.
Margie Willis

2008 Affiliate Company Awards Recipients

Best Spirit Industry Periodical Issue
To recognize comprehensive, balanced, and creative coverage of the spirit industry with sound journalistic principles and emphasis on both editorial excellence and visual appeal.
Inside Cheerleading --July/August 2008 Issue

Best Spirit Apparel Catalogue/Brochure Design
To recognize innovative and creative print design of a uniform/apparel catalogue/brochure with emphasis on graphic appeal, ease of use, and visual creativity.
Spirit Innovations

Best Website
To recognize innovative and creative web design with emphasis on graphic appeal, ease of navigation, clarity and comprehensive content.
Nfinity Shoes--nfinityshoes.com

Best New Product
To recognize innovation and creativity in a new product that has changed or enhanced the industry or represents a fresh approach to an old idea.
Core Athletics--Back Hand Spring Machine

Best New Service
To recognize innovation and creativity in a new service that has changed or enhanced the industry or represents a fresh approach to an old idea.
Nfinity--Nfinity Nation

Best Ad
To recognize innovative and creative print ad design with emphasis on graphic appeal and clarity of message.
Pyra-"Stunt Doubles"

Leadership Award
To recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the SITA organization.
Debbie Bracewell

2008 Merit Award Recipients

Best State Association
To recognize outstanding accomplishments, significant growth, philanthropic programs, scholarship support, professional outreach, and/or creative contributions to the spirit industry by a state coaches association.
Golden State Spirit Association

Best Coaches Conference
To recognize excellence in teaching, diversity and quality of course offerings, adjunct certifications, strength of presenters, social offerings, scope of exhibitors, and opportunity for professional growth at a coaches' conference.
National Coaches Conference--CheerCon 25th Anniversary

Best Philanthropic Initiative
To recognize exceptional community and/or global outreach by a company who services the spirit industry for the purpose of improving quality of life and/or addressing specific human need.
COA Cheer and Dance--CHEERforLIFE/DANCEforLIFE Ronald McDonald House

Best Competition Event Venue
To recognize an event venue that provides clients one of the most comprehensive and flexible competition event facilities, and it also recognizes the enthusiasm and dedication of the venue staff who provide customer service of the highest standard.
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center (Florida)

Spirit Industry Collaboration Award
To recognize excellence, innovation, creativity and/or accomplishment by a group of two or more spirit industry companies that worked jointly on a common goal or project.
The Australian Project--Nfinity Shoes, Core Athletics, AdPro, Pom Express, Rockwood Jewelry, Power Pows
AND
The JAM Rewards
JAMfest, COA, America's Best, GSSA, Great Lakes, Coastal Corporation, Spirit Innovations, Power Consulting, Spirit Ready Sportswear, Aloha Spirit

 

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Well, hello all!!  As I sit here writing this blog I am thinking of what I can say to all of those reading this........which might not be many!! :) I have been in cheerleading for about 14 years now.  It has literally consumed my life since I can remember!!  I loved being a cheerleader and now I love coaching cheerleading.  I have some of the best cheerleaders anyone could ask for!   Our homecoming week is in a few weeks so I'll keep you posted on how that goes.  That's it for now.........happy blogging!!

 

Cheers~

 Alicia

afoxworth@maconeast.net

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 Well, it is Homecoming week in Enterprise, Alabama.  This is the week that the kids live for and those of us who teach dread.  I am all for school spirit, but Homecoming week is like one big party which makes it hard to get anything done in the classroom!  It is encouraging to see the kids get excited about something!  We have even worked to revive an old tradition that we have not tried post tornado - the Homecoming Festival!  I look forward to tomorrow when each class will wear a distinct color.  Even the kids who hate dressing up just happen to wear the right color!  I really enjoy the Homecoming game the most - everyone comes out of the woodwork - college kids come home and adults seem to make an extra effort to come out to the game!  It makes for a great crowd!  The greatest thing this year is that next week is fall break!  It is like a BIG party before a holiday!  Hope you have a great week - Happy Homecoming!

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 I'm watching college football on tv and the camera zooms in on a cute cheerleader--Not! She's chewing gum. Granted the game hasn't started yet, but this tops my list of pet peeves. As a coach, I could spot a gum chewer a mile away!

