NEWS & EVENTS
About
Welcome
Committees and Districts
Character Integrity
Membership
Dues Donations Sponsorships
Coaches
Athletic Directors
Cheerleaders!
AllStar
College Cheer
Mascots
Parents
Tryouts
Conferences Workshops
Scholarship Requirements
Scholarship Application
Conference Registration Form
Fundraising/Money For You
Videos
Fun Stuff & Cheer Gear
Ref Materials Booklets
Safety & Injury Prevention
Links
Position Papers
Contact Us
Coaching Positions
Nomination Form
e-mail me

Coaches


Making Your Group A Team

 

Try-Out Season   Link to Tryouts for Coaches and Cheerleaders - All Levels

Prepare your Policies, Procedures, Parent Committee Responsibilities and Meeting Agendas now.


Making Your Team Work: How Coaches Can Transform Groups into Teams

Ryan Hedstrom, Manchester College

Whether it is on the field or in the locker room, effective coaches need to understand the strategies to turn a group of individuals into a cohesive and
successful team. Not all groups of individuals are teams. Successful teams have distinct characteristics.

So what makes an effective team? There are several characteristics that determine team success, outlined by Yukl (2006).

  1. Commitment to Shared Objectives. All team members must
    agree on what the team is trying to accomplish.

  2. Accurate, Shared Mental Models. As a coach, one of the ways
    that teams can work effectively is have a shared sense of what is to come (a
    mental model).

  3. Role Clarity and Acceptance. All team members must understand that they have a role on the team. 

  4. Mutual Trust and Cooperation. Each team member must trust and cooperate with the team as a whole.

  5. Collective Potency. Call it the swagger, confidence, or belief…

Effective coaches know that turning a group of individuals into an effective team takes a keen understanding of team characteristics. By incorporating these team characteristics into coaching strategies, coaches will help guide individual players into adopting a team vision and commitment. .Read full Detail


Transform your group into a Team

 


Good coaching is more than having a winning season.

The biggest legacy a coach can leave is the life lessons he or she imparts.



Quick Mixes to Download Now  Pre-made Mixes from one of the best in the industry - Available to download now!


Six Ways to Be A Model Coach

 

1. Everything you say or do makes an impression on kids. What they don’t see, they often sense.

2. The measure of character is how you act when you think no one’s looking. You’d be surprised at what kids know, hear about, and discover by accident. Behavior speaks louder and more persuasively than anything you can say.

3. Only a fraction of young people will play sports beyond high school, but most will become parents, employees, and citizens. By building their character, you’ll give them and the rest of society a permanent gift.

4. Setting rules is important because young people are especially vigilant for unfairness and hypocrisy. Too many adults (and pro athletes) are selfish and undisciplined because rules weren’t enforced or didn’t apply to them when they were young.

5. When the game’s on the line, so is integrity.

6. If you’re not sure how to handle a situation, ask yourself:

    • What would I tell my child to do?
    • What would I do if my child was looking over my shoulder?
    • Do I want my character judged on this decision?
    • How would I feel if my decision was reported on the 6 o’clock news?
    • If everybody did it, would it be a good thing?
    • What would my role model do?                                  From Our Friends at:    Pursuing Victory With Honor


Choreographers available   Rec, School and All-star

contact the office for references for a choreographer near you.


How to Chose a Captain

 

Who choses the Captain?  What is the role of the Captain?  What are the responsibilities of the Captain?  Do I need a Vice-Captain or Co-Captains?      Captain


News, Ideas and Information for You - Subscribe Now


Lettering

 

Your cheerleaders don't earn Varsity letters? The  Megaphone  Newsletter Archives guides you in setting your standards and policies for lettering for an athletic activity. Members may request back issues, at no charge. Find out how to award your cheerleaders their letters, numbers, pins and jackets. For gyms, schools and leagues who need additional assistance, call the OACC office.


We have a larger Team

 

Uniforms starting at $39.00Gone are the days of limiting the number of cheerleaders that can be on the sidelines. The allstar gyms are also filling teams at maximum capacities. If you are in need of quick uniforms, inexpensive, good uniforms, contact Jack at GTM Sportswear.  Jack is committed to having uniforms pieces to you quickly. You can be ready for Parades, Special performances and Season start!


