How to Coach Junior High Cheerleading

Go Team!

Coaching junior high cheerleading can be a challenging and fulfilling coaching experience. Many cheerleading coaches start out as cheerleaders themselves, and experience the teamwork and skill building first-hand. Utilize your prior experience, or branch out into something new and coach junior high cheerleading. You will connect and make a difference within your learning community, and that is something to cheer about.

Things You'll Need

• Sports schedule
• Calendar
• School approval

Instructions

1. Talk to your school principal about organizing a cheerleading squad. Parent permission slips, health forms, report cards, student conduct information and other documentation may be required during cheerleading tryouts.

2. Schedule the space for practices. You may be able to use this space for your cheerleading tryouts and for continuing practice sessions.

3. Review the current uniforms and supplies on hand. If this is a new program you may have to generate funding for uniforms and other cheerleading supplies. Many schools pass on gently used uniforms to the lower grades.

4. Recruit current cheerleaders in your community. Cheerleaders from a nearby high school or college may be asked to participate in tryout practice sessions. The cheerleaders may be willing to come up with cheers, chants and other requirements for tryouts. Keep in mind that junior high cheerleading is low key compared to high school or college cheerleading.

5. Hold your practice sessions. Monitor the practices and be available for questions.

6. Start your cheerleading tryouts on time. Make sure your budding cheerleaders know they are all successful, and that they will be welcome to try out again at a later date.

7. Select your junior high cheerleading squad. Thank everyone for participating and ask the newly selected cheerleaders to remain after the tryouts.

8. Pass out an information sheet outlining clothing, grade and attendance requirements. Include the sports flyers that list dates and times of the games.

9. Create a list of what cheers, jumps and gymnastics will be allowed. Discuss safety measures for all tumbling routines, stretching and other sports-related information.

10. Schedule parent meetings, fundraising events and get-togethers for your junior high cheerleading squad.

Tips & Warnings

• Review school district policy to make sure you are operating under current guidelines.

• Attend cheerleading camps and other sports events to collect cheers, ideas and other information for your cheerleading squad.

• Have a plan in place to handle injuries. Contact information and sports safety are an important part of your cheerleading coach planning.