Second--"spirit fingers." If you are wiggling your fingers and kicking up one leg, you better be preparing for a jump. What's with the kicking up one leg? Lazy cheerleaders show spirit fingers--competent cheerleaders jump.

Third--pulling or picking on/out  bloomers (lollys, briefs, whatever you call them). Don't. Wear boy cut briefs and stop this bad habit.

Fourth--late cheerleaders. I attended a rec league game last week to see my grandson play football. The cheerleaders drag in during the second quarter. What were they thinking--the entire squad shows up late.  Coaches and cheerleaders--get to the games well before the game starts!

Fifth--silent claps. I have never understood why cheerleaders bring their hands together in a clap position and make no noise. Ok, I do know--they don't want the claps to show their timing is off. Work on the timing and make the claps sound together OR replace the claps with another motion. Easy solution.

I'm off my soapbox to watch more college football. I hope your team wins!

Debbie Bracewell

 

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 I have come to the conclusion that the majority of people think the cheerleaders should devote all time to "making spirit".  While I do feel like we are the leaders of spirit I don't feel like we should be making spirit - to the point where we are the only ones with spirit and we are trying to make everyone else have it.  I think back to my cheer days in high school and college and we didn't have to coax people into making spirit items or dressing up for spirit days.  There was a little ownership.  Where did we lose that?  I feel like we almost can't cheer for the sporting events for trying to "create" spirit!  How far do we go?

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 I had a call this morning from a coach whose athletic director has forbidden the cheer squad from standing on the sidelines at the football game. This decision was made as a safety concern for the cheerleaders. I agree with the athletic director. Her question was how can her cheerleaders see the game to know what cheers to yell--offense or defense--if they are standing behind the players? My cheerleaders cheered on a track that encircled the football field. They were generally behind the football team--maybe from the 20 yard line to the 50. I don't recall them having trouble seeing the game--but I may have a faulty memory! Do any of you have suggestions to help this coach?

Debbie Bracewell

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In the last month, two football players in New Jersey have died as a result of their participation in football. One died after a tackling incident; the other died from a previously unknown heart condition. As we work through a new cheer season, let's look at two health and safety issues that have taken the forefront in the news--heat and heart.

Heat issues can be minor like heat cramps or life-threatening as heat stroke. Coaches should know the signs and symptoms of heat-related issues and how to treat them. Humidity, direct exposure to the sun and temperature can all contribute to heat-related illnesses. The combination of these factors make up the heat index you hear weathermen talk about. Proper hydration and reducing sun exposure can help reduce susceptibility to heat-related issues. "There's no excuse for any number of heat stroke deaths, since they are all preventable with the proper precautions," said Mueller, the author of the Annual Survey of Football Injuries, a long-running compilation of statistics that tracks major injuries and deaths in 1.8 million football players on middle school, high school, college, sandlot (organized, non-school affiliated) and professional teams (see report at http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uonc-urh073008.php).

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in athletes was the subject of the June 27, 2008, U. S. News & World Report article by Steven Reinberg. SCA is the leading cause of death in young athletes, but the worst news is that only one in 10 student-athletes who suffer SCA survives. The article goes on to say that "approximately one case of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) occurs every three days in organized youth sports"

• Access to external automatic defibrillators (AEDs) can change these statistics. Access to AEDs within three to five minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
• Schools, practice areas, gyms-all need to have access to an AED, a person(s) trained to use the AED, and an emergency plan in place for using the AED.
• Screening exams for heart problems along with a physical before sports participation are recommended. A study in Italy where a screening EKG was mandated for student-athletes resulted in a 90% decrease in SCD.

An amazing group of people have formed Parent Heart Watch (http://www.parentheartwatch.org/).  Their mission is to promote awareness of SCD, establish credible research initiatives for SCD, and affect public policy change to encourage community action. They assist in getting AEDs placed in public locations and devising a plan for training and maintaining. One of their goals is to provide the resources and training so communities and parents can host group screening events with trained professionals. The Parent Heart Watch is a non-profit, state-by-state network of parents. Check out their website to see if your state has a Parent Heart Watch group and contact them to see if they can assist your team or gym with EKG screenings or procuring an AED.

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