Try-Out Judges

 

A Certified Judges list is available to you. However-- we are still in need of VOLUNTEERS to help other coaches judge their tryouts. Please contact the OACC if you need a volunteer, unbiased judge or judging panel -OR- if you are available to help judge others.


Banquet

 

GTM Awards 

As banquet time rolls around coaches are always comparing their team of athletes against other athletes and their awards. Some awards are easy to select the recipient ie - Varsity letters, Participation numerals, Brass bar pins, Perfect attendance award, Scholar-athlete, MVP, Most Spirited, and Community Leader, etc. 

These awards are generally in the form of paper certificates, brass pins, chenile numerals, letters and patches, plaques or trophies.  Seniors or outstanding team members may even receive special awards like rings, pen/pencil sets, engraved clocks and scholarship monies.

Generally, Cheer awards are sponsored by the school board or organization, the athletic department, the Booster association and/or the cheer parent committee.

The fun, crazy and zany awards are usually presented or sponsored by the immediate coach:  Unsung Hero, Heart of the team, Drama Queen, Best Jumper, Messy gym bag award, random act of kindness, Got dressed in the dark award, The hot ear award (for the biggest cell phone user), The sore thumb award (for the biggest texter), etc.

Apart from the humor and fun, the icing on the cake to team bonding, there is often something to be gained from exploring crazy ideas. The more obvious examples are ideas that eventually lead to practical solutions or bring awareness to self and team. 



Organizational Skills

 

Character development,Team Building,Time management, Working with the Administration, Making Use of Parents,Tryout Judges,Forms


 

Certification and trainings are ongoing.  See you at the ConferenceOH ASSN CHEER COACHES


NFHS - Scholastic- High School

 

Some NFHS Rules DO apply to Middle/Jr High as well as some of our Elementary School Teams


See News & Events Page  for  Sprit Rule Revisions and Rule Changes.

Also See NFHS Coach's Responsibility Release

National Federation of High Schools Learn

Accredited First Aid Course    First Aid for Coaches                  Required
First Aid for Coaches, a component of Sports Safety Training, is a Web-based course developed by the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis and supported by the United States Olympic Committee.

The course teaches American Red Cross first aid in the context of sport and the prevention of sport-related injury.

Coaches Responsibility NFHS

Sharing your Athletes

 

A few years ago, the OACC Megaphone, Newletter shared the pros and cons of sharing your athletes with other sports teams.  Can your cheerleader also be a volleyball player, a choir member, a member of the gymnastics team? How does it work for you, for the other coach and for the athlete?  For Scholastic Coaches, your Athletic Directors were advised of just that.  The NFHS December 2008 Conference for Athletic Directors held a seminar on Multiple Sports Participation. See an overview of their seminar.                                                         01/09


 

United States All Star Federation   Rules and Glosary with changes highlighted(click logo)


Independent Card Services - Call Steve


 


 


OH High School Athletic Assoc Amendments

 

Two of OHSAA's Amendments can be viewed on the Director's Page.   If you have concerns about the eligibility of cheerleaders who have transfered to your school during the school year, further amendments are available.  OHSAA


Women making History

 

Each year the Ohio Department of Education co-sponsors a writing contest for eighth grade students. Through the Women Making History Eighth-Grade Essay Contest, students can practice literacy skills and expand their knowledge of significant women in today’s news and in Ohio and U.S. history. The Governor’s Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach (GOWIO), together with the Ohio Interagency Council on Women and Girls and the Ohio Department of Education conduct this annual contest. Share your role models, encourage them to research women leaders and those who make a difference. 
Topics to choose from: Health and athletics, Arts and education,  Math, science and technology, and  Leadership and community service. Women Making History


Good Coaching Case Study

 

Each month, Positive Coaching Alliance serves as National Conversation co-conveners and will distribute "Good Positive Coaching AllianceCoaching Case Studies" amongst youth and high school sports parents, coaches and leaders/administrators.

Read this month's Case Study -- followed by instructions on how you can join the Conversation.  The OACC members have been asked to express their opinions.    Good Coaching Case Studies


Ohio State Student Workshops

LOGO.gif

If your cheerleaders are interested in progressing their skills and seeing what Ohio State Cheerleading is all about, send them to one of Ohio State Cheerleading Prep Clinics    see College Cheer page


 

Anderson's Spirit


USASF Announces Long Awaited New Division!

 

United States All Star Federation   Competitive Division 4.2 is here!  A beautiful blend of 2 divisions.  Details .  Thank you USASF. 

Standing and Running Tumbling will use Level 2 Rules.
All other skill sets will use Level 4 Rules.

This new 4.2 Level will be a test for this year. The success of this division will help determine the direction in the future.


Coaches Salary

 

You spend tireless hours... A coach's work is never doneCoaching is a very time consuming and sometimes overwhelming job.

The OACC is collecting data and conducting research on cheer coaching salaries, wages, and stipends. Please provide your input or questions  oacc@ohiooacc.com .    If you'd like to a member on this special committee contact our secretary .


Have a bad day?

 

Disruptive behavior, violence, vandalism, harassment, and  are serious problems for us.

Discipline problems create a threat to the squad, the peer community, place excessive demands on your coaching staff, and impedes the performance of others. Let’s call attention to the high incidence of related problems in insubordination, alcohol or drug use, cheating, truancy, and intimidation, bullying, narcissistic attitudes, sexual activity -- which result in countless practice, game and even classroom disruptions.

Have you ever:

  • Thrown down your clipboard when the "attention stealer" just won’t stop.
  • Blurted out a red faced "SHUT UP!"
  • Made the whole team run laps.

We’ve seen teams get really bad, like gang-type groups who "dare" others to do things. And, we’ve seen the team totally lose gifted and talented members.

You have a Social Responsibility as coach to discipline and problem solve.

An increasing number of our schools apply a zero tolerance approach to behaviors that do not necessarily threaten the safety or welfare of others. Harsh consequences are invoked automatically, irrespective of the severity of the misbehavior or the circumstance.

Is "discipline" concerned with preventing misconduct or with punishing it?      

The word, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, refers to both prevention and remedy.

 

Positive discipline strategies benefit all student athletes:

  • Discipline that is fair, corrective and includes group relationship-building and team bonding activities reduces the likelihood of further problems.
  • Peer relationships can dramatically reduce acting out, especially in large settings
  • Positive solutions address needs, environmental conditions, coach interactions and matching cheerleaders with skill level and leadership levels.
  • Opportunities to create relationships with caring adults, coupled with engaging practice, prevent discipline problems.
  • When students are given an appropriate education in a conducive environment, they improve behavior and performance.
  • Appropriately implemented, proactive behavior support systems can lead to fewer, if any behavior problems.

 

Can you dismiss a cheerleader?

Coach/Advisor

 

From years gone by the Cheerleading Advisor has truly been the coach. A Cheerleading Advisor plays a very different role from a coach. If your role and duties are both, talk to the administration about correcting your title. In larger organizations there will be two positions separately, an advisor and a coach.

Do I need to be a teacher to coach?

Preventing Injuries with your athletes

 

This summer volumes of research and information is at your fingertips.... 

 Injury Prevention Practice,Games, Competition


Training comes to you

 

All training and certification courses come to you! Your time is valuable. In addition to scheduled Regional Clinics, OACC and our Network of Affiliates comes to you. Workshops are tailored to your group and your needs.


Education

AACCAmanual.gif

Self Improvement and Certifications. Coaching Principals & Ethics, Double Goal Coach I,II & III, Six Pillars of Character, Sport First Aid, CPR, Safety, Coaching Cheer Fundamentals,Motions/Jumps/Tumbling,Stunts & Tumbling I & II, Partner Stunt Progressions and more


Code of Conduct

 

Create a Code of Conduct that is expected of a cheerleader and that you expect as a team member and future leader. This is a tool that you may want to use with your team members to review behavior expectations regularly and/or to address specific behavior or conduct issues.

Code of Conduct

Spotting

 

Tumbling - Mount/Pyramid - Stunting. The OACC advises all coaches and cheerleaders to learn spotting techniques during preseason.


Practices

 

Productive vs. Unproductive Practices.  Practice isn't just practice anymore...

Make the most of their time and yours.

Learn the difference to run your practices efficiently.


Elite Training

 

You've got to have a system and a philosophy.

It's the necessary ingredient for building successful athletes.

And the missing ingredient for so many Trainers and Coaches.

It's just not enough to decide on the spot or in the moment what
you want to do with your young athletes just before the training
session starts.

Coaching Beyond the Clipboard - below..

Elite Training - Coaching Beyond The Clipbaord

CheerBiz is a must for All-Star and Competition Coaches

 

CheerBiz Magazine The Business of Cheerleading for coaches, directors, advisors, gym owners, principals, athletic directors ....  Your Subscrition is included FREE with your OACC Membership.


Special Package Pricing!

 

.Coach's gear Too! Thanks GTM  Contact Jack at GTM for Samples.


NFHS Purposes of School Sports

Natl Federation of High SchOVERVIEW

School sports refer to athletic programs in the context of the school setting. They refer most often to interschool competition at the middle/junior high school and high school levels in the United States. Interschool programs at the elementary level vary among communities. School sports also include intramural competition, but such programs are very rare. In the mid-1990s, intramural sports involved only about 450,000 middle, junior, and senior high school students, or 3 percent of the high school–aged population.

Purposes of School Sports

The objective of school sports is the enrichment of the high school experiences of students within the context of the educational mission of schools. As such, school sports should be educational and contribute to the overall education of all students, not athletes only. Other objectives of school sports logically follow from the educational mission: citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, respect, and health and welfare of all students not only during the school years but continuing into adulthood.



cheer_0256.jpeg

All-Star

Host a training clinic at your facility.

Sign up to be a regional Exam Center for the Student leadership Certification hands-on training.

Rules Regulation - See your individual Competition Hosts Rules, Regulations and Divisions.  Here a few popular Ohio Host Rules: Americheer  NLCC (Nation's Leading Cheer Companies)  USASF (Unted States All Star federation) COA (Cheerleaders of America)



Rec/Youth PeeWee Leagues

 

City Teams, Rec Leagues, Church Leagues, Independent Youth Leagues, Franchise Leagues, Ohio covers the gammut.

Geneally Rec cheer programs coincide with a football program. The Youth Cheerleading programs are open to girls ages 5 to 13.  The purpose of youth recreational athletic leagues is to provide an enjoyable experience for each youth participant, develop character, skills, and sportsmanship.  Separate competition rec teams are gaining popularity. 

Volunteer coaches from each recreation center and/or youth athletic association work with youth.  You are free to practice and compete in accordance with your own locally adopted and current governing rules.  Ask for a copy of your constitution. Many questions regarding the legalities and insurance coverages for tumbling, mounting, pyramids and stunting.  If you need help in rules interpretation, contact oacc office  In August 2007, the NLCC has adopted competition rules for Limited rec leagues and standard rec leagues NLCC.


Did someone say “cheerleading”?

 

- Molly Hemmelgarn,  founder UCE-Ultimate Cheer Experience

Did someone say "cheerleading"? Cheerleading is in such popular demand! It’s everywhere! Cheerleading has become a tough and competitive sport that has spread throughout the Nation! Everywhere you go, everyone you ask, has an association with someone who participates in cheerleading. School, competitive all-stars, and recreational programs involve cheerleaders EVERYWHERE! There are programs that practice anywhere from 2-20 hours per week! Cheerleading is all about the blood, sweat, and tears, and has become a very demanding, yet incredibly fun sport!

Creating a successful team can lead to a successful program by planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Each team requires constructive feedback and change to remain competitive throughout the season. Cheerleading and dance has evolved at incredible speed over the last 10 years. Camps and choreography are an excellent way for cheerleaders to get a step ahead, grow as a team, and build the skills necessary to be competitive. Once the team has improved, consistent follow through is extremely important to help the cheerleaders and dancers perform their very best!

(Continued) Top 10 Advices for Coaches

ultimatecheerexperience.com

Did You Say Cheerleading

Have you ever worked with cheerleaders who are

 

  Resistant To Change  Stressed Out   Not Communicating   Overwhelmed   Complainers   Not Working Together Whiners   Rumor Spreaders    Blamers   Stubborn Hard-heads   BackStabbers   Unmotivated   Negative Nellies 

Team Building vs. Bonding

NFHS Spirit Rule Changes

 

. See News for Latest update - New Rules

NFHS Spirit Rule Changes

Fun Stuff Too!

 

Spirit Ideas, Banquet Gifts, Mascots, Trophies, Uniforms, Footwear, Captains Gifts, Books, Jewelry, Hair, Make-up, Videos & More!  

 Fun Stuff   Reference materials   Videos 

 


Competitions

 

                                Competitions  click on link

Queen of the Nile November 2008


Can We???

 

What are the Rules?How do you know if you can stunt, build pyramids, tumble?   When are you allowed to start practices? Do you know what camp guidelines you must follow? How do you know which OHSAA rules apply to you?  Can you mount? Contact the oacc for membership and rules interpretations.  Benefits of Membership


Outstanding Program!

 

For the Coaches entering the All-Star Competition arena Cheer Expo  Watch & Learn Program

Expert instructors are brought in from all over North America to teach the latest tips, tricks and training techniques for every aspect of competitive cheerleading and dance. There are new classes each hour. The watch & learn allows you access to all classes at the CheerExpo for the entire weekend. Athletes and coaches of competing teams automatically get passes to all classes included in their competition registration. But what if your team is not competing? What if you are not on a team at all? Then the Watch & Learn Pass is for you! It is your all access pass to everything that makes CheerExpo unique!

CheerExpo Nationals is a National Championship Competition and an Expo/Trade Show for cheerleaders, dancers, gymnasts and of course…their coaches! It’s a coach’s conference for coaches, a summer camp for athletes, awesome competitions, and great shopping for everyone!   March in Halifax, Canada .. just a few hours away - great Fun!

 

 

 


Coaching Situational Leadership

 

In sport, is research confirming what is already known elsewhere.   Coaching/Situational Leadership


Mental Blocks

 

Help yourself, help your athlete. See full articles from Doc Alison at Head Games,Inc on the All Star page "Battling the Block"


Coaches Certification

 

Certification and Training for New Coaches and Veterans.

Why Get Certified?

Certification leads to better visibility, opportunities, and jobs. In today's increasingly complex and highly-specialized economy, credentials are everything. Sure, you know you've got the skills to do the job, but how do you convince potential customers and employers?  If you are a progressive, career-minded professional, certification is the answer. In many cases, Certification is required.   Why become certified? Isn't a college degree and/or years of practical hands-on experience enough to establish one's credentials?

For cheer coaches, gym owners, school boards and those concerned with safety, lawsuits, skill enhancement, new trends and methods, creativity boosting and networking, certifications and training is recognized as a valuable way to prove professional credentials. Your certification may be required by your director to keep insurance premiums down or to prove that you have the passion and the skill for the job.
 

Is certification right for you or required for you?

  • You work frequently with the public, or among other professionals who are not cheer knowledgeable?
  • Does your Organization require you to stay current with the latest industry developments?
  • Is there a lot of competition in your field of work (e.g., do you need to stand out from the crowd)?
  • Are you considering switching jobs and want to make the best impression possible?
  • Are you the kind of person who likes to be the best at what you do?
  • Are you required to maintain an annual license as a professional to coach?
  • Would your rate of pay increase with continuing education?

  • Taking certification classes demonstrates your commitment to your job.
  • It demonstrates your commitment to your athletes.
  • It demonstrates your commitment to safety.
  • You will grow as a coach and establish your credentials
  • Certification in the cheer industry also help to validate your position amongst your peer coaches.

 

Cheerleading incorporates so many athletic disciplines, no one will ever master all of them as this sport continues to evolve. Stay progressive, stay safe, stay informed.    Check the OACC website for Cheer Coaching Certification Courses offered in your area.  Please contact the OACC  to bring a class, clinic or workshop to your area.

 

 

 


As soon as your team is chosen:

 

   O - H - I - OGet ready for the new season


   

FORMS

 

You'll need your forms oganized and readily available.       

Keep a second/back-up copy at a secure office location.  

Forms

Working with your Parents

 

Articles coming soon  ...  info for you on dealing with

Parents 

Helicopter Parents - A helicopter parent is a term for a person who pays extremely close attention to his or her child or children, particularly at educational institutions. They rush to prevent any harm or failure from befalling them or letting them learn from their own mistakes, sometimes even contrary to the children's wishes. They are so named because, like a helicopter they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach whether their children need them or not.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent       Watch for articles coming soon.

Trophy Children - Hausner says some youngsters are often "trophy children" whose parents see them as nothing more than an extension of themselves. "There is so much pressure to perform: They have to be in the best schools; they always have to look good. These parents are so narcissistic, they can't see their child as an individual, only a reflection of themselves," Hausner says. —Frances Grandy Taylor, "Children of the rich suffer from wealth and neglect," The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo), November 23, 1990     The sad part is that these children areb't getting respect from their peers either.

Helicopter Parent & Trophy Children

A Coach's Dilemma

 

A high school football coach wrote to tell me his team was going to the state finals, but he was troubled. An English teacher had caught three of his players cheating on an exam they had to pass to remain eligible. He told the coach he passed them anyway "for the good of the school."  

players had not passed

Coaching Your Own Child

 

  • PeeWee Youth Teams
  • Jr High/Middle School
  • High School
  • Collegiate
  • AllStar

Articles being updated


Your Identity

 

Your team identity is your tone and style.  If you are an all-star team a name like "High Fliers" or "Rough and Timble" may give us a clue.  If you are a School team or rec league, your name is set for you. It is your behavior and image that helps to set the identity for your team(s).  Read the 2007/2008 Megaphone for tips and ideas to identify and strengthen your identity.


Homecoming

 

Homecoming shows off our spirit leaders, activites and events at its best! They key for a successful spirit week is to DELEGATE. Delegate to your cheerleaders, your parents, the community and alumni.  Your coaching assistants may also help bring overload relief. Let the community and your team have fun..let go a little and enjoy the week! See the Cheerleaders page  and the OACC Spirit ideas  for help.


Homecoming

 

HomecomingCheerleaders play a leading role in the spirit of HomecomingGAME FACES by Team Dynamics

Click on photos  Help your young leaders get ideas.    

 

Float materials, Tiaras, Crowns, Septors, School Spirit Promotional Items Float/Parade supplies, Tiaras, Crowns & More                                                                                

 


Fun Fundraiser

 

.Work AND Make MONEY!


OHSAA Schools:

basketball.bmp

November starts season play… hoop it up cheerleaders!

From Valentines day thru March Madness You will be limited to eight cheerleaders on the floor or 7 plus 1 mascot. Have your routines polished enough to be able to rotate your team members accordingly for sectionals, regionals, and state tournaments.


Homecoming Responsibilities

 

The cheerleaders have a big responsibility in arousing school spirit and good sportsmanship in their school's athletic contests. It is their responsibility to instill in the students a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their school; to increase the attendance at the school athletic contests and obtain the School Spirit. Homecoming is one of your biggest events.  It is a big week for you. Delegate and join forces with other school clubs, athletes and community members in making your tasks less daunting while making the homecoming activities  their best!           


Homecoming Ideas

home_pic1.jpeg

Spirit Ideas, Pep Rallies, Homecoming Events and Activities  see OACC homecoming ideas on the Cheerleaders! page


NATA Press Release on Cheer Safety

 

For Immediate Release:

NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION (NATA) OFFERS TIPS TO IMPROVE CHEERLEADING SAFETY & REDUCE INJURIES 

DALLAS, March 28  –  It’s not an Olympic sport yet.  However, with its tumbling, flips and other high-flying stunts, cheerleading has evolved into a highly athletic, organized and competitive activity for participants of both sexes, ages five and above.    See full report on Directors Page


The Key to Agility Is Positioning

 

Tony Reynolds  Tom Reynolds at ICYAsays…


 


Personally, I have never thought of flexibility or  mobility as a factor that plays a huge role in an athlete being able to
assume an athletic stance. I do not see where there is enough flexion/extension
in any joint throughout the chain where this is really an issue. If you are
getting that low you are never going to be overly quick out of the position.  

For me, it has always been a matter of re-education. Athletes simply have no
idea how to align their bodies to create the most effective angles for
spontaneous multi directional movement. Often they have been coached wrong or
not coached at all and have created their own interpretation of the stance.